A team approach to network testing

With Fanfare iTeam 3.0 software, you can automate testing of communications networks, network elements (such as switches and routers), and test equipment. iTest 3.0 acts like a test executive for Tcl scripts, letting you develop multithreaded tests—an otherwise difficult task with Tcl alone. You can use iTest 3.0 to store test sequences and reuse them each time you need to perform regression tests on new software or firmware.

Many network elements and test equipment can be controlled through a command-line interface (CLI) or a Web browser. iTest 3.0 provides both interfaces, plus it provides access to the Windows CLI (once known as a DOS prompt). You can capture commands sent through the CLI and export them to Tcl, which lets you develop your own automated tests. The CLI includes a Tcl shell, which provides you with access to Tcl-based programming tools.

When you develop a sequence of Tcl scripts, you can right-click on any script in the sequence list to add custom test limits. Through the script list, you can run scripts manually or automatically, stopping at the end of each script. In addition, you can also use loops and nests to further automate your tests. After you use scripts, a CLI, or a browser to run tests and collect data, you can analyze your results and produce test reports. iTeam 3.0 runs on Windows, Linux, and Solaris operating systems.

Price: $6500. The Fanfare Group, www.fanfaregroup.com.