PlateSpin Unveils Auto-provisioning Software

PlateSpin Inc. Tuesday announced the pre-release version of PlateSpin Operations Center, its auto-provisioning software for the automated, centralized deployment and lifecycle management of server software and hardware.

PlateSpin Operations Center software runs as a service overlay on any existing IP network infrastructure, enabling service providers and enterprises to have greater visibility and control of their server software and hardware environments. PlateSpin software has been designed to better manage the lifecycle of server networks by providing a method to distribute, monitor, upgrade or migrate software to servers across networks, regardless of their location or the type of server software being deployed.

“The auto provisioning and management of server storage is presenting challenges in the service provider and enterprise markets,” said Linda Wright, Senior Director of Global Alliances at EMC. “As the information volumes associated with those applications also grows, automated provisioning, monitoring and controlling of the information infrastructure supporting them also becomes a key customer requirement. PlateSpin is working through the E-Infostructure Developers program to address these issues by integrating its Operations Center software with EMC’s management software for the benefit of our mutual customers.”

With PlateSpin Operations Center, service providers and enterprise IT managers can discover, configure and deploy software to server hardware that has power and a network connection. Server software can be deployed from a centralized browser interface through drag and drop functionality to the designated hardware platform anywhere in the network. Once the software is deployed, servers can be remotely monitored, controlled and updated through a set of web-based graphical workflow interfaces.

In addition, PlateSpin Operations Center increases server utilization by providing either a virtual hosting or dedicated physical server environment. This feature allows each physical server to be subdivided into multiple private and secure servers, each able to run a distinct operating system. This capability allows service providers the flexibility to implement a “pay-as-you-grow” business model for their small and midsize enterprise customers whose server utilization needs may change over time. The PlateSpin approach also simplifies enterprise resource management and improves cost allocation processes by allowing IT managers to centralize control of all distributed applications with one set of best practices.

“We have received very enthusiastic feedback from our early engagement customers and we will continue to source and engage with new customers between now and the commercial release of our software,” said Mark Verdun, PlateSpin president and CEO. “The demand for our software comes from service providers, enterprises and independent software vendors looking to manage their operations processes more efficiently and to profitably deliver software as a service.”

PlateSpin is offering its pre-release trial program to a select number of customers through August 1, 2001.

Toronto, Canada-based PlateSpin secured $7.5 million in Series A financing in February 2001. Investors include Altamira Investment Services Inc., Intel 64 fund, CastleHill Ventures and A-LIVE Holdings.