Alterpoint

Feb 28 2008   4:55PM GMT

Analytics; What are the top capabilities?

Posted by: Ryan Shopp
Analytics, DataCenter, DCAB, Integrien, NCCM, BMC, Alterpoint, Configuresoft, Netuitive, Opnet

Recently, I made some adjustments to the Data Center Automation Blueprint where we combined 2 original areas and added a new one for Analytics.  Steve Henning just posted a great guest blog entry over at Doug McClure’s blog called “Why Real Time Analytics?” I personally liked the analogy to TQM and the manufacturing industry.

He also recently jotted down some of his thoughts on capabilities within the comments section for the posting “Data Center Automation Blueprint; now includes virtualization thoughts.”

Here are some of my initial thoughts that I will take another pass at cleaning up in the next week or two.  I wanted to get this posted in a timely manner to hopefully inspire some discussions:

1) Inter-domain Integrations - Steve called it “Cross Silo” in his comment post. But the analytics solutions need to have a data model and API/SDK that is not specific to one domain (e.g., databases, windows systems, network devices, websphere applications).  To perform holistic analysis you need more then one point of view.

2) Pattern Logic Automation- Automation through algorithms, rules etc that work to mimic the human problem solving / analysis process.

3) “Advanced” Graphical Visualization- more then summary graphics, pie charts etc…what I’m think here is something I can look at that helps me see the pattern or some unique situation/trend affecting the business (e.g., correlation of trouble ticket and performance monitoring details).  A better name then “advanced” is needed here for sure.

So far the vendors I’m thinking of when I’m creating the above functionality list (as noted in the DCAB) include;

• AlterPoint (offers specific analytic module “Lifecycle” built upon their NCCM product)
• ConfigureSoft (built upon their ECM product, integrations with MOM, Remedy)
• Opnet (variety of products)
• Netuitive (real-time performance analytics)
• Integrien (real-time performance analytics)
• BMC (acquried ProactiveNet, real-time performance analytics)

Who else do we believe should be in this analytics bucket? Thoughts on these 3 capabilities?  What are some others?

Dec 14 2007   4:50PM GMT

Recent activities in Configuration Management, tis’ the season of webinars

Posted by: Ryan Shopp
DataCenter, Alterpoint, BladeLogic, mValent, Solidcore, Ecora, Configuresoft, BMC, CA, EMC, NCCM, Network configuration

December is a time when things typically “slow” down for the holidays.  Many data centers are under a freeze where no major changes can occur (or should occur), etc.  So I guess it’s a great time to do a little research for next year.  Bring on the webinars which many vendors seem to be offering up this time of year:

BladeLogic had a very successful webinar, over 400 people, where real customers talked about real benefits of configuration management automation for their data center.  The press releases on the survey results & the webinar sound like a infomercial (which it should be since it’s marketing).  I was hoping to take a watch but their archived link doesn’t allow me to register and watch.  I enter my registration information and it says the event is full.  Oh well, another time.

ConfigureSoft also had a webinar, more process centric (PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT: Closing the Loop on Change), but it’s archived and I was able to check that one out.

 Tripwire, not wanting to be outdone, had 4 differerent webinars recently.  The one I checked out was The Five A’s of a Healthy Data Center.  Where their focus was around the 5 step process of monitoring your configurations in the data center (Assessing, Assuring, Auditing, Achieving, Automating)

Ecora back on the 11th had a webinar around surviving audits through monitoring your configurations.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it archived anywhere to check it out.

Solidcore didn’t have a new webinar to offer but did put out a press release highlighting how they can help with the upcoming PCI deadline on December 31st with monitoring configurations.

mValent, who focuses on very the specific challenges of application/middleware configuration management, had a very interesting press release with some hard ROI numbers;

• The average application migration project takes 20+ man-weeks with an average labor cost of just over $72,000.
• Total IT direct-headcount costs associated with application migration initiatives range from $500K to $800K.

AlterPoint, focused on the network side of the data center, announced their analytics solution can now extend/compliment a customers previous investment in CiscoWorks (if they are a predominately Cisco networked Data Center) without requiring replacement.

I also looked to see if their was anything new from HP (Opsware), EMC (Voyence), BMC, IBM, CA but didn’t see anything specific.  And I recently talked about configuration vendors that are focused on virtualization so I didn’t rehash that.

I know I must have overlooked some vendor(s) out there, throw your information in the comments section (if your the vendor) or if your an enterprise using another product please tell us who your using and what you think.  I’ll take a look and update the post if appropriate. 

Dec 4 2007   10:04PM GMT

What are the Six Functional Areas of Data Center Automation

Posted by: Ryan Shopp
DataCenter, Alterpoint, BladeLogic, Cassatt, Integrien, IT Process Automation, HP Software, IBM Tivoli, InfoVista, BMC, Microsoft Windows, NetIQ, Netuitive, Opalis, Optinuity, PlateSpin, RealOps, Scalent, Stratavia, Veeam, Vizioncore

Alright, here is my first pass at a graphic I’m attempting to build that will capture the spirit of my previous posts (this is a work still in progress as previously mentioned);

• Building out a reference model for data center monitoring/automation
• Reference model build out, take two

I’m attempting to come up with a 30,000 foot reference model (functionality focused) for when you’re building out a data center’s software automation architecture.

The yellow areas are the 6 current areas I’ve functionally identified. The tricky part is based on the complexities of each category in the Data Center Infrastructure (e.g., Network vs. System), many of the functional areas require technical depth and audience-specific focus (e.g., network engineers vs. SAP administrators). The arrows are trying to capture that.

I know this still needs work but this is an evolution, and I only have a little time each week to currently work on it during these blog posts.

Below the graphic are some current vendors by function that have product(s) in each function that I’ve mentioned during previous blog posting so far.

• Configuration & Change: BMC (Marimba), CA, EMC (Voyence), HP (Opsware), IBM, BladeLogic, Cassatt, AlterPoint, Platespin, Scalent, Veeam, Vizioncore
• Security & Protection: Symantec, IBM, EMC, McAfee, nCircle, Lumension, ArcSight
• Performance & Capacity: BMC, CA, EMC, HP, IBM, Quest, InfoVista
• Availability & Notification: BMC, CA, EMC, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Quest, Integrien, Netuitive, NetIQ
• Process Orchestration: BMC (RealOps), HP (iConclude), Opalis, Optinuity, NetIQ, Stratavia
• Resource Reconciliation: Symantec, IBM, HP, BMC, EMC

I know I’ve missed many and also it would probably be helpful to not simply mention the company but also the product name but that will have to wait until another time.

Nov 28 2007   8:22PM GMT

IT Operations Process Automation - aka “Run Book” continues to mature!

Posted by: Ryan Shopp
DataCenter, BMC, RealOps, Optinuity, Opalis, Alterpoint, BladeLogic, HP Software, IT Process Automation, Run Book Automation, RBA, NetIQ, Stratavia

This is an area I haven’t hit on yet but will also need to fit into the reference model (that one of these days I’ll get back on track)

Lots of action what Gartner and others are calling Run Book Automation or RBA!!!  So let’s summarize the latest.

Optinuity launched a new version of their product that has also been re-branded. Attempting to elevate and differentiate itself beyond the other RBA vendors through re-focusing their primary target audience (from IT Operation Executives to Enterprise Application Executives) and adding specific functionality to provide a self-contained (not reliant on IT Operations) closed loop, automated process (e.g., application monitoring).  The goal, per talking with CEO Scott Stouffer, is to get as close to the enterprise applications themselves as possible (e.g., the teams that develop and/or perform the advanced support/administration for them).  One example discussed was a unique “locked account” scenario that was happening thousands of times a month and thus wasting hundreds, if not thousands of man hours a month!

Opalis launched a new version of their product (version 5.4) which includes some intriguing enhancements in the areas of automating virtualization and the ability to run simulations of process automation workflows prior to deployment in the live environment. They also continue to sport a very impressive list of out-of-the-box IT Operations centric connectors for products/companies that don’t have a process automation product including; BladeLogic, EMC, IBM, Microsoft, Symantec along with support for various product from the other big 4 vendors that do have competing products (e.g., BMC, CA, HP).

HP announces their re-branded suite that includes the former iConclude product HP has so many pieces for automating the data center (beyond the RBA capabilities)…the question now is can the execute on it’s organization (e.g., product bundling/branding), integration (e.g., focus on delivering the right use cases end-to-end) and deployments (e.g., making this all come together inside complex enterprises).

BMC made their move into this space back in the summer time (July) with their acquisition of RealOps. They re-branded this product as BMC Run Book Automation and are using it to tighten up and automate the process flows between their other products; Remedy, Atrium, Marimba, etc. Of course you can still use the platform to integrate with non-BMC product but they are going to focus on their own product line.

NetIQ recently threw their hat into the ring also. Now a subsidiary of Attachmate, they built their solution internally over the past couple years (prior to BMC or HP joining in). Their focus appears to be, in my opinion, around helping ensure their product AppManager stays competitive with other System/Application monitoring vendors (e.g., BMC, HP, IBM, CA, Microsoft). The challenge will be that the service desks they would integrate with are part of companies that now also offer this Run Book Automation technology. So basically, if your a current NetIQ customer and happy then you now won’t be as motivated to go to BMC or HP who own all three components (e.g., system monitoring, process automation and service desk).  Smart strategy move to continue innovating and keep current customers happy.

Stratavia also announced their latest product release in October.  Originally more focused on automation tasks for databases, they continue to evolve their product to be competitive with the other non-database centric but more system/applications centric vendors.  This database automation functionality evolved from their original business model of being a managed service provider for remote database management (at that time they were called ExtraQuest).

To that point, it’s amazing how many of these RBA or IT Process Automation companies come out of operational businesses.  Stratavia was original a managed services provider, RealOps came out of the consulting ranks from Windward Consulting.  This makes sense with various Data Center Automation function…they are very complex and challenging tasks that originally are tackled with service-based approaches only then to be automated with software.  Beyond this RBA sector, another couple vendors that started from similar origins would be Opsware (originally a managed service provider) and BladeLogic (whose founder were previously responsible for operating the infrastructure for a managed service provider)

I also read in a recent Forrester report by Jean-Pierre Garbani that the first market sizing forecast for the IT process automation software space is about $50 million today, but forecasted it to grow to about $700 million by 2015.  Now that is some SERIOUS GROWTH!

One last item, I want to give credit where credit is due to a former boss, colleague and friend Dave Williams who is now at Gartner.  I remember him talking about this space looong before anyone else!  That is recognized in this write-up by internetnews.com. When he left AlterPoint back in February 2006 I remember talking about these products over lunch a number of times.  I had the chance to work closely with the RealOps executive team when AlterPoint built a partnership and integration with them.

So if you have a very, very complex IT Operations environment or are seeing skilled people doing very unskilled/mundane tasks over and over and over…it’s time to check out one or more of these vendors!

So what other “Run Book Automation” vendors are out their at what have been your experiences so far with their products, the company itself and their partners???  Please chime in with your comments as I know their are a ton of people evaluating and using these products these days!

Nov 12 2007   10:54PM GMT

How to be a network admin god?

Posted by: Ryan Shopp
DataCenter, OSS, Alterpoint, Networking, Network monitoring, NCCM

Simple, take advantage of FREE but powerful tools to do your job better/faster/easier! Then share these cool tool finds with your friends.

I had the chance to take a look at ZipTie, a free network administrator “cockpit”, over the weekend. The utility, available for download from www.ziptie.org, is part of a growing open source movement in network and systems management. I recommend putting aside 60 minutes over lunch one day to download and check this out while you ‘re eating your sandwich.

The best comparison I can make around current ZipTie capabilities would be to imagine PuTTY or SecureCRT on steroids.  NOTE: you need to have credential password access to the network devices to get the value I’m going to talk about from here on out…so if you don’t have those rights on your network devices then this may not be for you. Below is a quick screen shot that shows the primary cool features I’m going to hit.

What is so impressive about this desktop utility is it’s simplicity. Download, install, discover and now you have a personal inventory list (e.g., routers, switches, wireless access points, application acceleration devices). From that device list you can take a variety of forensic or troubleshooting actions when you need to:

• telnet/ssh
• ping
• traceroute
• nslookup
• SNMP MIB walk
• Port status
• Interfaces status
• View current configuration files (search it)
• Compare to historical configuration files
• NIPPER (a really cool configuration auditing tool that analyzes your configurations for vulnerabilities)
• and much more…

If you don’t see a tool that represents a current script you typically use when you’re troubleshooting, no worries. You can build one (remember this is open source) or if that’s not your forte, head up to their user community, post the current script you use and ask for someone else to help build it. Same thing goes with making sure ZipTie has support for the network devices you need. Say for example you have some firewall that it seems no other network management vendor supports, not a trouble for ZipTie. There is a “how to guide” to build it yourself or again, post up to the community and ask for help! Also, while your up on the site, check out the other capabilities the utility offers while making sure you review their complete road map which they publish.
It’s amazing how far network management has and still is evolving. Functionality like this would have cost an enterprise tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars less then 10 years ago. This will be another angle to consider as I get back on track and continue to build out the Data Center Automation Taxonomy I’ve been working on. Just wanted to take a moment and share this find.

Full disclosure: I worked for AlterPoint over a year ago. This ZipTie initiative was just about to start when I left. This was my first chance to check it out and since I was so impressed I felt compelled to share my perspective.

Nov 2 2007   3:11PM GMT

Why not AlterPoint, NCCM continues to consolidate?

Posted by: Ryan Shopp
Network configuration, NCCM, Alterpoint, DataCenter, HP Software, IBM Tivoli, InfoVista, BMC, Microsoft Windows, EMC, BladeLogic, CA

Now let me be clear here. I’m very biased on this topic. Full disclosure, I spent almost 4 years of “blood, sweat and tears” at AlterPoint from it’s version 1.0, no revenue days through it’s last leadership transition. Back in Summer of 2006 we had a new leadership team come in with new blood/energy that really invigorated things. This was needed since the company, like Voyence, had been around since early 2000 and in the world of start-up’s you work lots of 80 hour plus weeks that can wear and tear on a person.

What I’m perplexed on is over the past 30 days two other Network Configuration/Change Management vendors have been consolidated by major players; Voyence by EMC and Emprisa by BMC. So why not AlterPoint is what I’m pondering over the last couple days?  Time to jump on my soapbox for a minute or two…

With a marquee customer list that includes; Citigroup, HSBC, Microsoft, Yahoo, Hertz, TJX, Walgreen, Cingular (now AT&T Wireless) and numerous others. A list that easily that from my perspective and opinion eclipse what Voyence or Emprisa had captured.

Additionally, AlterPoint is diversified in their offerings. They recently announced specific new applications that leverage the core NCCM technology for Compliance & Analytics. Finally, talk about being a good corporate citizen - they have lead the way for a commercial IT management vendor taking a portion of their revenue producing product and productizing it for open source (called ziptie). So they have a thriving customer list, are not a “one trick pony” and are giving back/building a strong community behind their capabilities. What’s not to love

So if we take a quick look at the landscape, that leaves IBM, Symantec, maybe CA (they had an NCCM type module included in the Aprisma acqusition) and maybe Microsoft (they recently OEM’ed InfoVista which I discussed in my last posting) with a big hole! So in my opinion the best NCCM business/product is still out their on the market so let the bidding begin. The longer any of those players wait the further behind they will get in delivering end-to-end use cases for their customers that require the capabilities of NCCM.

Now my hats off must go to Opsware who was the first to see and execute on the end-to-end configuration vision for data centers. They acquired Rendition back in late 2004 and once they brought things together their valuation continued to increase which likely assisted with the recent acquisition of Opsware by HP.

Bottom line here, if your not currently leveraging an NCCM product either, commerical or open source, let me say they are amazing products that help save time, money and frustration for network engineering and operations. These automation tools are critical to the data center and beyond and compliment similar automation tools on the applications/systems side (those offered by BladeLogic, Opsware, etc). More on those automation players in upcoming posts. I would also recommend taking time to subscribe or at least check out the AlterPoint sponsored blog highlighting key evolutions and perspectives in Network Management.

As noted in my personal about section these are my own opinions and based on personal beliefs and public knowledge. I left AlterPoint back in September 2006 for some new opportunities but continue to be a avid fan and cheerleader of the NCCM space, all the vendors (competition is a good thing) and especially my friends still over at AlterPoint!