New Sniffer adds VoIP management capabilities

Sniffer Technologies, a division of Network Associates Inc., announced the release Tuesday of Sniffer Voice, a new software package aimed at easing and enhancing the management of VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) traffic and other types of data for corporate networks and service providers. The software announcement was made at the NetWorld+Interop trade show in Las Vegas.

Sniffer Voice will allow IT managers and service providers to solve problems, conduct diagnostic checks more easily and meet service level agreements (SLAs). It also aids in resolving VoIP issues such as jitter, data loss, and intrusion and fraud detection, the company said in a news release. The software also lets managers set criteria that, when met, will cause the manager to be immediately notified, allowing them to take action before problems occur.

Sniffer Voice is an add-on layer that sits atop Sniffer Portable or Sniffer Distributed, two other Sniffer Technologies products, aimed at mobile diagnostics, and data and call centers, respectively. Sniffer Voice requires that either Portable or Distributed be present in order to operate, as it is an add-on, said Tina Stewart, vice president of business development and product marketing for Sniffer.

An add-on module like Sniffer Voice, which takes advantage of preexisting installations of other Sniffer products is beneficial as organizations worry more about their budgets, she said. In addition to building on already-installed software, Sniffer Voice will not require additional money be spent on training.

"Sniffer Voice will be immediately familiar for anyone who has used Sniffer Portable or Sniffer Distributed," she said.

The product will also appeal to service providers because it allows for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting, enabling providers to maintain high levels of service and meet their SLAs, she said. This is crucial, especially in tight budgetary times, because failing to meet SLAs means that providers have to issue credits to their customers.

Current customers, who have used the software in beta, include Alcatel SA and UBS Warburg LLC, she said.

Sniffer Voice runs on Windows 95/98/2000/NT. The software is immediately available worldwide and costs US$5,250 per license.