FISMA News

IT Managers Struggling With Existing Products for Network Security, Compliance and Assurance, According to Frost & Sullivan Survey

(Oct 01, 2008)-- As network and security administrators work to keep networks secure, compliant and running smoothly, they are largely finding the solutions currently installed in their networks to be inadequate, according to a Frost & Sullivan survey underwritten by Telcordia. The survey, which measured usage and satisfaction attitudes of IT managers, found that more than 60 percent were not satisfied with the ability of their existing network change and configuration management (NCCM) products based, in part, on a significant gap between desired and available product functionality.

"Our latest research has shown that network and security administrators are struggling with existing solutions to adequately maintain their networks, which are growing increasingly more complicated in the face of increased users, devices and security threats," said Debbie Wong, Consultant, North America, Business & Financial Services Group, Frost & Sullivan. "To date, the crowded NCCM market, which our research shows is dominated by a handful of key players, has not adequately addressed the needs and concerns of IT managers during a time when superior usability and functionality have never been more crucial. This void has led to the creation of a Network Configuration Analysis category of products that deliver the security, compliance and assurance demanded by today's market."

The survey, conducted May-June 2008, identified several emerging market trends, concerns and attitudes, including that:

-- On average, respondents gave their current NCCM product a 4.1/6 rating, or the equivalent of 68 percent (D+);
-- Ease of product use is a key NCCM category requirement, suggesting that current solutions do not offer an intuitive, streamlined userexperience and there is a strong desire to reduce the skill-level required to operate complex IP networks;
-- 84 percent of respondents do not use secondary or complementary NCCM products along with their existing solutions; and
-- Readiness for IPv6 averaged as the top concern amongst survey respondents.

"As IP networks rapidly become more complex and dynamic, IT network and security administrators need a flexible software solution that delivers automated and non-intrusive assessment and awareness of IP networks," said Adam Drobot, president, Advanced Technology Solutions, Telcordia. "Telcordia anticipated this need and has drawn on its deep communications expertise and experience in solving some of the world's most complex communications problems to deliver Telcordia IP Assure, which addresses today's network and security management needs. Telcordia IP Assure delivers the usability, heightened security, five nines availability, Quality of Service (QoS) and regulatory compliance that IT managers demand to keep networks running smoothly in real-time, mission-critical environments."

 To learn more about Telcordia, visit www.telcordia.com.

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