The Forrester Wave™: Data Center Automation, Q2 2008

Data center automation (DCA) solutions allow IT organizations to automate a variety of workflows that support configuration and change management processes across IT infrastructure. In Forrester's 80-criteria evaluation of DCA vendors, we found that HP leads the pack because of its breadth of solution in a very competitive DCA market. BladeLogic is in hot pursuit, but with a less compelling suite approach to manage an entire server, network, application, and storage environment. BMC has a well-rounded offering with a very strong process automation flow thanks to its recent acquisition of RealOps and the integration of that solution into the BMC DCA offering. IBM has significantly improved its DCA solution with the integration of additional workflows and discovery and mapping capabilities. CA, with the introduction of its product and the combination of discovery solutions, is well positioned to satisfy customer needs. Novell and mValent are both great alternatives in DCA, each representing a strong standalone DCA solution.