New enhancements to IBM i automated operations software improve enterprise control

SoftLanding® Systems, a division of UNICOM® Global, has released new enhancements to its AUTOMON® suite of automated operations software for IBM i systems. The new features are designed to improve control, usability, productivity, and reliability within enterprise environments while also reducing operational risk.
New capabilities have been added to the AUTOMON for iSchedule advanced job scheduling solution; the AUTOMON for iConsole message management solution; and the AUTOMON for iMessage automated messaging solution, which are all part of the AUTOMON suite.

“We’re always keen to respond to the changing needs of our customers and shifts in the industry in general. These new features in the AUTOMON suite meet a growing need for greater control of operations across the enterprise,” explained Jim Fisher, SoftLanding Operations Manager. “We are confident that they will deliver significant productivity and reliability gains.”

A key feature of the new AUTOMON for iConsole message management release enables copying of specific message filtering criteria across multiple iConsole instances running on networked IBM i servers. This saves time and ensures consistency as filters only need to be defined once, and can then be copied to other systems from a single point of control.

“The new copy facility reduces manual effort and eliminates the risk of errors due to re-entering the same information on multiple systems. It also offers a new level of responsiveness that allows system operators to see the wood from the trees in emergency situations, and conversely, allows rapid distribution of filter rules and their associated actions when deploying new applications or setting up new application environments,” said Fisher.

AUTOMON for iMessage, the automated messaging solution, now includes support for SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer). SMPP allows customers to use an Internet-based infrastructure for sending application-generated or system-generated messages to remote and/or mobile recipients, as Fisher explained:
“SMPP offers a reliable alternative to TAP (Telocator Alphanumeric Protocol) and is well suited to the high-volume messaging needs of large-scale corporate infrastructures. This is an important enhancement that ensures AUTOMON for iMessage remains relevant in enterprise environments, and builds on some of the other great enhancements that have recently been introduced such as two-way e-mail and Twitter messaging.”

Additional features incorporated into the new release of AUTOMON for iSchedule, an advanced job scheduler, deliver productivity gains and more granular levels of security and control. Users now have the facility to copy their existing schedule definitions across different networked instances and environments. There is also a more secure auditing facility which logs any changes or additions made through iSchedule’s comprehensive security matrix. A maintenance display view can be used to identify which changes were made by whom and the time they happened.

“The new capabilities within AUTOMON for iSchedule are great time savers while also improving reliability and reducing risk within the enterprise.” added Fisher. “This latest release of the AUTOMON suite demonstrates that we are continuing to build on our core strengths in helping IT departments save effort and cost by automating more of their operational tasks.”

The AUTOMON® solution suite encompasses the following products, available as individual modules:
AUTOMON® for iConsole v100
IBM i message management, for standalone or networked IBM i servers - improves system throughput and saves time and money through automated monitoring and response rules.
AUTOMON® for iSchedule v100
IBM i advanced job scheduler that manages batch work on standalone or networked IBM i servers, all with a single point of control - satisfies enterprise scheduling needs with capabilities such as unattended backups, restricted task scheduling and controlled system IPLs (Initial Program Loads).
AUTOMON® for iMessage v100
IBM i automated messaging for message queue, application and job monitoring, notifying system administrators and support personnel when problems and/or specific events occur - allows users to receive automated alerts and to control IBM i servers via a mobile phone using email, Twitter and 2-way SMS (Short Message Service) functionality.
AUTOMON® for iSpool v100
IBM i full function spool file management, featuring extensive electronic document facilities such as report splitting, document management, spool management, distribution and archiving.