WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 Review: Advanced Network Monitoring for Windows

WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 raises the bar for network monitoring in Windows environments, combining a refreshed feature set with a focus on ease of use and robust performance. The latest iteration from Progress Software, as highlighted in a recent TechRadar review originally published in PC Pro, introduces several updates designed to streamline network discovery, enhance security, and provide flexible licensing—features that resonate with IT professionals managing modern networks.

Streamlined Network Discovery and Device Monitoring​

One of the standout improvements in WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 is its automated approach to network discovery. Previously, network administrators had to manually enable monitoring for each device—a process that could be both time-consuming and error-prone. Now, you can set up a network discovery scan job that automatically detects devices across your network. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for environments that are dynamic and ever-changing.
Key improvements include:

• Automated Discovery: The software’s discovery job now collects SNMP and WMI device attributes automatically and keeps them updated in real time.
• Dynamic SNMP Table Monitoring: Rather than monitoring one instance of a table, the dynamic SNMP table monitor now populates every instance, allowing for precise tracking of specific devices.
• Real-Time Updates: As device attributes change, information is automatically refreshed, meaning that network monitoring data remains consistently current.

This level of automation not only simplifies the daily workload but also reduces the likelihood of oversight in critical network monitoring routines. For IT teams managing large networks on Windows Server environments, the ability to rely on automated processes is a significant productivity booster.

Enhanced User Interface and Security Features​

User experience matters, especially when dealing with complex networks. WhatsUp Gold’s console has been updated to balance simplicity with functionality. The software now features:

• Intuitive Console Layout: With four clear menu options presented in the upper ribbon bar and customizable favorites, users can quickly access the views and tools they need.
• Clear Device Properties: The updated device properties page clearly lists which credentials are in use, reducing guesswork and simplifying troubleshooting.
• Security Upgrades: With tightened security protocols now including TLS 1.3 support, organizations can feel more confident about secure communications within their network monitoring processes.
• Updated Database Support: The default database has been upgraded to SQL Server Express 2022, ensuring that data handling is both modern and efficient.

For Windows IT professionals accustomed to demanding security and streamlined operational workflows, these enhancements signify a proactive approach to network monitoring tool development. After all, what good is a smart dashboard if it can’t assure the security of its data?

Flexible Licensing Models for Diverse Needs​

Recognizing that one size rarely fits all, WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 introduces more flexible licensing options. Previously available perpetual licenses and points-based systems have been augmented with new yearly subscription plans that cater to businesses of varying sizes.
Consider these licensing options:

• Business Edition: Starting at around £715 per year for 50 devices, this plan supports up to 1,000 devices. It includes essential capabilities such as network discovery, topology mapping, alerting, and reporting, along with cloud, wireless network, and storage monitoring.
• Enterprise Edition: Designed for organizations with broader needs, it offers unlimited device support along with virtualization host, application monitoring, and log management.
• Enterprise Plus Edition: For those requiring advanced features, this edition adds network traffic analysis and configuration management for routers, switches, and firewalls.

This tiered approach provides a robust framework for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises alike. By aligning cost with capability, WhatsUp Gold makes it easier for IT managers to scale their monitoring solutions without the need for a major upfront commitment.

Comprehensive Alerts and Customizable Dashboards​

Modern network monitoring is as much about insight as it is about data collection. WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 excels in its offering of customizable dashboards and alert policies. These features enhance real-time monitoring and provide IT teams with actionable insights.
Highlights include:

• Customizable Analysis Dashboards: Users can design multiple custom views, choose specific metrics, add columns, and even assign colored icons for instant status recognition. This flexibility means that any monitoring parameter can be emphasized to suit the needs of a particular IT environment.
• Dynamic NOC Views: The new Network Operations Center (NOC) feature allows the creation of slide decks that rotate through various status views. This is particularly useful during live incident management, where support teams need a heads-up, comprehensive status display.
• Robust Alert Policies: Alert mechanisms now link device state changes with a wide range of actions. Whether it’s running a program, restarting a service, sending out emails, or posting alert messages to Microsoft Teams, a robust alert center ensures timely communication and intervention.

These tools collectively create a monitoring solution that is not only reactive but also highly proactive. By presenting data in a clear, customizable manner, WhatsUp Gold ensures that no critical change goes unnoticed. For Windows administrators tasked with juggling multiple dashboards and alert configurations, the streamlined user interface paired with these robust tools offers significant operational efficiencies.

Seamless Integration and Advanced Monitoring Capabilities​

WhatsUp Gold’s capabilities extend beyond traditional monitoring. The software is designed to integrate seamlessly with Progress Flowmon appliances, ensuring that network flow data can be incorporated directly into its dashboards. This integration provides:

• Enhanced Traffic Analysis: For businesses that rely on detailed network traffic insights, monitoring Flowmon data within WhatsUp Gold means more comprehensive visibility across the network.
• Configuration Management Enhancements: In the Enterprise Plus edition, the addition of configuration management for critical infrastructure like switches, routers, and firewalls adds yet another layer of control.
• Broad Device Support: Whether it’s traditional network devices or virtualized hosts running on Windows Server 2019, WhatsUp Gold accommodates a wide range of devices, making it extremely versatile.

By aligning its advanced monitoring tools with both hardware appliances and dynamic software features, WhatsUp Gold confirms its position as a holistic network monitoring solution. This is essential for any business where network integrity and performance are key to operational success.

Windows Server Installation and User Experience​

Hands-on testing of WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 on a Windows Server 2019 host revealed a generally smooth experience:

• Installation Efficiency: The entire process took roughly 30 minutes—a reasonable timeframe considering the comprehensive nature of the setup.
• Guided Discovery: A user-friendly wizard walks you through setting up the initial network scan. After feeding in device credentials, the system managed to compile a complete inventory of network devices in just ten minutes.
• Simplicity Meets Functionality: The intuitive layout, combined with the ease of adding custom views to a favorites tab, decreases the learning curve and helps IT teams focus on monitoring rather than managing the tool itself.

For Windows administrators new to network monitoring or those looking to switch from more cumbersome tools, these features underscore WhatsUp Gold’s practical appeal. After all, technical sophistication must be matched by ease of deployment and day-to-day usability.

Expert Analysis: A Winning Combination for IT Teams​

In a landscape where network performance can dictate overall business productivity, WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 offers a compelling blend of automation, real-time monitoring, and robust security protocols tailored for Windows-based networks. It resonates well with IT professionals who value:

• Automation that reduces manual overhead.
• A comprehensive, customizable dashboard that delivers critical insights at a glance.
• Flexible licensing models that scale with organizational needs.
• Integration features that link traditional network monitoring with advanced traffic analysis and configuration management.

Are these improvements enough to set it apart from other network monitoring solutions? For many, the answer is a confident yes. The incorporation of modern security standards like TLS 1.3 and the use of SQL Server Express 2022 demonstrate that WhatsUp Gold isn’t resting on its laurels—it’s actively evolving to meet current technological demands.
Moreover, network administrators will appreciate how the tool bridges operational efficiency with in-depth analytical capabilities. The inclusion of a dynamic NOC view and detailed alert policies means that support teams have vital data and actionable insights at their fingertips. With such a promising suite of features, WhatsUp Gold proves itself to be an indispensable asset in maintaining network health and preemptively mitigating issues.

Conclusion​

WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 emerges as a formidable network monitoring solution. Its smart automation for network discovery, enhanced security features, and flexible licensing options make it particularly appealing for businesses that rely on Windows Server and related technologies. The enhanced user interface, combined with customizable dashboards and robust alert policies, signifies a much-needed evolution in the network monitoring space.
For IT professionals seeking a comprehensive monitoring tool that scales with their networks—and does so without sacrificing ease of use—WhatsUp Gold 2023.1 is well worth considering. Its ability to seamlessly integrate modern monitoring techniques with advanced security standards makes it not just a tool, but a strategic asset in today’s fast-paced, interconnected digital environment.
In our ongoing discussions of network monitoring tools and Windows Server management best practices, it’s clear that Progress Software’s update is a strong indicator of where the industry is headed. Whether you’re an IT manager in a small business or part of a larger enterprise, investing time in understanding and deploying solutions like WhatsUp Gold can significantly improve network resilience and operational efficiency.

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Source: TechRadar Hands on: I tested Progress WhatsUp Gold network monitoring software - read what I thought of it