Open source network management software developer, Opmantek, recently acquired the intellectual property of network management open source software platform, Network Management Information System (NMIS).
The Queensland-based company also launched a new release of the NMIS program, used by about 10,000 businesses internationally.
NMIS has been developed over the past 12 years and is used to run IT networks from one through to 75,000 devices.
Opmantek’s open source software is free to all users; however, it has formulated a business model to provide support packages and add-on software modules that allow companies to offer enhanced services to users at a cost.
Company CEO, Danny Maher, said, “As users do not pay for the software itself they are able to spend their funds on integration with other systems, customisation or operational process to meet their individual needs.”
He said open source programs are popular with their low upfront and operational costs but lacked the commercial support many organisations require in the event that something goes wrong or when assistance is needed with particular customisations.
“Consultants and integrators are also able to engage customers, implement the free software and utilise the customer’s budget for customisations and other consultancy work – often this is the work which customers need but cannot afford,” Maher said.
The global network management industry is valued at more than $4 billion annually and continually seeks more efficient, adaptive systems, he said.
The company aims to offer a cost effective and practical network management system by providing full access to support – enabling users to request changes and Opmantek adapting the product for them.
“This provides a better outcome for our users and we believe this model… is a significant step forward for the software industry,” Maher added.
The updated version of the NMIS software is available for download on the Opmantek website.
