Cisco Works package(s)

[pirateclem]

Is anyone here using Cisco Works for LAN/WAN management or reporting? If so how does it compare to the Fluke Optiview package, how do you like it, what do you like best, what do you wish the package could do that it does not. Looking at putting some sort of managment/detection package in place and appreciate any advice. Primarialy I am concerned with keeping an eye on traffic, errors, potential problem type stuff over a medium sized network (500 clients, 37 servers, all Cisco infrastructure, Cisco VOIP). Thanks in advance.

 

[IPKONFIG]

I have used both CW2K and the Fluke Optiview <--nice product btw. And to be honest with you, they both perfrom different functions. I wouldn't trade one for the other. It just depends on what your wanting to do. CW2K is good for multiple config changes and reload reports, interface stats and things of that nature. The Optiview is more like a distributed protocol analyzer. If you want to watch traffic then the Fluke is your tool. If you want reporting software for your routers/switches, then CW2K is your tool. I'd suggest you demo both and see what you want. You might decide to purchase both. Hope this helps.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[pirateclem]

thanks for the advice. I am set to demo both on my network soon, just interested in some non-PR background and the budget will only allow for one or the other right now. I have used the optiview demo package before and really like it, CW is new to me. One thing the Cisco package can bring to the table is voice and I am 99.9% Cisco VoIP here. Any other advice I can get I will gladly take.

 

[IPKONFIG]

Well...if I had to choose one over the other because of money reasons...I'd choose the CW2K. You can always download ethereal to a laptop and get a protocol analyzer. But if you want the distributed option then you might want to save your money and look at Netscout. It's a lot cheaper than fluke and it will do all that the fluke will do except test cables. Just my two cents.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts