Microsoft has remodelled its Operations Manager software for the latest version due for release on 1 October 2004.
Heading up the list of new features built into Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005 is the ability to manage non-Microsoft applications in recognition of the fact that most IT environments comprise a mixture of applications from a variety of vendors.
Another addition to Microsoft`s operations monitoring tool is the provision of a database of best practice solutions to avoid future problems. "Microsoft is making years of intellectual property available to users," says Manoj Bhoola, server and platform business group manager, Microsoft South Africa.
Other features include MOM 2005`s ability to manage desktops without requiring the installation of any software agent on those desktops, a simplified and wizard-driven installation process that requires less technical knowledge, and an ability to run in all environments, whether 32-bit, 64-bit, or a combination of the two.
"MOM reduces downtime by giving IT professionals the knowledge to avoid the avoidable as well identify and understand the causes of service interruptions to ensure problems are resolved and services restored as soon as possible," says Bhoola.
As far as pricing is concerned, Bhoola says MOM 2005 provides enterprise-standard operations management capability at a much lower cost than traditional enterprise management tools. There is also a lower cost Workgroup edition aimed at smaller enterprises with 10 or fewer servers.
Bhoola says MOM 2005`s automation, event management, monitoring, alerting and reporting features make it a key component of Microsoft`s initiative to deliver software that maximises resources and decreases labour costs.
"Locally there is a huge demand for management software coupled with security and there is less concern with cost than efficiency," says Bhoola. "I am extremely bullish about MOM 2005`s ability to meet the current demands of the South African market."
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