Opsware, formerly Loudcloud, has announced a new version
of its datacentre automation tool called Opsware
System.
Opsware System 4.5 and another new product, Opsware Extension
Builder, are designed to automate any server process and
technology, and both can be integrated with existing IT management
systems, said Sharmila Shahani, senior vice-president of marketing
at Opsware.
The latest version allows users to create custom-made reports
and write custom modules for functions and extensibility to all
patch management or deployment management systems, she said.
The products will be sold as part of the Utility Data Centre
product from Hewlett-Packard and will be available independently
starting sometime in the fourth quarter. Pricing will start at £645
per server.
Shahani said existing customers have used the automation product
to reduce the number of server administrators needed, cutting the
number of administrators from one for every 15 servers to one for
every 200 in some cases.
The basic product was first used by Loudcloud when it managed
systems, networks and storage for customers such as Electronic Data
Systems. When Loudcloud became Opsware in 2002, Version 3.0 of
Opsware System was launched, with Version 4.0 appearing last
autumn.
Matt Hamblen writes for Computerworld