Opsware, Cisco ink agreement

Opsware Inc., a provider of IT automation software, has entered into a distribution agreement with Cisco Systems Inc.

Cisco will distribute Opsware's Network Automation System under the Cisco Systems brand, using both its direct sales force and channel partners. Opsware and Cisco will collaborate on network management solutions built on Opsware's products, the companies said.

Opsware's tools help with change, compliance and configuration management tasks. The company's federal government customers include the departments of Energy and State and the Defense Intelligence Agency, said Ben Horowitz, Opsware's CEO.

About 15 percent of Opsware's business is with the federal government, and Horowitz expects that to increase significantly under the agreement with Cisco.

"Our government team has wanted us to do a deal with Cisco for sometime," Horowitz said. "I think this exceeds their expectation."

Government agencies running large and complex datacenters are ideal customers for Opsware's tools.

"Opsware's network configuration and change control management solution is an important extension to Cisco's Network Application Performance Analysis solution," said Cliff Meltzer, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Network Management Technology Group.

Opsware is based in Sunnyvale, Calif.