Observer isn't just a protocol analyzer. While our solutions offer the deepest drill-down into network problems, they also provide back-in-time analysis, enterprise-wide reporting, trending, alarms, application tools, route monitoring, and more.
As of April 2025, the mindshare of Network Instruments Observer in the Network Monitoring Software category
stands at 0.0%, down from 0.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
The product has allowed us to have a recording of all business critical network data.
What needs improvement?
The Observer application is very complex to use and setup, this should be improved. Windows is unstable, a possible Linux version in future will fix this.
For how long have I used the solution?
4 years
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
The application is easy to deploy, we had no problems with the installation of the appliances.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows, not the most stable platform, Windows updates + service packs and virus updates cause the majority of issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product scaled well with traffic load
How are customer service and support?
Customer Service:
Customer service was below average.
Technical Support:
The local value added reseller did not know the product very well.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
No, this was the first solution we purchased.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was very complex and not intuitive. The instruction manual is big but does not help you in utilising the product to its full potential.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the product ourselves.
What was our ROI?
We had nothing to measure against and until then had not measured the impact of not analysing application performance issues or not being able to replay virus or hacking activity on the network.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The advantage of troubleshooting application performance and security will cost significantly more in the long run than analysing and preventing it now.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
No
What other advice do I have?
No
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.