Legato Systems Inc. last month week unveiled an add-on to its NetWorker back-up software that aims to simplify the management of system image snapshots created by a variety of storage vendors. The new software, called NetWorker PowerSnap, will let NetWorker users automate the recovery of snapshots created by products such as EMC Corp.’s Clariion, IBM Corp.’s FastT and Sun Microsystems Inc.’s StorEdge Availability Suite. Pricing for PowerSnap will start at about US$2,500 for storage arrays with 500GB of storage.
Microsoft takes Office online
Microsoft Corp. recently launched Office Online, an updated version of its Tools on the Web site. The site gives users access to templates, clip art and other information designed to help them use Office products more effectively, Microsoft said. Direct links will be available from the task panes in Office 2003 applications, letting users access the information without leaving the program on which they are working. Office 2003 is due to be launched this month. There are now more than 100 staff members working on the site, which will be updated daily based on customer feedback, the company said.
IBM pushes portals
IBM Corp. has rolled out three portal-based software packages aimed at creating online environments to streamline business and improve collaboration for specific vertical industries. IBM executives say they worked with business leaders to design the software packages that are geared for the automotive, government and life sciences markets. The software uses IBM’s WebSphere Portal and Lotus software as the foundation for applications that are integrated to create industry-specific collaboration environments. Pricing for the packages vary because customers select the building blocks such as WebSphere Portal, which starts at US$87,000, and WebSphere Commerce, which starts at US$80,000.
