Opsware expands in expanding market

Opsware next month will release version 6 of its data center automation software, a market the company estimates could eventually top $10 billion.

The company has compiled a suite of programs to automate tasks, such as sending out security patches or provisioning hardware.

The update introduces an application which gives IT administrators a map of the dependencies in their data center and allows them to view the impact of changes, said Tim Howes, the company's chief technology officer.

Opsware has also gotten "deeper and more granular" with its server automation server, giving system administrators more control over configuration changes, particularly for Windows, he said.

The update combines the server and network hardware automation the company gained through its acquisition of Rendition.

Opsware, which made $61 million last year and forecasts revenues of $100 million this year, is the largest stand-alone company in the automation software field, Howes said. Primary competitors are the larger management software suppliers, such as HP, IBM, CA and BMC Software.

The company's goal is to be the dominant supplier in the field, which Howes said will ultimately grow to be a multi-billion dollar market.

Next step for Opsware products is storage automation, he said.