Network Automation Coming Out with Major Upgrade

UPDATED: Once again, we’re reminded that data center automation is a key trend for 2009. Los Angeles-based Network Automation, a small but significant maker of software that streamlines and integrates business processes, said Jan. 21 that it is now taking preorders for AutoMate 7, a popular utility that automates hundreds of IT processes with drag-and-drop functionality — and no scripting.

AutoMate 7 will be available for use in late February.

CEO Dustin Snell told The Station that this AutoMate upgrade adds 65 new tasks, including XML, Active Directory, PGP encryption, Web services and WMI support, bringing the total number of preprogrammed actions to a whopping 225.

The upgrade also features an enhanced task builder that speeds the assembly of automation sequences, plus other improvements that help organizations eliminate process-related inefficiency without the time and expense of coding.

“This is by far the most significant release we’ve had since the original version came out,” Snell said.

Founded in 2004, Network Automation claims to provide the only platform that spans all phases of the automation software life cycle — including development, deployment and management. The company employs fewer than 50 people but has more than 14,000 loyal customers worldwide.

AutoMate 7 is available immediately for preorder here. AutoMate 7 Professional, designed for single-machine process automation, goes for $995 per machine with volume discounts available. AutoMate 7 Enterprise, the server-based edition with support for SNMP and native terminal emulation, sells for $2,995 plus $395 per agent.