Halcyon Software announced a major release of its monitoring and automation solution for the IBM i platform – Systems Operations Suite v4.0.

Halcyon Systems Operations Suite v4.0 enables organizations to continuously monitor critical processes and core applications running on the IBM i platform so that operations run without disruption and business continuity is maintained.

The technology also allows system administrators to automate all routine tasks, essential system saves and manual check lists as well as configure appropriate responses to common issues to eliminate human error and reduce IT costs.

IT staff can be notified of unexpected events or problems, including security breaches via email, cell phone, or opt to have alerts displayed on a management dashboard, the Enterprise Console, which is included in the software package.

With the new release, IT administrators can now access the management dashboard to remotely manage alerts through smart phones and tablets such as iPhones, iPads and Android devices by downloading a free “smart app” developed by Halcyon.

Other key enhancements include an extended library of rule-based templates for monitoring critical applications such as ERP and high availability solutions as well as shipped examples of best practice auditing rules for managing IBM i security.

This new release also includes an automatic upgrade facility, and an “import settings” function so that customers can easily duplicate their Halcyon environment for back up purposes or during high availability role swaps.

Systems Operations Suite v4.0 constantly monitors to check if a new version or a higher PTF level is available for download. If a new version is available then the software automatically upgrades the customer’s Halcyon environment.

Previously, IT staff could not back up their Halcyon environment when the monitoring software was in active use on their live environment. Using the new “Import Environment” (IMPENV) command function, users can now replicate their current Halcyon settings to a different IBM i system or partition - which is useful when role swaps are scheduled for high availability purposes. This new functionality quickly and easily provides a back up copy when the live copy of Halcyon software is in use and also helps towards achieving business continuity goals. Administrators can also use this function to import all their current settings if they wish to extend their licensing and create another incidence of Halcyon on replacement or additional IBM i hardware in the future.

Systems Operations Suite v4.0 is available immediately. Product pricing is tiered and based on IBM processor groups. Current customers can upgrade free of charge.