LONDON, January 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Halcyon Software has today announced the launch of the latest version of Job Scheduler systems management application for the IBM System i range of servers. Job Scheduler v 4.0 is designed to enable systems operators of all levels to create and run advanced scheduling patterns tailored to suit a company's specific business operations. V6R1 compliant and including advanced FTP scripting language, Job Scheduler v 4.0 also offers automated conversion from the proprietary JBA Job Scheduler to Halcyon's more versatile equivalent making it the most flexible yet robust product of its kind currently on the market. New additions enable multiple dependencies, allowing the user to submit jobs which spawn and monitor other jobs in their own entities.

Functionally rich yet very easy to use, the Job Scheduler incorporates several key features not found in other schedulers. Advanced scheduling patterns are made possible by using the standard calendar features, third party calendars or by a user program using the Halcyon Job Scheduler's unique and intuitive calendar parameters.

Donnie MacColl, head of technical services at Halcyon, comments, Job Scheduler is able to reduce the system operator's workload by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable resource time and in the process minimising the risk of human error. Job Scheduler 4.0 can make more effective use of system resources by running jobs at the best time for your system, your operators and your users and can also reduce operations costs by automating all out-of-hours processing.

Version 4.0 offers users significant improvements over the previous module including the ability to convert IBM standard Job Scheduler entries into Halcyon Groups and Jobs using a simple command. V6R1 compliant and supporting automated conversion from JBA Job Scheduler into Halcyon Job Scheduler 4.0, this latest version of Halcyon's perennially popular product is becoming quickly established as a new market benchmark. MacColl says, This will simplify and enable speedy implementation, and contribute towards achieving return on investment. The new features offered by Job Scheduler 4.0 are all designed for those companies who have used other job schedulers, but now require a more customisable tool to suit their business operations. MacColl continues, Multiple environments are supported, ideal for Outsourcing Environments or Business Units who need the ability to restrict access to particular Job Schedules to specific users or customers. Support for user definable template environments has been added meaning that operators can retain specific settings, and significantly reduce setup time when adding or amending jobs. In conclusion, MacColl adds, The multiple dependencies spawned by Job Scheduler v 4.0 is the feature that really sets this apart from other similar job schedulers out there.

Price and availability

Job Scheduler v 4.0 is available immediately, either on its own or as part of the Halcyon Operations Center, and pricing is tiered based on the IBM processor group and starts from GBP3,750 for a single copy of the Job Scheduler v 4.0 module.

For more information or to download the software please visit: http://www.halcyonsoftware.com

About Halcyon Software:

Halcyon Software Limited is an international software company with over 19 years experience in systems management. Halcyon writes software for IBM midrange computers as well as Windows, AIX, UNIX, Linux, and Netware platforms. Large multi-national companies, corporate data centres, as well as small to medium-sized businesses use Halcyon Software products to proactively manage and automate their IT operations.

The Head Office is based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, and its software is used throughout the world with distributors in Europe, Australia and the USA. Customers include Cap Gemini, Digica, Quiksilver, Avon Cosmetics, Raleigh, Pataks Spices, Early Learning Centre, Arcadia and Budget Insurance.

For further information, please contact: Sandie Simms/ Carole Chandler Halcyon Software Tel: +44(0)1733-234995 Fax: +44(0)1733-234994 Email: carole.chandler@halcyonsoftware.com Web: http://www.halcyonsoftware.com Sally Morgan The itpr Partnership Tel: +44(0)1932-578800 Fax: +44(0)1932-578801 Email: sallym@itpr.co.uk Web: http://www.itpr.co.uk

For further information, please contact: Sandie Simms/ Carole Chandler, Halcyon Software, Tel: +44-(0)1733-234995, Fax: +44-(0)1733-234994, Email: carole.chandler@halcyonsoftware.com, Web: http://www.halcyonsoftware.com. Sally Morgan, The itpr Partnership, Tel: +44-(0)1932-578800, Fax: +44-(0)1932-578801, Email: sallym@itpr.co.uk, Web: http://www.itpr.co.uk