HCL BigFix

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(Redirected from Tivoli Endpoint Manager)

HCL BigFix
IndustryEnterprise IT, Software Asset Management, IT Management, Security Configuration Management, Endpoint Lifecycle Management, Networked Computing Device Management, IT Compliance Reporting
HeadquartersEmeryville, CA, United States
ProductsBigFix Compliance, BigFix Inventory, BigFix Insights, BigFix Lifecycle, BigFix Modern Client Management, BigFix Remediate, BigFix on Cloud
Number of employees
3700
ParentHCL Technologies
Websitewww.hcltechsw.com/bigfix

HCL BigFix (formerly known as IBM BigFix, IBM Endpoint Manager, and Tivoli Endpoint Manager (TEM), as well as the company name, BigFix Inc) is an endpoint management platform enabling IT operations and security teams to automate the discovery, management, and remediation in on-premise, virtual, or cloud endpoints. HCL BigFix automates the management, patching and inventory of nearly 100 operating system versions.

BigFix went through a series of rebrands during its ownership by IBM, initially IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager (TEM), and IBM Endpoint Manager (IEM) in 2013. The BigFix name returned in 2015. On July 1, 2019, HCL Technologies completed the acquisition of BigFix from IBM, which had previously acquired it for an undisclosed amount.[1]

History[edit]

BigFix is the result of IBM's purchase of BigFix, Inc. Enabling it to offer additional security and compliance services.[2] The software provides endpoint and security management in a single solution and enables organizations to see and manage physical and virtual endpoints.[3]

Relevance Language[edit]

Relevance Language is a query language developed for BigFix prior to being purchased by IBM and is still used by BigFix. It provides an interface to display information about a client, like processor utilization, or disk space. Relevance language abstracts platform-specific query mechanisms like WMI, /proc, and SIM. This allows an administrator to learn one query language that works across all supported platforms. In addition to cross platform compatibility, relevance is efficient, capable of responding faster than native alternatives, such as WMI.[4]

Action Script[edit]

Action Script is a scripting language used in BigFix. Action script provides an interface to administer clients. Action Script abstracts platform-specific scripting differences like directory traversal, script execution and flow control, allowing an administrator to write a script once for all platforms.[5]

Platform components[edit]

The core HCL BigFix platform can be extended using additional components:

HCL BigFix for Lifecycle Management includes Patch Management, Remote Control, Software Distribution, and OS Deployment. Patch Management includes patches for Microsoft, UNIX, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems.[6] Remote Control gives you the ability to monitor and control PCs and servers. Software distribution provides a package library and automation toolkit for endpoint administrators. OS Deployment provides imaging and provisioning of operating systems as well as operating system migration capabilities.[7]

HCL BigFix for Patch Management includes vendor patches for Microsoft, UNIX, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems as well as patches for third-party applications by Adobe, Google, and Microsoft.[8]

HCL BigFix for Security and Compliance provides common STIG, CIS, and third-party security baselines, network self quarantine, and removable device control.[9]

HCL BigFix Inventory gathers information about installed software and hardware in a customer's infrastructure. Software Use Analysis tracks application usage on endpoints to determine the number and type of licenses required for licensed software.[10]

HCL BigFix for Server Automation provides hypervisor operations to build and manage virtual machines in a datacenter environment. In addition, the Server Automation component provides the ability to do middleware management tasks to support operating system patching for clustered systems.[11]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "HCL IBM acquisition". Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  2. ^ "IBM Closes Acquisition of BigFix". Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  3. ^ CIOinsight. "Tivoli Endpoint Management Software Gives IBM New Security Tool". Cioinsight.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Endpoint Manager Relevance Language Guide" (PDF). IBM. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  5. ^ "Action Guide" (PDF). Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  6. ^ "IBM Endpoint Manager for Patch Management" (PDF). Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  7. ^ "IBM Endpoint Manager for Lifecycle Management" (PDF). Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  8. ^ "IBM Endpoint Manager for Patch Management" (PDF). Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  9. ^ "IBM Endpoint Manager for Security and Compliance" (PDF). IBM. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  10. ^ "IBM Endpoint Manager for Software Use Analysis V9.0" (PDF). Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  11. ^ "IBM Endpoint Manager for Server Automation" (PDF). Retrieved June 18, 2015.