PingPlotter
By Pingman Tools
Installation
The installation of PingPlotter can be performed in different ways depending on the scale of deployment:
1. Standard Installation: For individual users or small-scale deployments, PingPlotter can be installed by downloading the installer from the PingPlotter website and running it on the desired machines. This process is typically quick, involving a wizard-driven setup that guides the user through the installation steps.
2. Mass Deployment: For larger organizations looking to deploy PingPlotter on multiple devices, mass deployment options are available. This can be done using an installation manager which allows for the deployment of PingPlotter Cloud Agents to a large number of remote devices. The process involves creating an Agent template for mass deployment and using either an .EXE or .MSI installer file for distribution. The .EXE installer can be deployed silently using command-line options, while the .MSI installer requires additional commands for silent installation.
Configuration
After installation, PingPlotter needs to be configured to meet specific monitoring and network analysis needs:
1. Agent Configuration: In mass deployments, configurations can be predefined in the Agent templates, which streamline the setup process on multiple devices.
2. License and User Settings: License keys need to be entered into the registry for activation. User-specific settings such as whois setup and custom options can also be configured post-installation.
3. Integration Settings: For advanced users, PingPlotter allows the integration of custom scripts and extensions, which can be configured in the scripts directory of the installation folder.
Integration with Other Tools
PingPlotter can be integrated with other network monitoring and management tools to enhance its functionality:
1. Webhook Integration: PingPlotter supports integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Slack through webhook functionality. This allows users to receive alerts and notifications directly within these platforms.
2. Custom Scripting: Users can write custom scripts using languages like VBScript, JScript, Perl, and Python to extend the functionality of PingPlotter. These scripts can be used for tasks such as data collection from web-based traceroute pages.
Duration of Implementation
The time required to implement PingPlotter can vary:
- Standard installations on individual machines can take a few minutes.
- Mass deployments using templates and silent installation methods can take longer, depending on the number of devices and the complexity of the network environment.
- Configuration and integration tasks can vary in time based on the specific requirements and the technical expertise of the personnel involved.
PingPlotter offers several customization options to fit specific business needs:
These features make PingPlotter adaptable to various business environments, allowing for a tailored approach to network monitoring and troubleshooting.
PingPlotter offers various pricing models, including monthly subscriptions and perpetual licenses. Here are some key points regarding additional costs:
PingPlotter provides several resources to help new users get started:
1. HTTPS and TLS Encryption: PingPlotter's web interface can be secured via HTTPS with TLS, using either PingPlotter’s self-signed web certificate, a certificate provided by the user, or through Let’s Encrypt. This ensures that data transmitted between the user and PingPlotter is encrypted and secure.
2. Private Sharing Pages: PingPlotter provides a feature where users can create private share pages that are not part of a public directory and are not indexed by search engines. This allows users to share their data securely with selected individuals without exposing it to the public. Each share page includes a unique link that serves as a key to viewing the shared data.
3. Data Privacy and Management: PingPlotter's privacy policy emphasizes the company's commitment to protecting user privacy and managing personal data responsibly. The policy covers how personal data is collected, used, and protected by PingPlotter.
4. Secure Data Handling: When using PingPlotter’s sharing feature, users are advised to review their share page before distributing the link to ensure they are comfortable with the information being shared. This practice helps in maintaining control over the data shared and enhances security.
PingPlotter typically releases updates regularly, with the software configured to automatically check for updates once a week. If an update is available, users will see an option in the help menu to install it. This ensures that users can easily stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
1. Data Ownership: Users retain ownership of the data they generate using PingPlotter. When users create share pages to publish their PingPlotter results, they receive a private web link that serves as a unique key to viewing the shared data. These pages are not part of a public directory and are not indexed by search engines, ensuring that data is shared only with intended recipients.
2. Data Portability: PingPlotter supports data portability by allowing users to export their data for further analysis. This can be done by saving the data in PingPlotter’s .pp2 file format, which includes up to the last 24 hours of data. Users can manage and migrate their data as needed, particularly with features like Flex Storage in PingPlotter 5, which organizes data by target and timeframe for easier management.
3. Privacy and Security: PingPlotter’s privacy policy outlines measures to protect user data, including not disclosing personal information to third parties under any circumstances. The policy also details how personal information, such as contact details and support correspondence, is handled and stored.
4. Auto-Saving and Session Management: PingPlotter automatically saves data in real time to its local data store, ensuring that no data is lost unexpectedly. Users have options to configure auto-save settings to manage how data is stored and retained, enhancing the portability and accessibility of the data.
1. Flexible Licensing: PingPlotter offers different editions (Standard, Professional, and Cloud) with various pricing models, including monthly subscriptions and perpetual licenses. This allows organizations to choose the version that best fits their current needs and budget.
2. Mass Deployment: For organizations that need to monitor multiple devices or a large network, PingPlotter supports mass deployment options. This includes deploying PingPlotter Cloud Agents to workstations, servers, or cloud VMs, which can be scaled according to the number of devices and the complexity of the network environment.
3. Customizable Display Options: The software allows users to customize display settings, including adding or removing columns and adjusting graph scales. This customization can accommodate changes in the organization's monitoring requirements.
4. Advanced Configurations: PingPlotter 5 introduced changes to what is possible with the web interface, including read-only views and REST calls to add targets. Organizations with custom modifications to the web interface are encouraged to contact PingPlotter for assistance, suggesting that the software can be adapted to changing needs.
5. Auto-Save and Auto-Discard Settings: The auto-save feature, which controls auto-discard, allows organizations to manage how much data they retain. This feature can be adjusted as the organization's data retention needs change.
6. Timeline Graphs: The timeline graph feature in PingPlotter allows users to display varying amounts of data, which can be scaled up or down depending on the organization's monitoring needs.
1. Contract Renewal:
- Maintenance Subscription: New licenses include one year of maintenance. If the license was purchased within the past year, the maintenance plan is active, and users can download new versions at no additional charge. If the license was purchased more than one year ago, the initial maintenance period is expired until an extension or an upgrade is purchased. Maintenance can be extended at any time within a year of the expiration date. After a year, the maintenance extension option is replaced by an upgrade option.
- Upgrade Options: Upgrades are available after a product is off maintenance for more than one year. When a product is upgraded, all released versions become available, and maintenance is extended one year into the future from the date of purchase.
2. Cancellation:
- Subscription Cancellation: Subscription options are managed entirely through the Pingman Tools account system. Users can cancel their subscription by logging into their account, expanding the license details, and selecting "Manage Subscription" followed by the "Cancel" button. A confirmation prompt will appear, and upon confirmation, an email receipt is sent out confirming the cancellation. On the final day of the subscription, any copies of PingPlotter using that license will revert back to free mode.
1. HTTPS and TLS Encryption: PingPlotter ensures secure data transmission through HTTPS and TLS encryption, which is crucial for protecting data in transit, especially when using the software's web interface or cloud functionalities.
2. Data Privacy and Security: The software adheres to strict data privacy and security guidelines to manage and protect user data effectively. This includes handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) with the necessary security measures to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.
3. Federal and Department Security Policies: For users within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PingPlotter must be operated and maintained according to federal and departmental security and privacy policies and guidelines. This ensures that the software complies with the highest standards of security and privacy required by government entities.
4. No Reported Vulnerabilities: As of the last update, there have been no reported vulnerabilities according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and no security bulletins issued by the VA Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) for the latest versions of PingPlotter. This indicates a strong focus on maintaining a secure and reliable software environment.
