New IBM Tivoli Software Prevents Security Patches From Slowing Down Business Transaction

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new software that will help organizations keep their businesses up and running when a sudden glut of security patches must be deployed. By using the software, organizations can prevent patches from clogging networks or bringing down software applications that can slow down the performance of business transactions such as online purchases or loan processing.

IBM’s new Tivoli Provisioning Manager for Software, available in the fourth quarter of 2006, automates the distribution of software patches using “automated bandwidth control,” which prepares computers for spikes in network activity caused by a barrage of security patches. The software also sets guidelines for passwords and ensures that firewalls are running on PCs.

“Distributing security patches or fixes throughout large, global enterprises can be a drag on online business operations,” said Alan Ganek, Chief Technology Officer, IBM Tivoli software. “A surge of patches can slow down or temporarily halt business transactions, which can cost a company time and revenue.”

The software can also help companies make sure security policies are being enforced and that the latest patches and software requirements are automatically updated across an organization. IT administrators can use the software to choose and customize security and software compliance policies — such as the number of digits used in different types of passwords, or specific software applications that should be installed by call center or human resources employees on their PCs.

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