The Internet has emerged as a rapidly growing global communications and commerce medium. It is estimated that the number of Internet users worldwide will grow from approximately 97 million in 1998 to 320 million in 2002. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that Internet traffic doubles every 100 days. Furthermore, intranets are being used to foster internal communications, disseminate information, and improve business operations.
Organizations also provide Internet access to many employees as a necessary component of their jobs.
As a result, organizations are investing heavily in Internet technology and infrastructure. Businesses seek management and reporting solutions to analyze Internet usage patterns and provide comprehensive, detailed reports that enable companies to effectively utilize the Internet to manage marketing, e-commerce, customer support, and other business campaigns and initiatives. Just as companies have attempted to manage telephone costs, the rapid adoption of the Internet for business purposes will ultimately require companies to manage the costs of using the Internet. In addition, as greater network access increases exposure to network security breaches, companies need a software solution that can analyze the large amounts of data collected by network security devices to determine if their existing Internet infrastructure is secure. Consequently, companies are seeking a management and reporting system that provides the network intelligence they require to maximize their investment in Internet technologies.