NetViz 1.2 for Windows
                          Review by Thomas Kiblin

        If it is your responsibility to do network documentation, then take
a look at Quyen Systems NetViz 1.2. This package offers a very powerful and
easy to use set of drawing tools for network documentation. All this without
the clutter and mess usually found in other graphic packages. This package
is truly dedicated for Network Documentation, from the type of objects
included with the program to object oriented tools that ship with NetViz
which allow you to do multi-level diagramming and work-flow diagrams.
        Using other network documenting programs, the network manager
usually has to create many diagrams that have no association with each
other. I use another network diagramming tool at work to document our
multi-node/multi-server network, and it does not allow for association
between drawings. NetViz changes this, it allows you to logically link
diagrams, buildings, or even state drawings. NetViz also allows me to enter
in information for each node, such as serial number, type, person that owns
this node, and information about this node such as processor speed, total
megs of ram, this also holds true for our leased circuits.
        NetViz does layering, which means I can see a high-level view of the
network, and if I so desire, I can "click" my way down to an actual node,
hub, server, digital circuit, and so on. I found this a neat feature
allowing me to draw my network from a nation-wide view, and than work my
down to a specific site.
        NetViz ships with libraries for most tasks, including network
diagrams, workflow diagrams, as well as flowcharting processes. It also
allows you to import most graphic files, including BMP, CGM, DXT, DRW, GIF,
PCX, TIF, and WMF file formats. NetViz includes many object files, such as
routers, hubs, file servers, buildings, and maps of many geographical
locations.
        NetViz could almost be used for a inventory product, except for the
fact that all information has to be manually entered, no automatic polling
is included, but than again, this is not a inventory product, it is a
diagramming tool. The software records detail about every end node at the
time of creation.
        When adding end nodes, I can enter in such information as amount of
RAM, hard disk space, network type and file server name, brand of equipment,
etc. All this information is kept in a proprietary database, to use it with
other applications, you have to export it to a comma-delimited ASCII file,
and import it into your application.
        NetViz made documenting very complex networks a pleasurable task,
compared to the conventional tools I've used before for documentation
purposes previously. I simply was able to pick up an object and drop it in
its place, if I moved that object at a later date, the network connection
simply followed.
        Printing through NetViz is a simple process, and I have been able to
do away with the legal size stacks of drawings I currently have, because I
was able to zoom in and print out locations, and also zoom out and print out
a high level view.
        I highly recommend NetViz for anyone who has the task of documenting
a network, no matter what the size. The ease of use, and the dedication of a
diagramming package specifically for networks makes this software package
worth every penny you will spend. I can't wait to see how NetViz 2.0
expands upon the already simple to use 1.2 version. NetViz from Quyen
Systems retails for $395, and should be available from you local software
store.

                            Quyen Systems, Inc.
                              1300 Picard Ave
                                 Suite 108
                            Rockville, MD  20850
                               1-800-827-1856

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