Opsware System 6 is an integrated operation services management suite based on ITIL concepts. Before acquiring a system management and data center automation tool, large enterprise IT managers, responsible for managing and monitoring system and server resources and applications across distributed networks, should evaluate Opsware.

Opsware Poised for Growth

From a vendor stability standpoint, Opsware's star is definitely on the rise. Opsware's reported revenue for 2005 was $61.1 million, which represents 61.6% growth over 2004. Though still operating at a net loss of nearly $15 million, the vendor's rapid growth prompted Baseline Magazine to post Opsware as #14 on "The List: 50 Fastest-Growing Software Companies." Opsware's competitors include BMC, Computer Associates, HP, and IBM in the server, systems, and network management software space.

On the Acquisition Trail

Opsware has a fairly steady history of buying technology companies in order to extend its range systems management tools and to attempt building its foundation to become...