Abstract: A function is provided for identifying computer applications running on a network. Information obtained from frames having content associated with computer applications is examined and compared to information stored on the network. The stored information is obtained from a plurality of mechanisms including computer application signatures. An application identification engine of the function compares examined content with the known application information and determines an indication of the likely computer application associated with the examined frames. The determination output may include a level of confidence in the accuracy of the determination. The function includes an application programming interface to allow the introduction into the engine of custom mechanisms for application identification. The different mechanisms may be weighted. The function may be provided in one or more devices of the network including a standalone appliance.

Abstract: A function is provided for effectively identifying computer applications running on a network. The function receives information related to frames of packets moving through the network. The information is compared to known information about computer applications. The known information is obtained from a plurality of mechanisms, including the option of obtaining it through custom mechanisms. The comparison information is scored for each of the plurality of mechanisms and those scores are combined to establish a single score indicative of the likely computer application associated with the received frames. One or more mathematical operations can be used to combine the scores. The mechanisms may be weighted for likely accuracy and the score that is established may include with it an indication of the level of confidence in that score. One or more of the plurality of mechanisms may be used to weight others of the types of mechanisms.

Abstract: A function is provided for identifying computer applications running on a network. Information obtained from frames having content associated with computer applications is examined and compared to information stored on the network. The stored information is obtained from a plurality of mechanisms including computer application signatures. An application identification engine of the function compares examined content with the known application information and determines an indication of the likely computer application associated with the examined frames. The determination output may include a level of confidence in the accuracy of the determination. The function includes an application programming interface to allow the introduction into the engine of custom mechanisms for application identification. The different mechanisms may be weighted. The function may be provided in one or more devices of the network including a standalone appliance.

Abstract: A function is provided for effectively identifying computer applications running on a network. The function receives information related to frames of packets moving through the network. The information is compared to known information about computer applications. The known information is obtained from a plurality of mechanisms, including the option of obtaining it through custom mechanisms. The comparison information is scored for each of the plurality of mechanisms and those scores are combined to establish a single score indicative of the likely computer application associated with the received frames. One or more mathematical operations can be used to combine the scores. The mechanisms may be weighted for likely accuracy and the score that is established may include with it an indication of the level of confidence in that score. One or more of the plurality of mechanisms may be used to weight others of the types of mechanisms.

Abstract: A system and methods for determining an operational characteristic of a business process associated with a network. An operational characteristic of the business process is determined. An action is taken to modify a parameter associated with a change in the operational characteristic of the business process. The operational characteristic of the business process is re-determined.