BMC Software at its Assurance 2000 conference yesterday revealed plans to offer Linux-based versions of its MainView Advisor management tools for the IBM S/390 mainframe platform.
Due by the end of the year, the tools will perform functions such as performance optimization, prediction, and automation, according to Chris O'Connell, director of MAXM product marketing for BMC.
"We're going to provide performance monitoring tools for that specific environment," O'Connell said.
BMC's first MainView offering for Linux on the mainframe is expected to cost about $17,500, according to O'Connell.
BMC also launched Online/Defrag Advisor, which will provide performance management for IMS databases on the mainframe platform.
The company also plans to offer a series of MainView tools for the OS/390 platform on the mainframe, in the areas of application performance, planning, systems management, and object management.
BMC officials noted the movement of the mainframe into newer technology areas, such as e-business and multimedia. MainView Advisor is intended provide businesses with the ability to manage these systems with fewer skilled people, O'Connell said.