Microsoft dominates the desktop operating system market, but competition is still evident in the Linux server space. Consequently, GroundWork Open Source (GWOS) felt compelled to add support for Canonicals Ubuntu Linux distribution to its open source network management platform, GroundWork Monitor Enterprise.In addition to the Ubuntu support, GroundWork Monitor Enterprise runs on Novells SuSE Linux Enterprise Server and Red Hats Enterprise Linux. The new release (6.1) supports the Nagios Core project version 3.2.

Other enhancements include simpler navigation. The management system now offers direct web links to specific service groups, services, host groups and hosts within the portal application. In addition, network technicians can now connect to affected systems from the status viewer with two clicks. Tighter integrated between the event view and state-oriented views can reduce the time to diagnose a problem anywhere in the monitored environment.

Network and systems management has been challenging for small and medium businesses. Traditionally, these products have been expensive and difficult to deploy and maintain. By taking an open source to management, GWOS has been able to deliver a function system at a reasonable cost (pricing starts at about $50 a year). The open source approach has also enabled the company to deliver a new release every few months, which has helped to grow its customer base.