IT Process Automation 2.0 Evaluation Criteria
Unbiased Integration
Opalis works with you existing data center tools, with no rip and replace or vendor lock-in "Beware that there is a risk of vendor lock-in once larger vendors enter the market, owing to a lack of the integration standards needed to automate IT operations processes." Gartner*
Publish/Subscribe Databus
Only Opalis offers a databus to pass data between systems without scripting
1-Click Integration without using symbolic variables and other script-based approaches means users can integrate systems in minutes.
Intelligent Workflow capabilities enables context-adaptive workflows that change and branch based on transaction information published on the databus. This means human decision making can be captured and automated.
Parallel Workflow
Run multiple, concurrent branches in a workflow for high volume processing.
Form-Based Configuration
Configure workflow logic, without hardcoded scripts to minimize the time and cost of process development and maintenance.
Embedded Monitoring
Natively trigger workflows based on event, scheduled or interactive methods without modifying external systems.
Automatic Data Discovery
Connect, discover and update workflow logic when systems are modified (e.g. a new service desk field or CI entry) and eliminate the risk of processes breaking when systems change.
100% Code-free Dashboard
Dynamically aggregate and convert real time and historical data from ITPA and data center tools into optimized, pre-calculated KPIs - to analyze the impact and value of automation on the business.
Engineered Integrations
Get vendor specific, reusable workflow actions, which are maintained and supported by Opalis - not professional services built integrations. Productized integrations offer superior functionality and are faster to implement.
Process Lifecycle Management
Migrate workflows from test to dev, or across physical, virtual and cloud infrastructures, without re-writing processes.
Quick Integration Kit (SDK)
Extend integration to any application, by wrapping existing CLI, XML, Java or scripts with an icon and form-based interface.
Enterprise Ready Architecture
Get a highly scalable clustered architecture with multi-tenant and fail over capabilities. Centralized process management, granular security (down to workflow action level) and workflow load balancing provides customers with a secure and reliable environment that can expand as needs grow.
Mature Products
Get an ITPA solution with role based consoles for design, test, monitor, report, and analytics, along with best practice templates and solutions for rapid implementation.
- Opalis Integration Server Workflow Designer
- Policy Test Console
- Operator console (for monitoring running processes)
- Opalis reports
- Opalis Dashboard - automation analytics
- Opalis Process catalogs - out-of-the-box best practices
- Opalis Integration Packs - vendor specific adaptors
Technical Selection Criteria
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Orchestration |
Opalis |
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User (manual), event, schedule-based triggers |
Yes |
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Embedded monitoring (detects changes in target systems and triggers workflows) |
Yes |
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Embedded process knowledge (update workflow logic using the databus) |
Yes |
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Integration |
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Databus |
Yes |
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Dynamic Data Detection (detect changes in systems and support customized products like service desks) |
Yes |
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Deep multi vendor integration |
Yes |
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SDK for extensibility without coding |
Yes |
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Workflow |
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Forms-based configuration (script-free) |
Yes |
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Branching support |
Yes |
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Parallel workflow execution |
Yes |
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Workload balancing |
Yes |
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Product Maturity |
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Role-based interface & access |
Yes |
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Highly scalable, high performance clustered architecture |
Yes |
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Fail over & multi-tenant |
Yes |
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Proven customer success |
Yes |
> Read more about Opalis Integration Server
* David Williams, Gartner, IT Operations Management Run Book Automation Market Consolidation Will Accelerate July 9, 2007
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