Opsware adds storage tools to automation suite

Upgraded suite from Opsware features process automation capabilities and storage automation add-on

By Denise Dubie, Network World
September 18, 2007 12:02 AM ET

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Opsware is rounding out its data center automation capabilities this week with the introduction of a storage automation add-on. In addition, the company is updating its entire software suite with IT process automation technology acquired earlier this year with start-up iConclude.

The new features will be unveiled this week at Opsware’s annual OpsWorld user conference in Carlsbad, Calif., where the company will release the latest version of its flagship Server Automation System (SAS). (Listen to our podcast with Opsware’s senior vice president of server automation products for more details on the company’s direction.)

Opsware updated SAS 7 uses server and distributed agent software to automate the provisioning and management of servers, with IT process automation software it acquired from iConclude. The additional capabilities will enable staff to select IT workflows and have the software take automated action without human intervention.

"Mistakes typically happen manually. This release process-enables well-defined workflows and automates them," says Jason Rosenthal, senior vice president and general manager of server automation products at Opsware. "This release is about providing customers clean hand-offs between products, a common view and management best practices that can be automation across domains."

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The company also mixed in another acquired technology to develop a software add-on that Rosenthal says is among the first that automates storage resource allocation and processes based on application demand. Application Storage Automation System is built on technology the company acquired with Creekpath Systems and is designed to show IT managers how applications consume storage resources and help them reallocate storage to applications in need.

SAS 7 also includes features that audit application configurations and patch updates for compliance. The company says IT managers can look at a compliance dashboard to quickly view statistics across operating systems, applications and server data.

Opsware, awaiting the close of its acquisition by HP, competes with EMC in the area of storage automation, and also will run into Big Blue in more accounts as it becomes HP's automation arm.

"HP's bid for Opsware is validation to data center automation and HP recognizes that the market is set to grow with the growth of virtualization and the management headaches that come with it," Rosenthal says.

Opsware last week announced updates to Network Automation System 7 and in August introduced Process Automation System 7, which is based on technology acquired with iConclude that is now incorporated in every application in the company's suite.

All products are scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter. SAS costs $50,000 for as many as 250 operating system instances and agents. ASAS pricing starts at $25,000 for as many as 250 operating system instances and agents. PAS is priced at $75,000 for as many as 259 operating system instances and agents.

Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.