Executive Summary
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: Patrol for Microsoft Windows 3.0">
Executive Summary: Patrol for Microsoft Windows 3.0
BMCs Patrol for Windows 3.0 is a capable system automation tool for automatically tracking Windows servers. Although its a bit cumbersome to learn, the product does a good job of monitoring systems for availability. If a problem is discovered, the system can send alerts to a console, as well as a page or e-mail to administrators.
COST ANALYSIS
BMC remains competitively priced at $815 per server. IT managers will need to allocate significant resources early in the deployment process so that KMs and management policies are correctly tuned to provide the most useful management information.
(+) Streamlined installation and new licensing; Web-enabled console; improved KMs.
(-) Requires many arcane procedures for optimal use; many thresholds need to be fine-tuned to find appropriate alert levels.
EVALUATION SHORT LISTCAs Unicenter Compuwares ServerVantage 8.5 NetIQs AppManager www.bmc.com
| Usability | Good |
| Capability | Excellent |
| Performance | Good |
| Interoperability | Excellent |
| Manageability | Good |
| Scalability | Good |
| Security | Good |
Cameron Sturdevant has been with the Labs since 1997, and before that paid his IT management dues at a software publishing firm working with several Fortune 100 companies. Cameron also spent two years with a database development firm, integrating applications with mainframe legacy programs. Cameron's areas of expertise include virtual and physical IT infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise networking and mobility, with a focus on Android in the enterprise. In addition to reviews, Cameron has covered monolithic enterprise management systems throughout their lifecycles, providing the eWEEK reader with all-important history and context. Cameron takes special care in cultivating his IT manager contacts, to ensure that his reviews and analysis are grounded in real-world concern. Cameron is a regular speaker at Ziff-Davis Enterprise online and face-to-face events. Follow Cameron on Twitter at csturdevant, or reach him by email at csturdevant@eweek.com.
