IBM unleashed new network-protecting automated features in its Tivoli management line Tuesday, just days after the mega-merger of security software provider Symantec
and storage play Veritas
.
New autonomic capabilities in Tivoli Security Compliance Manager 5.1
and Tivoli Provisioning Manager 2.1 are designed to reduce the damage viruses, worms and other vulnerabilities cause to networks.
In an example of the continuing work between IBM and
Cisco
, Tivoli Security Compliance Manager now integrates
with
Cisco Systems’ Secure Access Control Server, granting or denying PCs,
laptops and other devices network access based on their compliance
status.
The software determines if the device is compliant with security
policies, such as up-to-date operating system patches, anti-virus update levels
and
password settings.
Tivoli’s Provisioning Manager also provides new workflows for security
and
systems management, rendering computing devices that violate corporate
policy compliant. This software asks users for stronger passwords, or
requests that users install operating system patches or anti-virus
software
updates.
While network security is its primary function, the automated nature
of
the software also frees up engineers to complete other IT tasks. The new features are part of Big Blue’s e-business
on-demand vision of bringing network access privileges to employees and safeguarding against network attacks.
The release also comes at a time when viruses and worms are growing more malicious and challenging the security of enterprise networks. According to IDC, the worldwide security and vulnerability
software market will top more than $3 billion in 2008, good for a
compound
annual growth rate of 20 percent.
In related IBM news Tuesday, the concern also found a home for more of
its
eServer p5 570 mid-range servers. Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems &Solutions (IS&S) business said it would use
micro-portioning and virtualization technology to consolidate UNIX servers in its data centers. Lockheed Martin plans to use two 16-way 1.9
GHz p5 570 systems running IBM’s AIX 5L 5.3 operating system.
Tivoli Tightens Aim at Security Threats
