We hope CACI's revised Predictor 2.0, still in beta during our tests but shipping this month, will resolve some of these shortcomings. Analytical Engine's NetRule 2.0 is the only product we reviewed that's written in Java. NetRule suffered slightly in the performance category because of the interpreted nature of Java. NetRule doesn't have the depth of features or extensive protocol libraries of IT DecisionGuru or NetCracker, but it doesn't cost as much either. Typical discrete-event simulations can take several hours or even days to complete.
Analytical simulators use mathematical equations to predict network and application performance.
These packages sacrifice accuracy to provide faster performance. IT DecisionGuru uses a hybrid simulation technology combining discrete-event and analytical simulation techniques that lets network managers control the amount of detail provided. Turn up the level of detail, and run-time increases proportionally. Scale it back, and run-time is shortened. IT DecisionGuru performed extremely well at all levels of detail.