PRTG is an abbreviation for “Paessler Router Traffic Grapher,” the tool’s original name. Paessler is a German corporation that was founded in 2001. PRTG was initially published in 2003. Since then, the monitoring tool has risen to the top of the business.
One issue with PRTG is Paessler’s unwavering commitment to preserve this application as a purely monitoring tool. As a result, there are no configuration management, DDI (DHCP/DNS/IP Address Management), or intrusion prevention features in the tool, and there never will be.
Paessler’s plan may backfire and cost him some clients because competitors’ solutions monitor infrastructure just as effectively as PRTG and are expanding to include additional process automation and problem-resolution procedures. In this article, you will come across tools that are just as excellent as PRTG and others that offer additional features that PRTG does not. First, let’s look at PRTG’s strong points.
Server monitoring using PRTG
The PRTG solution may be configured to monitor your servers from any location. It can also monitor cloud infrastructure and features sensors for Amazon Web Services, Dropbox, Google Drive, and One Drive. On-premises servers can have sensors that report on CPU performance, memory use, disc volumes, and free disc space. The kit also includes environmental sensors for the server room and server racks.
PRTG server monitoring provides customized sensors that monitor specialized servers. They include mail servers, web servers, database servers, file servers, and virtual servers. The monitoring of these functions is inextricably related to PRTG’s application monitoring software offerings.
Application monitoring using PRTG
Application sensors are required to monitor the servers that provide apps to your personnel and consumers. PRTG offers mail application sensors such as POP3, SMTP, and IMAP monitoring. The database sensors in the bundle contain monitors for MySQL, Microsoft SQL, and Oracle SQL. Web server sensors may report on IIS and Apache, whereas file server sensors mostly focus on FTP.
These programs’ activities may be monitored both on the server and when they appear in network traffic. By combining application data with network monitoring, you may improve your traffic analysis by receiving volume reports for each application.
VoIP traffic delivery is monitored by performance-related sensors. Firewall and port monitoring are also provided to protect your security system, and team performance sensors include SLA audits.
If you run virtualization on your network, PRTG’s integrated network, server, and application monitoring features will come in handy. There are specialized sensors in VMware vSphere ESXi systems, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Citrix Xen products.
Software-as-a-Service PRTG
Because PRTG is now available in the cloud, you no longer need to install it on-premises. The online version of the system includes all of the capabilities of the on-premises software, except you don’t have to maintain it, and you don’t require any servers.
The cloud-based PRTG payment plan is subscription-based, with a monthly fee. This service does not include free usage of 100 sensors; however, you may obtain a free 10-day trial of the 500-sensor package (PRTG 500). The cloud version of PRTG does not support XL packages.
PRTG Network Monitor by Paessler
Paessler sends the identical bundle to all clients, big and small. The PRTG Network Monitor pack is a collection of “sensors,” or monitoring services. A sensor is either a utility, such as Ping, or an action that monitors a single piece of hardware. A switch port monitor, for example, consists of one sensor per port. If you activate the monitor on all of your switch’s ports, you’ve used up all of the sensors, not just one.
Networks, servers, and applications are all covered by the monitor. This is uncommon in the business since monitoring of these three equipment sectors is often segregated into different instruments. It is also uncommon to discover a product that combines network device monitoring and network traffic analysis; these two activities are frequently separated across two independent applications.
Therefore, Paessler PRTG has a lot going for it, and its tailorability is very unique. If you simply want a network monitor and aren’t interested in server or application monitoring, only the network-related sensors are enabled. Similarly, you may choose to only monitor the status of your network devices or to extend your paid-for sensor limit to traffic monitoring services as well.
Regardless of which premium PRTG plan you believe is best for your needs, you begin with a 30-day free trial that includes an unlimited number of sensors. During this trial period, you will most likely choose sensors that cover infrastructure monitoring functions. While there are no restrictions on the number of sensors, you may wish to study many of the other topics in the package before expanding your initial monitoring borders.
Top 18 Best PRTG (Paessler Router Traffic Grapher) Alternatives In 2023
1. Ivanti
Ivanti is a software firm that delivers solutions for managing IT security, service,assets, unified endpoints, identities, and supply chains. Every IT connection between devices, infrastructure, and users is automated and secured by the platform. Ivanti will have over 40,000 clients and 78 companies on the Top 100 list in 2021.
By linking employee devices to IT applications and data everywhere, Ivanti allows for remote workforces and teams. The Ivanti Neurons platform may also be used by businesses for service automation, zero-trust security, and unified endpoint management.
The Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management Tools from Gartner identified Ivanti as the sole visionary in August 2021.
2. Zendesk
Helpdesk and customer management solutions are offered by the SaaS business Zendesk.
The startup uses AI to help enterprises increase customer engagement and efficiency. In 2021, over 3,570 people worked for Zendesk, and the company brought in roughly $1.3 billion in sales.
Although Zendesk Support Suite competes with PRTG. Zendesk purchased the AI firm Cleverly in August 2021. Zendesk’s customer support skills will be enhanced by this purchase, giving them an alternative advantage against PRTG.
3. ServiceNow
ServiceNow is a cloud-based SaaS platform for company administration and workflow automation. Around 6,200 businesses benefit from its products, which streamline operations and increase operational effectiveness. ServiceNow has over 12,500 workers and generated $4.52 billion in sales in 2020. For the fiscal year 2021, the business anticipates subscription revenue of $5.53 to $5.54 billion.
The top vendors of business management software are ServiceNow. ServiceNow, on the other hand, specializes more in digital process automation. The firm, through newly acquired subsidiaries like Attivio, Element AI, and Lightstep, provides comprehensive business solutions.
In only three months in 2021, ServiceNow recruited more than 1,200 new clients and landed over $1 million in contracts.
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4. Microsoft
Microsoft is a global technology firm that provides comprehensive business solutions. Its Dynamics 365 platform, which combines CRM and ERP, offers an all-in-one company management platform. In 2021, Microsoft had 166,475 workers and generated $143.02 billion in sales.
In June 2021, Microsoft became the second firm to attain a $2 trillion market valuation. Microsoft’s broad business management tools are its key competitive edge against PRTG. Most firms already utilise Microsoft products such as Azure and Teams.
5. Splunk
Splunk is a tech business that provides software for monitoring, analyzing, and displaying data in real time. In the business analytics market, its solutions compete with those of Loggly. Splunk has over 7,500 people and $2.23 billion in sales in 2020. For FY 2021, the business projects revenues of $2.53 billion to $2.60 billion.
After acquiring Loggly in 2018, PRTG expanded into log management and analytics services. Splunk Analytics now faces competition from Loggly Log Analyzer. The business provides services to 92 Fortune 100 businesses, including Cisco, IBM, Adobe, and Visa.
6. Atlassian
Atlassian is an Australian software firm that delivers enterprise-level solutions. Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and Trello are just a few of the company’s market-leading business management tools. Atlassian has 5,752 workers and made $1.6 billion in sales in 2021.
In the past two years, Atlassian has made significant investments in Jira Service Management. Percept. AI, which provides automated virtual agent assistance, was bought by Atlassian in January 2022. This follows other purchases, including Halp, Mindville, and ThinkTilt.
Atlassian currently provides workflow automation for DevOps, project management, IT support, and more on a single platform with the help of these technologies.
7. BMC Software
IT services and consulting firm BMC Software Service management, DevOps, AIOps, and security are all streamlined by its Autonomous Digital Enterprise Solution. BMC will have 6,000 workers and over $2 billion in revenue in 2021.
Over 10,000 worldwide enterprises rely on BMC’s software products and services. 84% of the Forbes Global 100 companies are among BMC’s clients. The business’s BMC Helix solution was named a leader in the Forrester Wave for Enterprise Service Management in December 2021.
8. Freshworks
Freshworks offers CRM and HR management software. About 50,000 clients, including Bridgestone, Chargebee, Klarna, ITV, Multichoice, and TaylorMade, are served by the company’s 13 locations worldwide. Freshworks anticipates sales of between $365.5 million and $366.5 million for the entire 2021 fiscal year.
Businesses can interact and assist their customers and workers through a variety of online and physical channels thanks to Freshworks. Freshworks went public in September 2021, and its shares increased by 21%. At this time, the corporation is worth $6.7 billion. Companies may use Freshworks’ premium plans, Blossom, Garden, Estate, and Forest, for a monthly fee ranging from $12 to $79 per user.
Each provides process automation, marketplace apps, bulk SMSes, APIs, Freshcaller phones, and more. For small and medium-sized organizations, Freshworks is the finest PRTG alternative.
9. Zoho ManageEngine
ManageEngine, an enterprise IT management program, is provided by Zoho, an Indian IT startup. With approximately 10,000 workers and $610 million in yearly sales in 2021, Zoho
OpManager, a configurable network monitoring tool, is offered by ManageEngine. This solution, which is excellent for managing IT infrastructure, supports a variety of operating systems and hypervisor interfaces. Like Zoho ManageEngine is a popular target for hackers.
Users were alerted by Zoho in December 2021 that criminal actors had taken advantage of a serious weakness in Desktop Central. This hacking effort was the third security issue in less than four months. Moreover, the business provides a cloud-based CRM with over 60 million users.
10. SysAid Technologies
IT service management software is offered by SysAid, a provider of service automation. IT teams may utilise SysAid’s solutions to automate repetitive processes by streamlining ticket sorting and workflows. Around 5,000 small businesses and Fortune 500 companies use SysAid in 140 different countries.
SysAid facilitates quicker service delivery, reduces workloads, enhances the user experience, and aids in IT problem solving. Companies may use SysAid automation to streamline HR, procurement, and other services.
SysAid was named a niche player in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for ITSM Tools in August 2021. SysAid Technologies is one of the top PRTG alternatives in IT service management.
11. ConnectWise
Business management automation is a service provided by ConnectWise, a software provider. Tech companies simplify their SaaS companies using their software and services. Almost 1200 clients and approximately 1,865 workers worked for ConnectWise in 2021. ConnectWise offer corporate automation, IT management tools, and security solutions. In order to offer sophisticated customer experience analytics, ConnectWise bought SmileBack in December 2021.
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12. IBM Tivoli
For IT administrators, IBM Tivoli is a platform for corporate system administration. Tivoli Storage Management, Tivoli Monitoring, and IBM Workload Automation are just a few of the SaaS offerings available on the platform. With about $72 billion in revenue in 2021, IBM will employ almost 350,000 people.
This software helps IT professionals monitor and manage systems and network applications on multiple OSes and improve application performance. In December 2021, IBM will split out its infrastructure services firm, Kyndryl. This division enables IBM to concentrate on AI and the cloud, enhancing its competitive edge. 47 of the Fortune 50 employ IBM’s security information and event management systems.
13. Datadog
Datadog is a full-stack monitoring and security tool for cloud-scale apps. Users may keep an eye on their servers, databases, tools, and services with this SaaS analytics platform. In 2021, Datadog had over 3,000 workers and made $802 million in sales.
The key competitive advantage for Datadog is its customized platform. Datadog can adapt monitoring services to each user’s specific requirements. To enable uniform, real-time observability, the platform features more than 400 built-in connectors and automates infrastructure and app monitoring.
Users may use Datadog to facilitate cloud migration and digital transformation, foster teamwork, and monitor company indicators. For monitoring cloud applications, Datadog is one of the finest PRTG alternatives.
14. LogicMonitor
Enterprises and MSPs can use LogicMonitor’s infrastructure monitoring and observability software. Its automated, cloud-based SaaS solution may be used by IT operations, developers, and business executives to visualise hidden information.
An appealing user interface and a variety of features are provided by LogicMonitor. Users can monitor apps, servers, websites, and more from a single platform. LogicMonitor was named a top-rated IT infrastructure monitoring product by TrustRadius in June 2021.
15. Spiceworks Ziff Davis
Spiceworks is a tech expert that provides an IT professional helpline and a marketplace. Spiceworks has raised $111 million in investment since it was established. The company’s yearly revenue is about $55 million.
Spiceworks’ community of IT experts is their primary competitive edge. For instance, Steve Wozniak, a co-founder of Apple, interacted with and taught at SpiceWorld 2021. Spiceworks assists businesses in supporting their operations and resolving problems. For start-ups and small businesses, Spiceworks Help Desk is the finest alternative to PRTG.
16. Tyler Technologies
Tyler offers integrated technological solutions for the public sector. Its solutions assist businesses in tying together data and workflows across several systems. Tyler had 5,368 workers and $1.58 billion in sales in 2021.
Tyler provides IT infrastructure management. Yet, Tyler’s solutions are made for regional, national, and international organizations. As of October 2021, Tyler had executed over 37,000 installs across roughly 12,000 sites.
17. Quest Software
Quest is a software provider that offers solutions for workforce mobility, cybersecurity, data insight, and IT operations management. IT staff’s workloads are reduced by the company’s community-driven software products, which ease IT management. Quest now has 53 offices in 24 nations.
Quest is used to address IT issues by more than 100,000 clients, 15,000 partners, and 97 Fortune 100 firms. Quest Software was purchased by Clearlake Capital Group from Francisco Partners on February 2, 2022.
With this purchase, Quest will be more competitive. IT operations may use Quest to find answers to difficult Microsoft problems.
18. Auvik Networks
Cloud-based network management software is provided by Auvik. This solution guarantees that IT networks perform properly while reducing security concerns. Auvik received a $250 million investment from Great Hill Partners in July 2021 to hasten the development of its products and international expansion.
By automating network administration, Auvik assists IT teams in increasing productivity. More than four million devices across more than 50,000 networks are managed by IT teams using Auvik.
Several awards have been bestowed upon Auvik, including the Deloitte Technology Fast 50. On the FT Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies list for 2020, it was named the top-ranked Canadian business.
FAQs
What is the purpose of PRTG?
PRTG is a unified monitoring solution that can monitor practically any IP-enabled item. The PRTG core server and one or more probes are included. The PRTG core server is in charge of configuration, data administration, the PRTG web server, and other tasks. Probes use sensors to collect data and monitor device processes.
What exactly is a PRTG sensor?
Sensors are the fundamental monitoring elements of PRTG. One sensor typically monitors a single measured value in your system, such as switch port traffic, server CPU load, or disc drive free space. On average, 5–10 sensors are required per server or one sensor per switch port.
Is SQL used by PRTG?
PRTG has preconfigured sensors for all major databases, including Microsoft SQL and Oracle SQL, which are frequently used by bigger businesses, as well as MySQL and PostgreSQL.