BlueCat Networks has upgraded its Proteus IP address management appliance, with new firmware which can automate time-consuming network administration tasks.

The firmware allows users to submit IP address requests through a self-provisioning portal. This allows network administrators to drastically reduce the time spent on overseeing IP address management, BlueCat claimed.

The tools "allow administrators to delegate control with the confidence that they are not exposing the company to any risks of mis-configuration or error," said Richard Hyatt, chief technology officer, BlueCat.

Blue Cat has also added an 'IP Reconciliation' feature which gives network administrators the tools for automated management of static IP addresses.

The third major feature is a new change-approval mechanism which notifies senior network administrators when lower-level administrators put forward a change request for consideration.