The Network Systems and Services (NS&S) division of ITT Industries Inc. (White Plains, NY) has launched LANSense, a network asset management system that acts like a network nanny-letting a company monitor all of its moves, adds, and changes (MACs). Network operators can keep tabs on available space within the network, how the network is being used, and who is using it.
Released last month, LANSense is a cross between hardware and software, consisting of several components de-signed to monitor the physical layer of a company's network. In fact, ITT has teamed with iTRACS Corp. (formerly Cablesoft; Tempe, AZ), utilizing its iTRACS analyzers and software to produce its new product. "It is their product using our intelligence," explains iTRACS marketing manager Liz Morganroth. LANSense monitors networks and keeps track of MACs through a series of patch panels, which feed information to electronic analyzers that are then connected to an Internet database.
Jonathan Chauvin-Blitt, director/ Americas at ITT Industries NS&S describes LANSense as "a dynamic and flexible system that provides a visual, real-time image of who is connected to the network." The system is valuable, according to Chauvin-Blitt, because companies must monitor their networks in order to maintain a competitive advantage in today's marketplace.
ITT's research found that an average of 40% of all network infrastructure goes unused in all networks, primarily due to inefficient monitoring. LANSense, the company says, lets network operators pinpoint available resources prior to any MAC activity.
Additionally, with the iTRACS analyzer, LANSense is equipped with security capabilities that can actually take a photograph anytime an unauthorized patchcord is removed from the patch panel. Patchcord removal, according to ITT, is one of the leading causes of network failure.
"We are finding that acceptance is significant," says Chauvin-Blitt, noting that at least a half-dozen companies worldwide are using or beta-testing LANSense.
-Michelle Abrams