AST ESM introduces proactive intelligent technology

AST ESM, a division of the JSE-listed AST Group, has introduced BMC Software`s Online/Defrag ADVISOR, the first in a series of MAINVIEW ADVISOR for IMS solutions to use advanced intelligence technology that will establish a new standard for managing and maintaining IMS databases.

"Our IMS Customers will see a significant improvement in performance with the increased availability required for today`s e-business environment," explains Geoff van den Bosch, MD of AST ESM, the local distributor for BMC. "Our customers will be provided with an "out-of-the-box" solution that can identify problem areas in a database that affect performance and then automatically takes action."

Online Defrag ADVISOR, a component of MAINVIEW ADVISOR for IMS, searches the database, identifies problem areas causing performance degradation, then improves performance by moving the data to an area in the database that provides optimum response time. Online/Defrag ADVISOR runs while the database is on-line, providing continuous availability to end-users.

"Current management tools only provide data, the user has to analyse and take action," notes van den Bosch. "But in today`s environment, where IT experience and skills are limited, it is no longer good enough just to have software that thinks."

"We expect that BMC Software`s ADVISOR technology will enhance the performance of technologies in the e-business, networking, CICS, IMS, DB2, and Websphere space, delivering a measurable return on investment," concludes van den Bosch.