IBM introduces next-generation systems management software; SystemView Series simplifies systems management

Business Wire, May 3, 1995

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 1995--In response to customer requirements for integrated, cross-platform solutions that can manage a wide range of computing environments, IBM today introduced SystemView(a) Series, its next-generation systems management software. The new software dramatically simplifies multivendor systems management. It will be shipping on multiple platforms starting with the delivery of SystemView for AIX(a) today.

SystemView Series delivers an integrated set of process-oriented applications and services with an easy-to-use interface. This gives customers the flexibility to choose how they want to manage anywhere from a few to thousands of information resources.

"SystemView Series enables us to create a more competitive product and actually reduce costs," said John Spiewak, IS director at TVSM in Horsham, Pa., which produces weekly and monthly versions of cable television guides for more than 2,000 cable systems. "Because SystemView Series is process-oriented, not product-oriented, we can properly manage our system, track problems and remove problems as quickly as possible--with a smaller staff. SystemView is even proactive--it can solve a problem before the user notices it."

According to many industry analysts, robust, easy-to-use systems management is the biggest single requirement for effective client/server computing. SystemView for AIX, announced and shipping today, can manage a wide variety of platforms and resources from multiple vendors in the client/server marketplace. As IBM continues its phased delivery of SystemView Series, it will deliver SystemView for OS/2(a) by the end of the year, which will focus on the management needs of workgroups and small business. IBM will also deliver SystemView for MVS by the end of the year for enterprise management of large, complex environments, and SystemView for OS/400(a) early in 1996, for management from a midrange platform. Over time, higher levels of integrated, object-oriented applications and services will also be introduced, as well as common agents that support a range of third-party vendors.

"IBM wants our customers to realize the promise of client/server computing, and that requires overcoming the barriers of cost and complexity," said John M. Thompson, IBM senior vice president and group executive. "SystemView Series provides a common set of integrated packages for IBM's major operating systems, bringing new levels of ease of use, simplicity and cost control to the client/server environment."

Integration of Function

SystemView Series gives customers easy access to the industry's most complete set of systems management functions. From a single computer screen a systems administrator can easily and quickly move from one management function to the next in a logical flow using familiar, point-and-click, drag-and-drop techniques--with a wide ranging choice of process-oriented applications.

"Today marks a major milestone for IBM. We are providing our customers a unique, process-driven approach to systems management," said William E. Warner Jr., vice president, IBM Systems Management. "We have been able to take a quantam leap forward in simplifying information technology management with the most complete set of highly integrated, flexible and easy-to-use products and services. And best of all, what customers buy today will grow with them as they evolve their businesses in the future, preserving and enhancing their investments."

Integration Through Objects

SystemView Series encompasses a framework that includes interoperable, object-oriented applications. Today, SystemView for AIX offers screen-level object integration that allows users to manipulate applications easily and quickly as icons. New object-oriented applications, based on IBM's Systems Object Model (SOM) will appear in future releases of SystemView Series as it rolls out over the next 18 months.

With today's announcements, IBM is delivering on its promise to provide simplified, highly integrated management of multivendor systems in traditional, distributed enterprise and workgroup environments.

"We are very enthused by SystemView for AIX today and the whole SystemView Series direction," said Jim Corrigan, president of Ki Networks. "From an application developer's perspective, writing for SystemView Series today, and as it evolves to include increased object functionality, is like getting on board an express train taking us from the present into the future. It's a good train ride--and from a systems management perspective--it's taking our customers to a much better world."

(a) Indicates trademark or registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corp. (b) Indicates trademark of the respective company.

CONTACT: Melinda R. Painter

212/872-7283 (May 3)

919/543-9627 (After May 3)