After years of talk, the move from IPv4 to IPv6 has finally begun to gain some momentum. While the evolution promises to relieve the Internet of potential addressing problems, it may create some management challenges for businesses. In response, SolarWinds has developed a new management module.The Orion IP Address Manager automates IP address management, so network technicians no longer have to rely on items, such as spreadsheets. With the tool, administrators can add, edit, and delete IPv6 addresses and subnets. In addition, they can plan for IPv4 to IPv 6 migration by creating various test scenarios.

The product can enhance their trouble shooting efforts. Network administrators can search for IPv4 or IPv6 addresses and find addresses on dual-stack devices. They can also determine what device had a specific IP address at a given point in time, for instance, they can examine a MAC address and hostname that previously was assigned to an IP address and see how its properties have changed over time. Pricing for the module starts at $1,995.

SolarWinds has been one of many network and systems management vendors who recently delivered inexpensive, easy to use products for the small and medium businesses. The company has done well in this niche: it claims to have more than 95,000 customers worldwide. The new module could appeal to existing customers as well as firms concerned about the impact that the movement to IPv6 may have on their networks.