Cloud-based monitoring the key to reliable networks, says Vox Orion

The move to cloud computing means network performance is more important than ever, says Jacques du Toit of Vox Orion - and traditional network management tools are no longer good enough.

“Underlying network problems can cause havoc with IP-based voice and video services, real-time data and cloud applications,” says Du Toit. “If you're running any of these applications, including collaboration software, you need fine-grained network management tools that can deliver real-time information and troubleshooting.”

The Vox Telecom Group has closed a deal with US-based AppNeta to distribute its PathView Cloud network performance management solutions in South Africa. “PathView offers unprecedented network insight without any of the costs or hassle of administration, new server acquisition or maintenance,” says Du Toit.

The service is based on PathView Appliances, which can begin delivering real-time data on key performance characteristics such as jitter, latency and bandwidth within seconds of being plugged into a network and power source. “The service can be implemented in minutes, giving managers complete remote insight into their networks,” says Du Toit. “It's the easiest, most effective network management tool I've ever seen.”

“The more companies move critical applications and services into the cloud, the more they are vulnerable to failures caused by network problems and third-party performance failures,” notes Du Toit. “But you can only manage what you can see; with PathView, you can see everything, down to the level of individual devices.”

PathView also delivers metrics that no other tool can, says Du Toit. “You get active bandwidth and application performance monitoring, end-to-end quality of service verification, and remote flow generation and packet capture. We won't sell a network or PBX solution from now on without it.”