Arula Systems' new software architecture provides platform-independent, chat-enabled, browser-based, encrypted, IP-protected, modular, upgradeable, scriptable device management—whew!—it seems this HP spinoff has it all.

by Alex Goldman ISP-Planet Associate Editor [June 1, 2001]

Hewlett-Packard spin-off Arula Systems this week unveiled its latest remote device management software architecture, the Universal Agent Platform for Information Technology, otherwise known as UAP-IT.

Arula specializes in developing secure remote access solutions, its technology is used as the Secure Web Console feature on all HP UNIX servers. Arula products already on the market include Secure Console, Secure Console SSL, and Cerebus c8, which can manage eight devices. Cerebus-class products provide secure access—40 bit or SSL 128 bit encrypted—to remote devices through a Java-based interface compatible with most browsers.

The software for Arula products can be updated remotely and does not require that agents be deployed to devices controlled by Arula products, making upgrades, for free or for a fee, easier to implement.

The new universe
The new UAP-IT platform takes this technology one step further by enabling the device to use SNMP traps, Hardware Signal Detection for devices that support Data Set Ready (DSR), and Tool Command Language (TCL). It proactively notifies administrators of problems through e-mail alerts, popup windows, or command line alerts. This line of proactive, UAP-IT based products is dubbed Dominion.

Additionally, UAP-IT platform is designed to be readily modified, so that users can edit scripts provided by Arula or developers can brew their own.

UAP-IT enhances network security by allowing administrators to create user-defined lists of IPs addresses allowed to access different devices. Of course, varying permission levels can be assigned to different IPs.

UAP-IT devices operate out-of-band, on a separate network connection. Although this means each UAP-IT device needs an IP address, it also means that no software needs to be installed on client devices.

The sample network connection diagram (left) shows how a service provider could use several Arula devices to manage customers' LANs by remote access by simply deploying the Arula devices at the core local network.

Each Arula UAP-IT device accepts an RJ45 10base-T Ethernet Internet connection going in, and connects to devices it controls through RS 232 serial ports going out. Arula can supply adapters and cables for devices from standard manufacturers like Sun, Cisco, in addition to HP.

Murali Subbarao, Arula vice president of solutions said operating out-of-band allows network administrators full remote access to the devices.

"You can turn the system on and off as if you were pressing the power button," Subbarao said.

Arula software products include CommandCenter (sold separately) which allows network technicians to view up to 250 devices in 25 racks by OS or device type. This means that if there is a load balancing problem, a data traffic cop can check the status of all applicable devices and ports.

Arula's Console View software allows users to access devices in a simple image view, simplifying operations.

When it comes to return on investment (ROI), Subbarao said the Dominion c1 costs $895 US. It controls one device and offers 40-bit SSL encryption, so the Dominion c1 earns its keep if it saved a service provider nine trips to its data center. This is based on an estimate that a technician is earning $50 per hour and a round trip takes two hours, so each trip costs $100 (and that's without calculating travel costs).

Ruling the future
In the future, Arula plans to expand its Dominion lineup with products that can control eight and 16 devices. It is working on Cerebus c32, which will control 32 devices and on a PCI-compatible product for VARs. Finally, Arula hopes to build KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) interactivity to its software, because, Subbarao said, "our customers demanded it."

Arula is also working on 802.11x and Bluetooth links that would connect to Cerebus and Dominion products to eliminate some of the wires in data center cages. Subbarao noted that eliminating cables would "reduce heat in the cage by aiding air flow."

Arula is listening to its customers in order to determine what scripts they required. Subbarao said the company plans to release at least one script each month, tied to specific operational tasks.

Pricing and availability
The Dominion c1 is the first UAP-IT device. It is available now, for $895 with 40-bit SSL encryption and $995 with 128-bit SSL encryption.

The Cerebus c16, which like all Cerebus class devices is not a UAP-IT device, currently retails for $5,999 US. But Cerebus c16s purchased before the release of the Dominion c16 will be eligible for a free UAP-IT upgrade when available. Since the Dominion c16 will retail for $9,999, the free upgrade is worth $4,000 US.

CommandCenter software will be available on June 15, 2001, and should retail for $2,999.

—End