Server: Netscape-Enterprise/2.01 Date: Fri, 21 Nov 1997 05:33:58 GMT Content-type: text/html
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
PLATINUM ProVision ![]() |
![]() PLATINUM Integrates Tools by Patrick Dryden October 13, 1997 Users of database and systems management software from PLATINUM technology, inc. are relieved that the vendor's diverse tools are finally starting to work together. PLATINUM, in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., this week will release upgraded versions of nine point products that for the first time will run on Windows NT and will include a common interface and services. The interface enables a few of PLATINUM's widely used tools to work together as an integrated suite called ProVision. Users may be able to save the hassle of forging links themselves. An operator can pick among the tools to apply a mix of management functions through a common console, information repository and set of alerts. Information system managers can upgrade or adopt PLATINUM tools that can be linked as needed, instead of embracing a huge framework from competitors such as Hewlett-Packard Co., Tivoli Systems, Inc. and Computer Associates International, Inc. The goal is the same reduce the cost and risk of maintaining distributed client/server applications. "ProVision promises quicker response, more convenience and less duplication of effort," said PLATINUM user Mike Mueller, a senior systems analyst at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Milwaukee. The systems administrators and database administrators who care for 30 Unix servers at Northwestern will see the same alarms and share automated responses, not work in isolated consoles, Mueller said. Lack of integration bothered Jerry Burgen, systems and database administrator at E and L Transport Co. in Wayne, Mich. Burgen said PLATINUM could offer only a developer's kit to help him link six tools his company had acquired. "Now I look forward to putting aside my handwritten scripts to let my PLATINUM tools talk to each other," Burgen said. Users said they want all their chosen tools to work together as soon as possible. But PLATINUM has more than 100 point products; only a dozen will offer ProVision integration by year's end. Even so, delivery of the PLATINUM Open Enterprise Management Services technology promised two years ago has encouraged users to extend their fledgling suites. "I'm not in love with PLATINUM to the point that they're the only vendor I'd evaluate, but now I would tend to look there first," Mueller said. MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City, runs only the AutoSys job scheduler from PLATINUM, but it hopes to add four more tools to start building an enterprise management suite, said Collin Douglas, Unix systems administrator at the bank. "Integration was their only weak point compared with alternatives like [CA's] Unicenter TNG and [Tivoli's] TME 10," Douglas said. The ProVision option should trigger sales in the huge base of PLATINUM users, but PLATINUM faces significant competition from framework players CA, HP and Tivoli, said Herb VanHook, an analyst at Meta Group, Inc. in Westport, Conn. Reprinted with permission from Computerworld, October 13, 1997. © 1995, 1997 PLATINUM technology, inc. All rights reserved. 800-442-6861 630-620-5000 Fax: 630-691-0718 |