VMware extends automation with vCenter Operations

VMware has announced new tools to automate processes and manage services in cloud infrastructure based on its vSphere platform, including real-time performance analysis and detection of configuration changes.

Available later this month, vCenter Operations is split into three editions with different levels of capability, such as the ability to manage both virtualised and physical infrastructure.

According to VMware, vCenter Operations collects data from vSphere on the underlying servers, storage and network components within an organisation's infrastructure, and provides IT staff with a dashboard showing real-time analysis of performance and capacity.

The company said it is using patented analytics techniques to provide real-time analysis of performance and capacity, enabling administrators to make more informed decisions on deployment.

VCenter Operations also examines any performance issues to help IT staff pinpoint the root cause as quickly as possible.

Ramin Sayar, vice president of product strategy for enterprise management at VMware, said that companies have to move away from outdated IT management models that make it difficult to keep up with the modern business environment.

"We believe VMware vCenter Operations will help our customers modernise their operations and take the next step in the journey toward a more simplified, agile approach to IT," he said.

Of the three editions, vCenter Operations Standard offers performance management with capacity and change awareness for virtual and cloud environments, while vCenter Operations Advanced has more advanced analytics and planning capabilities.

The top-end vCenter Operations Enterprise offers performance, capacity and configuration management in virtual and physical environments, according to VMware, with customisable dashboards, smart alerting and application awareness.

Licensing for vCenter Operations starts at $50 (£30) per virtual machine.