Plixer Expands Network Observability with New AI Assistant
Plixer LLC, a prominent name in NetFlow and IPFIX data collection, has made headlines with its recent announcement that is set to redefine network observability in the age of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The company unveiled significant enhancements to its Plixer One platform, particularly the integration of the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange (ZTE) and the introduction of the AI Assistant.
Unlocking visibility in a complex environment
As businesses embrace more complex IT infrastructures, including the transition to hybrid work models and the adoption of multi-cloud environments, there arises a critical need for unparalleled visibility into network traffic. The Plixer One platform addresses this need head-on, as it now offers direct visibility into encrypted tunnels, data centers, and various cloud services through the Zscaler integration.
With the ability to amalgamate Zscaler logs with enriched flow data, IT professionals can now gain contextualized traffic visibility essential for faster troubleshooting and effectively responding to incidents. This transformative capability aims to eliminate the ‘blind spots’ that have historically plagued enterprises, particularly when navigating encrypted connections that can obscure traffic data.
Tom McNamara, CEO of Plixer, emphasized the importance of visibility in today’s digital landscape, saying, "Unhindered network visibility is essential for sustaining digital transformation, strengthening IT resilience, and reducing business risk while keeping the workforce productive.” He noted that as organizations pivot from traditional VPNs to more secure and agile connectivity options, network visibility must not be compromised.
A step into the future with AI
Another exciting addition to Plixer’s capabilities is the AI Assistant, first previewed at Cisco Live earlier in the year. This AI-powered tool is designed to facilitate user interactions with the Plixer One platform using natural language, streamlining various processes, including navigation and reporting. According to Paul Piccard, CTO of Plixer, this innovation is geared toward enhancing user experience. "This is about increasing usage, removing guesswork, and helping every user, regardless of their experience level, work faster and more effectively," he explained.
The AI Assistant not only simplifies day-to-day workflows but also aims to empower IT teams with the tools they need to monitor network health and manage their environments effectively. By reducing manual effort, the introduction of AI in network management provides organizations with the agility and efficiency needed to address contemporary IT challenges.
The road forward
Plixer’s recent updates illustrate a commitment to providing organizations with deeper insights into their network operations. Plixer One now encompasses inter-container traffic along with the previously hidden Zscaler ZTE traffic, offering a comprehensive view that enables businesses to react promptly to network challenges. This empowers teams to maintain a proactive approach to security and observability within their IT environments.
The implications for businesses are profound. As firms harness these cutting-edge features, they will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern digital infrastructure, optimizing performance and enhancing security across hybrid and multi-cloud platforms. Trust in network operations will also likely increase, as organizations can see more and therefore know more about their operational landscapes.
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In conclusion, Plixer’s advancements stand as a testament to the pivotal role of visibility and AI in today's technology-driven environment, providing organizations with the necessary tools to thrive amid uncertainty and rapid change.