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Version 4.1: arago makes its AutoPilot fit for the future

The automation experts of arago have released the latest version of their AutoPilot. Thus, the company from Frankfurt, Germany promises an even more flexible and secure IT operation with their knowledge-based automation solution. The AutoPilot can automatically carry out tasks within an IT operation and thus relieve IT departments of their routine tasks. The most important innovations in the latest update are the introduction of a developer portal and a new API, which opens the AutoPilot for software developers. Thus, the AutoPilot should integrated more efficiently into existing IT environments and adapted to individual needs. AutoPilot users can download the software for free to update on version 4.1 and get access to all the new services and features.

New API improves the integration

With the introduction of a Java/C++ API library and a REST interface connecting external systems is now easier. Users get the option to integrate the AutoPilot more quickly and efficiently in IT environments, and so access to relevant databases, hardware or user interfaces simplified. In addition, a new, more compact XML format for the respective MARS model reduces overhead when model data is transferred to the API.

Developer portal extends AutoPilot to a platform

With the introduction of the developer portal, AutoPilot can be used immediately by developers as a platform to generate their own applications on the basis of knowledge-based automation and data storage or to use existing connections. For this purpose, arago has made extensive documentation, code examples and test data available in the new portal. Should you have any questions or comments, arago has also provided the users with a support community. The developer portal is currently in the beta phase for a selected circle of developers – this is constantly being expanded, however.

Knowledge-based replaces scripted automation

AutoPilot distinguishes itself from most automation solutions considerably by being knowledge-based. Many other solutions on the market require a standardisation of the IT environment and work in scripts, run books or workflows. They create IT processes that work in a similar way to an assembly line and therefore work well on a level that already benefits from a large amount of standardisation – for example, the operating system or standard applications. A knowledge-based solution, in contrast, administers the whole stack, from the operating system to individual applications and the business process, and integrates into the existing IT environment – even into complex and non-standardised environments.

arago AutoPilot uses the knowledge already existing in the company and applies it automatically. The solution is filled with the knowledge of administrators and other IT professionals in the form of knowledge items and receives all the information it needs for the automated administration of IT operations. Subsequently, AutoPilot flexibly combines these depending on the situation and requirements, and thus works like an autonomous expert. As a result, the software tool can also administer individual applications and, in doing so, even react appropriately to unplanned events.

Comment: AutoPilot is prepared for its future

With version 4.1 arago sets a new milestone for its AutoPilot. Particularly with the introduction of the developer portal and the REST API arago makes a step into the future and opens for third party developer. This is insofar an important decision that it increases the reach of the AutoPilot and strengthened the acceptance of the knowledge-based automation in the market. This progress may eventually lead to a marketplace, which allows developers to offer their own applications for the AutoPilot and monetize it.

Automation is still considered as a dangerous development by many people, because the machines could replace the job completely. This is a well-established way of thinking that needs to be questioned. The industrial revolution also did not destroy the manpower of the people but led to greater efficiency in production and new higher-value tasks. IT departments are caught in their routine tasks for IT operations today, and thus can only limited intervene in the added value of a company. And this at a time in which everybody talks about IT as a business enabler.

A knowledge-based automation solution, such as the AutoPilot, has the potential to relieve the IT department and to give them more time and freedom to concentrate on the strategic orientation of the company’s IT and therefore to the same extent to increase innovation through IT in business.

By Rene Buest

Rene Buest is Gartner Analyst covering Infrastructure Services & Digital Operations. Prior to that he was Director of Technology Research at Arago, Senior Analyst and Cloud Practice Lead at Crisp Research, Principal Analyst at New Age Disruption and member of the worldwide Gigaom Research Analyst Network. Rene is considered as top cloud computing analyst in Germany and one of the worldwide top analysts in this area. In addition, he is one of the world’s top cloud computing influencers and belongs to the top 100 cloud computing experts on Twitter and Google+. Since the mid-90s he is focused on the strategic use of information technology in businesses and the IT impact on our society as well as disruptive technologies.

Rene Buest is the author of numerous professional technology articles. He regularly writes for well-known IT publications like Computerwoche, CIO Magazin, LANline as well as Silicon.de and is cited in German and international media – including New York Times, Forbes Magazin, Handelsblatt, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Wirtschaftswoche, Computerwoche, CIO, Manager Magazin and Harvard Business Manager. Furthermore Rene Buest is speaker and participant of experts rounds. He is founder of CloudUser.de and writes about cloud computing, IT infrastructure, technologies, management and strategies. He holds a diploma in computer engineering from the Hochschule Bremen (Dipl.-Informatiker (FH)) as well as a M.Sc. in IT-Management and Information Systems from the FHDW Paderborn.