Network Automation, the premier provider of IT and business process automation software, today announced the release of its latest automation software solutions – AutoMate 8 and AutoMate BPA Server 8. The release marks the expansion of the current platform by offering virtualization and cloud computing automation solutions, among its long list of new features. With the AutoMate 8 solutions, the company has continued to improve its no-code platform offering:

• Fully enabled cloud automation via Amazon Web Services (AWS) actions including: Simple Storage Service (S3), Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Relational Database Service (RDB), SimpleDB and Simple Queue Service (SQS); and
• Complete automation of VMware virtualization platforms, enabling proactive automation of guest and host operations including the ability to power-on, power-off, reset and snapshot operations for virtual machines. The software can also directly communicate to a Guest OS, to allow more seamless business continuity throughout operational processes.

“Enabling AutoMate to streamline processes that incorporate the Cloud at a competitive price point is a feature we knew we wanted to offer in version 8. Our platform offers flexibility, and now caters to those who fully use the Cloud, who may not use it all, or who use a hybrid Cloud/on-premise environment,” said Dustin Snell, CEO of Network Automation. “This functionality is one of the many new features AutoMate 8 offers to businesses looking to streamline operations through automation technology.” According to primary research conducted by Enterprise Management Associates (EMA), “IT service and application management process automation is viewed as highly critical to the effective assimilation of Cloud services by an average of 77 percent of IT respondents with committed Cloud implementations.” (The Responsible Cloud, EMA, 2010)

The new features in AutoMate 8 also enable IT and business users alike to quickly, and easily, automate a countless number of tasks. All actions are pre-programmed and are described in plain English, enabling configuration without programming capabilities. For example, a new Microsoft SharePoint-library allows for full manipulation of files, sites, users and roles. AutoMate 8 includes full support for Unicode character-sets throughout the system, designed to support enterprises and resellers in Asia and other global regions.

“Equipping infrastructure and operations staff with automation tools frees up the necessary cycles for them to tackle customer issues rather than continue to work behind the scenes as firefighters,” stated an independent Forrester Research, Inc. report entitled, “Empower I&O Staff With Automation,” October 22, 2010.

From its FTP speed enhancements and its integration into AS2’s data interchange, to a new graphical calendar view that presents visual projections of not only current, but future tasks, and its recent support of Microsoft Exchange 2010, the new software offers innovation and value with reduced complexity for every type of user -- from the smallest SMB to mid-market businesses and global enterprises.

“Network Automation is delivering a nimble and highly versatile approach to streamlining, orchestrating and integrating IT and business processes through automation and application-to-application integration. With the Version 8 release, Network Automation has significantly augmented its capabilities for handling cross-platform and complex multi-disciplinary workflows. IT and business users alike will benefit from the ability to extend automation to applications, processes, services and resources resident on virtualized infrastructure and the common public Cloud platforms such as VMware and Amazon Web Services (AWS),” Albert Lee, senior analyst, Enterprise Management Associates.

AutoMate 8 is currently available for purchase at www.networkautomation.com. The software is also available for a 30-day, 100 percent free trial through Network Automation.