IBM BigFix

IBM BigFix formerly IBM Endpoint Manager, Tivoli Endpoint Manager (TEM) and before that, BigFix, is a systems-management software product developed by IBM for managing large groups of computers running Windows, Mac OS X, VMware ESX, Linux or UNIX, as well as various mobile operating systems such as Windows Phone, Symbian, iOS and Android.[1] IBM BigFix provides system administrators with remote control, patch management, software distribution, operating system deployment, network access protection and hardware and software inventory functionality.[2]

History

The software is the result of the integration of assets acquired from BigFix into the IBM portfolio, and extends IBM's capabilities to manage the security and compliance of servers, desktops, roaming laptops, and point-of-sale devices, such as ATMs and self-service kiosks. [3] The software combines endpoint and security management into a single solution and enables organizations to see and manage physical and virtual endpoints.[4] In 2019 IBM sold BigFix to HCL. [5]


Relevance Language

The Relevance Language is a query language created by BigFix, Inc. prior to being purchased by IBM, and is used by the BigFix platform. The purpose of the relevance language is to provide an interface by which properties of a client (such as cpu, disk space, etc.) could be retrieved. The value of the relevance language is that it, to a certain extent, abstracts away platform-specific query mechanisms like WMI, /Proc, and SIM. This allows an operator to learn one query language that works across all supported platforms. In addition to cross platform compatibility, relevance is an extremely efficient query language, often responding up to hundreds of times faster than native alternatives, such as WMI.[6]

Action Script

The Action Script language is a scripting language created by BigFix, Inc. prior to being purchased by IBM, and is used by the BigFix platform. The purpose of the action script language is to provide an interface by which changes can be made to a client. The value of the action script language is that it, to a certain extent, abstracts away platform-specific scripting differences like directory traversal, script execution and flow control. This allows an operator to learn one scripting language that works across all supported platforms. [7]

Platform components

The core IBM BigFix platform can be extended using additional components delivered by IBM:

IBM 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.[8] 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.[9]

IBM 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.[10]

IBM BigFix for Security and Compliance provides common STIG, CIS, and third-party security baselines, network self quarantine, and removable device control.[11]

IBM 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.[12]

IBM 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.[13]

References
  1. "IBM Endpoint Manager Platform Support Policy". Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  2. University of California IT Services: Tivoli Endpoint Manager (TEM) Archived 2013-04-01 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed 14 June 2013
  3. "IBM Closes Acquisition of BigFix". Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  4. CIOinsight. "Tivoli Endpoint Management Software Gives IBM New Security Tool". Cioinsight.com. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
  5. "HCL IBM acquisition". Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  6. "Endpoint Manager Relevance Language Guide" (PDF). Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  7. "Action Guide" (PDF). Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  8. "IBM Endpoint Manager for Patch Management" (PDF). Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  9. "IBM Endpoint Manager for Lifecycle Management" (PDF). Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  10. "IBM Endpoint Manager for Patch Management" (PDF). Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  11. "IBM Endpoint Manager for Security and Compliance" (PDF). Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  12. "IBM Endpoint Manager for Software Use Analysis V9.0" (PDF). Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  13. "IBM Endpoint Manager for Server Automation" (PDF). Retrieved 18 June 2015.
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