Cisco Systems have developed Netflow as a network protocol mainly for gathering IP traffic information. Netflow services include but are not included to network traffic accounting, network planning, usage-based network billing, network security – and basically overall network monitoring. Netflow can be utilized to provide useful information on network users and its applications, traffic routing and peak usage times. The information can be used by managers and IT professionals alike to make sensible business decisions on network planning and ultimately, lowering costs.

Netflow is an embedded instrumentation to give as detailed breakdown as possible for certain network operations. It cannot be stressed enough that transparency in network operations is a crucial tool for IT professionals. Respective IT managers need to understand how network capacity and resources are being utilized. Monitoring include network usage, capacity and utilization practices, network productivity, impact of any changes to the network, security soft spots, and any compliance matters. This will help management to maximize network capacity and resources, as well as mitigate effects in cases of network outages.

With a clearer picture of network usage and its infrastructure, management and IT professionals can better build its long-term, efficient operational plans based on reliable network operations. An understanding of network operations using Netflow also leads to better security measures to lessen security and compliance issues. Furthermore, contingency plans should also be devised in scenarios like network outages, aiming for as minimal impact as possible. Netflow has proven effective in doing these business measures.

While Cisco originally launched Netflow and is believed to be an innovator in IP traffic flow technology, Netflow is believed to have been an industry standard for IP traffic monitoring, and other IIT developers have also followed suit and had introduced other platforms to support Netflow. These platforms include Enterasys Switches, Linux. FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Net BSD and Juniper routers.