Autonomic Resources, an IT and service integration firm serving the U.S. federal government, in partnership with 4K Solutions, has successfully deployed IBM’s BigFix Endpoint Security Software for the National Guard across multiple states. BigFix has reduced the time it takes to administer patches to the entire state’s servers, desktops and laptops from over a week to less than a day and in some cases to just minutes, while providing real-time, continuous visibility and control for all endpoints across the state agencies’ networks.
With more than 7,000 National Guard end-points currently protected by Autonomic Resource’s BigFix deployments, state Army Reserve National Guard agencies have achieved a level of ROI based on the dramatic time savings on administering patches, as well as their ability to now:
- Use one Information Assurance (IA) console to complete more than 98 percent of all daily and weekly IA patch management tasks;
- Manage its patch and configuration changes quickly and easily across heterogeneous computing environments;
- Deploy patches intelligently across all of its operating systems, servers, and desktops, regardless of physical location, operating system or native language;
- Identify vulnerabilities on intermittently connected end points, such as laptops, and remediate them regardless of network connectivity;
- Secure their networks proactively and quickly, freeing time to concentrate on more critical activities;
- Provide real-time updates to the Chain of Command through “State of IT” reports; and
- Eliminate the need for SMS, GFI LanGuard and McAfee eEye Retina security vulnerability scanning.
“Intelligent computing at the endpoint is a strategic approach to extending security and compliance globally, while streamlining often time-consuming IT processes,” said John Keese, Autonomic Resources’ president. “Autonomic recognizes the importance of delivering these advantages through technologies that are well-suited to address the complexities of state and federal government agency networks. We are pleased to welcome 4K Solutions as a strategic partner and BixFix by IBM to our growing product line.”
To demonstrate the solution’s capabilities and successes, Autonomic Resources will co-exhibit with 4K Solutions and BigFix at the upcoming National Guard Bureau NGB JC41 2010 Joint C41 Conference & Exposition (booth number 835P), which runs December 6 – 8 in Nashville, Tenn. The companies will also host a free webinar January 6, 2011; for more information or to register, http://www1.autonomicresources.com/l/3312/2010-12-02/4X5YF.
According to an Information Assurance manager with the State Army National Guard, every state National Guard agency should implement a solution like BigFix, and the collaboration between Autonomic Resources and 4K Solutions means packages are affordable and can be customized appropriately. “BigFix is the easiest solution for putting third party software updates onto the machines that need it; the first I’ve seen that is virtually plug-and-play on such a large scale. What’s more, the product is based on ‘Pull’ not ‘Push’ for getting the updates out, which means patch delivery is assured not assumed.” He added that the solution is able to help with DAIG inspections, IAVA compliance, STIG compliance, Report generating, Asset management, power (green) management and network access control. “In fact, the IAVAs that came out recently were actually already patched on 480 of my machines because we didn’t have to wait on our antivirus software, resulting in huge efficiencies and time savings.”
About 4K Solutions
4K Solutions (www.4ksolutions.com) brings over 20 years of Special Operations Communications leadership experience delivering direct critical communications support and consul on some of the most demanding “no-fail combat missions in the world. 4K Solutions specializes in providing Business Development, Manufacturer Representative consulting services, delivering key solutions, technologies and consulting that help you get your job done. Strength areas include Information Assurance and Tactical/Crisis Communications. Headquartered in Midland, Georgia, 4K is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and combat veteran of OEF and OEF.
About BigFix
Founded in 1997, BigFix®, Inc. is a leading provider of high-performance enterprise systems and security management solutions that revolutionizes the way IT organizations manage and secure their computing infrastructures. BigFix provides real-time visibility and control for millions of globally distributed computing devices. The BigFix customer list counts many of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations in every industry including financial services, retail, education, manufacturing, and public sector agencies. BigFix was acquired by IBM in 2010. More information can be found at www.bigfix.com.
About Autonomic Resources
Autonomic Resources (www.autonomicresources.com) is a Public Cloud provider and emerging technology integration services firm that works with the U.S. federal government. Federal awards include the GSA Cloud award, GSA Private Cloud solutions (ARC-P), Situational Awareness Incident Response (SAIR), and Data at Rest (DAR) encryption solutions. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., Autonomic is certified 8(a) SDB – Search GSA Schedule #GS-35F-0587R on http://www.gsaadvantage.gov and http://www.apps.gov.