Opsware Upgrades Automation Tools, Seeks Integrators

The software vendor hopes to initially sign anywhere from six to eight integrators with the resources to work territories in the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany, said Sharmila Shahani, senior vice president of marketing at Opsware, Sunnyvale, Calif.

Opsware System 4.5 automates a wide range of data center processes, easing the burden for IT administrators wrestling with complex networks, said Shahani.

Working in conjunction with Opsware's Extension Builder software and a broad set of third-party system APIs, Opsware System 4.5 allows for custom automation or processes such as user account management, workflow applications and virtual server management. Network management suites such as IBM Tivoli and Hewlett-Packard's OpenView can be controlled by Opsware. And multiple network systems ranging from monitoring, ticketing, procurement and even utility computing inflows can also be brought in under the Opsware roof and automated according to custom policy, according to Eric Vishria, director of product marketing.

Target accounts for Opsware System 4.5 typically fit the profile of a global, Fortune 500 company the size of a Comcast or EDS, said Shahani. EDS, for example, used Opsware to automate the process of vulnerability detection and patching across 880 servers. Before Opsware, it took EDS 445 hours to complete the task. With Opsware, only two hours were needed, according to Shahani.

VARs and system integrators interested in partnering with Opsware should have experience with both Tivoli and OpenView deployments, as well as experience in server automation, said Shahani. Authorized resellers will be trained by Opsware to perform all the necessary installs and customization routines. Pricing for Opsware System 4.5 starts at around $1,000 per server, she said.