German-based Paessler GmbH has released a new version of its IPCheck Server Monitor software for Windows XP, Windows 95/8, NT, ME and Windows 2000, enabling network managers and administrators to keep an eye on both the network and Web server.
Some of the upgrades to the software include: a pop-up window on a screen that will warn staff if the system goes down; a message board across the network; and the ability to send a warning e-mail. In addition, Dirk Paessler, CEO for Paessler in Nuremberg, Germany said that HTTPS, SMTP, POP3 and DNS servers can now also be monitored. This means that monitoring can take place at the application level.
The product, he said, is an out-of-the box product that has a wizard to walk the user through the implementation process.
And one industry consultant said that the software can be customized to some degree, especially in proving alerts to users. “If the main Web server providing all the content for all the sites goes down, you could have a page go off or (generate) an e-mail. It would generate an e-mail to the Help Desk who will respond,” said John Donahue, a consult at W. Capra Inc. in Chicago. He added that an administrator is able to connect and interact with the monitor and start or stop specific devices or force a complete re-start if necessary.
He also said the software has proven to be easy to install and use and one of its advantages is that the software can work independently from the rest of the enterprise. But he would like to see one change made.
“To be able to get summary reports out of this (software) would be a great enhancement.”
The pricing for IPCheck Server Monitor version 3.0 is US$50, US$125, or US$325, depending on the edition of the software. A free, limited-time trial version is available from the company’s Web site at www.paessler.com.