Gluware this week introduced a tool to simplify the orchestration of multiple automated tasks into a single workflow.
Network Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the latest product in Gluware’s intelligent network automation suite, is designed to help network engineers and operators create process-focused automations, rather than automate discrete work in a coding-intensive manner.
The primary function of Network RPA is to simplify the orchestration of multiple automated tasks in workflows. Gluware’s existing automations are populated with Network RPA’s drag-and-drop user interface like building blocks. Network managers can generate workflows that resemble flowcharts from these tasks; a particular network failure can trigger an automatic resolution, then another, and if that doesn’t work, automatically send an email detailing the problem. Workflows can be manually triggered, scheduled or event driven.
Competitors for the RPA Network include Itential, which was recently named a 2022 cool vendor in Gartner’s network automation, and Apstra, which is owned by Juniper but has repeatedly focused on staying a multivendor tool.
Network RPA supports API integrations with all services on the Linux Foundation’s StackStorm open source automation platform. Industry heavyweights such as ServiceNow, AWS, Azure and Kubernetes are among the 167 supported integrations. The integrations will help support the automation of tasks that require third-party support, such as automatic Slack notifications when certain network problems occur.
The network process automation tool also offers more advanced troubleshooting capabilities than Gluware’s previous offerings. Network RPA aggregates device logs so that when something breaks, whether in the product itself or in one of the underlying automations, IT pros can access what Gluware CPO Ernest Lefner describes as a “crash replay” to more quickly identify and solve the problem.
The company’s overall goal with the product is to make it as simple as possible for businesses to experiment with what the company calls “hyperautomation,” or the automation of entire processes rather than single, separate tasks. Lefner’s ultimate goal is a network that typically runs its own day-to-day functions, allowing IT professionals to focus their time on enabling business results. He said he recognizes that most businesses aren’t there yet, but tools like Network RPA are helping to build trust in automation.
“You have to build trust slowly, like a pyramid, and the end of the pyramid is where you really start talking hyper-automation,” Lefner said.
Ease of use is key to getting businesses to adopt automation, says Shamus McGillicuddy, an analyst at Enterprise Management Associates.
“There’s always a lot of people on the networking team who resist using network automation because they think manual processes are more reliable and more familiar and more trustworthy,” McGillicuddy said.
He found that some IT pros use an automation tool for a function when asked to do so, but they continue to perform other tasks manually, rather than experimenting further with the tool.
“A good way for [encourage them to adopt automation] will make the tool as easy to use as possible, and as flexible as possible, so [Network RPA] will clearly appeal to IT leaders who struggle to employ people [automation]. “
Next priorities for Gluware include security, policy and AI, Lefner said. To that end, Gluware appointed new vice presidents of AI and security in January.
Network RPA is now available as a standalone product in the Gluware intelligent network automation suite.
Madelaine Millar is a news writer covering network technology at TechTarget. He has previously written about science and technology for MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, as well as covering community news for Boston Globe Media.