Visual Networks Unveils Ethernet CPE

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Visual Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNWK), a leading provider of network and application performance management solutions, today announced the forthcoming release of its family of Ethernet appliances. With the low-, medium- and Gigabit-speed appliances, enterprises can now utilize the same set of rich network and application performance management capabilities for Local Area Network (LAN)-based applications that the company has traditionally delivered for applications that traverse the Wide Area Network (WAN). The new devices, the company's initial entries into the LAN, are components of Visual UpTime(R) Select(TM), a modular solution that provides in-depth, real-time and historical information that enables enterprises to intelligently manage network availability across the entire enterprise.

While Ethernet remains the standard for LAN-based communications, it is being increasingly utilized for broadband connectivity to remote sites via access technologies such as Business DSL/Cable. IT managers require visibility into application performance over the WAN, because many enterprises are utilizing encryption, often via IPSec VPNs, and compression in conjunction with broadband access to provide more secure communications. The Visual UpTime Select Ethernet suite provides enterprises this requisite application visibility by monitoring traffic before it is typically encrypted or compressed. With the Ethernet suite, IT managers can integrate the analysis of application and network performance to take a holistic approach to managing the entire network infrastructure.

"Today's enterprises are placing increasing importance on achieving full WAN and LAN visibility," said Elisabeth Rainge, program director, network management at IDC. "This is often quite difficult, due to the need to sort through both LAN-based and WAN-based network and application traffic to determine the source or impact of enterprise problems. As more and more employees connect remotely via access technologies such as Business DSL, Cable and Ethernet, the need for full visibility will continue to increase."

Visual Networks Inc.