BMC goes on Patrol

Easy-to-install version of remote systems monitoring to help resellers tackle SMEs

BMC Software is launching a new easy-to-install version of its remote systems monitoring software to help resellers capture the SME market.

Patrol Express 3.0 will be sold through BMC's 30 Gold and 60 Silver partners. Systems integration specialist Konnect-IT will provide resellers with support and training.

John Hudson, managing director of BMC Silver partner Tectonic, which specialises in business continuity, said: "The major challenge of selling full-blown systems management software is the time and effort needed for deployment.

"With Patrol Express you are getting 80 per cent of the functionality for 20 per cent of the price of the classic version. We can do proof of concept in one or two days rather than a week or more.

"It has hit a nerve because people have got the hardware and equipment but are looking for ways to get better value out of it. There is massive interest and we are making good margins."

Patrol Express now contains web-based reporting so customers can quickly determine how infrastructure problems affect end-users' internet experience.

Other features include not having to install agents on servers, expanded storage monitoring capabilities and Critical Alarm, a new alarm state that allows escalation policies to be put into place that meet this level of alert.

Analyst Giga Information Group said last year that the ease of installation of Patrol Express made it potentially attractive to the SME/reseller sector.

Jean-Pierre Garbani, analyst at Giga, said: "Patrol Express offers a solution that could potentially capture some of this market.

"If provided through the right channel at the right price and cost of ownership, it could be a winner against smaller and less-known competitors."

Andrew Foxcroft, channels manager at BMC, said: "Patrol Express gives us more to work with in partnership with the channel.

"Organisations had to be large to justify the expenditure on systems management software, but resellers can now address SMEs or organisations that want the software for non-mission-critical systems."