Opsware tunes tools for compliance

Opsware is introducing additions to its data center management product to help corporations comply with industry regulations. Opsware's software is used for making changes to and managing servers, by sending out patches, for example, and tracking configuration changes.

The company in June will release an upgrade to its Opsware Server Automation System, which will allow IT managers to centralize policies required by industry regulations regarding server changes. With the program, administrators will be able to automate tasks such as sending out patches, and have an audit trail of changes that are made, said Tim Howes, chief technology officer at Opsware. Version 5.1 of the Opsware Server Automation System will also include features to speed up installation time. System administrators will be able to scan a company's network to get an inventory and consolidated view of potentially thousands of servers within a few hours, Howes said.