DISA seeking vendor for transaction monitoring system

The Defense Information Systems Agency is searching for an end-to-end transaction-monitoring tool to remotely track transaction latency and to send captured data to a central collection server.

In a request for proposals issued June 6, DISA's Computing Services is searching for an automated tool to monitor and troubleshoot transaction performance from end-user locations.

Performance reports will be generated from the data collected and analyzed by central communications centers in Montgomery, Ala., and in Oklahoma City on loss to end-user workstations, servers or a specific segment of the network. The solution will also offer remote management, administration configuration and troubleshooting.

Currently the transaction monitoring process at DISA is mostly manual.

"The solution currently available to network and systems personnel provides minimal visibility into the end-user experience," according to the RFP. "Transaction monitoring is primarily a manual, labor-intensive process. Transaction performance latency or loss is diagnosed through extensive administrator tests."

The transaction software?which must be FIPS 140-2 certified and IP v.6-compliant no later than 2008, and allow for remote out-of-band terminal and Internet access?will help DISA officials push software updates across the network.

The RFP closes July 1.

Dawn S. Onley is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.