SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 9, 1995 -- CiscoWorks, Cisco Systems' suite ofapplications for managing internetworks, will be available on personalcomputers for the first time beginning in the second quarter of 1995.

The new CiscoWorks for Windows, a set of Microsoft Windows applicationsthat runs on the HP OpenView for Windows network management platform, is aspecially selected subset of the original UNIX-based CiscoWorks, aimed ataddressing the most pressing needs of network managers and their staffs.The PC-based application suite is priced at $2,495, compared to $9,995 forthe UNIX version.

CiscoWorks for Windows initially includes four applications:CiscoView,which allows users to manage a device from a physical configuration on theconsole screen; Configuration Builder, which lets users quickly andeasily create configuration files for multiple routers or switches; HealthMonitor, which provides information about the overall "health" of networkeddevices; and Show Commands, which simplifies the retrieval of criticalinformation.

Single-Console Management in Familiar PC Environment

Carole Crall, Cisco's director of network management, said, "In many ofthe key growth areas for Cisco's product lines, such as remoteaccess andIBM internetworking, users traditionally have preferred PC platforms andoperating systems. These PC-oriented domains are also far moreprice-sensitive than typical UNIX applications.

"In addition, users tell us that their operations staffs spend the bulkof their time monitoring the network, diagnosing and resolving problems,and altering configurations. CiscoWorks for Windows selects those parts ofour original CiscoWorks portfolio that are critical to these tasks, andprovides them in a familiar PC environment that permits management of theentire network from a single console with no additional training."

Because the UNIX and Windows versions of CiscoWorks both are based onthe Simple NetworkManagement Protocol (SNMP), they can be used together ina single internetwork, allowing operators at all levels to work togethereffectively.

CiscoWorks for Windows: The Four Applications

CiscoView, a new application also being incorporated into CiscoWorks3.0 (see accompanying release) , stores and maintains graphicalrenderingsof all Cisco router, switch and access server products. The renderingsshow the physical device configuration, with cards in appropriate slots.The use of changing colors to indicate changing interface and port statuslets users detect problems at a glance. Clicking on selected "hotspots" onthe rendering brings up detailed inventory information and devicestatistics. Adapted for even the least sophisticated user, CiscoViewrequires no knowledge of the syntax typically required to retrieve deviceinformation.

Configuration Builder simplifies initial device configuration andsynchronizes configurations throughout the network. The user can configuremultiple routers or switches simultaneously, import predefined "snap-ins"(e.g., access lists, priority queuing lists) into configuration files,check configurations for duplicate addresses or invalid parameters, andlearn and store key hardware and software information on devices beingconfigured. Introduced in 1993 as a stand-alone PC-based application,Configuration Builder for the first time is integrated with otherCiscoWorks tools and supports Cisco's entire product line.

Health Monitor provides information on device attributes (name/type,memory, CPU load), protocol traffic load and interface utilization. Allinformation is shown in a single window.

Show Commands lets the user access detailed information through adirect device connection without having to execute a Telnet session orunderstand a specific syntax. Available data includes status of systemelements (e.g., buffers, interfaces, Flash memory, software version,traffic mix), IP information (accounting, ARP, route), and trafficinformation by protocol.

Platform Plans for CiscoWorks for Windows

CiscoWorks for Windows runs on HP OpenView for Windows Workgroup NodeManager, and can operate in conjunction with any other applicationdeveloped using the HP OpenView Windows toolkit.

Future plans call for additional applications from the UNIX version ofCiscoWorks, including Software Manager, AutoInstall Manager and reporting,to be incorporated into CiscoWorks for Windows.

Cisco Systems,Inc. , is the leading global supplier of enterprisenetworks, including routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-up accessserversand network management software. These products, integrated by Cisco'sInternetworkOperating System (IOS), link geographically dispersed LANs,WANs and IBM networks. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and inthe U.S. is traded under the NASDAQ symbol CSCO.