Enterasys wants you to friend and Tweet with your switches and routers

The "isaac" software enables users to receive alarms and alerts from the Enterasys network management system, and at that time send back commands through social media interfaces. In substance, it allows the Enterasys network -- switches and routers and its management system -- to become part of an individual's social network.

Alerts and alarms are presented in conversational terms, like, "My router in Houston is nearing its threshold for traffic." Enterasys claims isaac could save enterprises millions of dollars in downtime, lost revenue and operating expenses, during protecting business operations through real-time response to problems.

Pricing starts at about $10,000, even though the software will be available as a free promotion to Enterasys early adopters in the third quarter until the fourth quarter, when it will be available for purchase and will support other network management platforms.

Enterasys says it is working with its partners, and with parent Siemens Enterprise Communications, to open up isaac to other platforms.