Analyze-NOW - an environment for collection and analysis of failures in a network of workstations

This paper describes Analyze-NOW, an environment for collection and analysis of failures/errors in a network of workstations. Descriptions cover the data collection methodology and the tool implemented to facilitate this process. Software tools used for analysis are described, with emphasis on the details of the implementation of the Analyzer, the primary analysis tool. Application of the tools is demonstrated by using them to collect and analyze failure data (for 32 week period) from a network of 69 SunOS-based workstations. Classification based on the source and the effect of faults is used to identify problem areas. Different types of failures encountered on the machines and the network are highlighted to develop a proper understanding of failures in a network environment. Lastly, a case is made for using the results from the analysis tool to pinpoint the problem areas in the network.