Computer Associates is planning to extend its network management offerings, either through internal development or acquisitions, according to the firm's chief operating officer, Jeff Clarke.

Clarke told IT Week that the proliferation of network devices such as BlackBerrys and cell phones, as well as new technologies such as voice over IP telephony and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, mean firms need better network management tools.

The increasing number of network security breaches and the difficulty of managing mobile devices will make companies demand improved network management software, said Clarke.

"The increased network complexity is driving resource challenges, security challenges and management challenges within the datacentre," he added. "You can't just manage the mainframe or the servers any more, (and while) CA has great management tools, the proliferation of the network means we want to augment that capability."

Though CA is working in-house to beef up its capabilities, Clarke said there are several network management specialists that the firm would be interested in acquiring.

John Holden at research firm Butler Group said management software vendors Micromuse and Entuity were the likeliest targets. "With EMC having bought Smarts in the fault-detection area, I would expect CA to be looking at similar companies with route-cause analysis capabilities," he said.

Looking ahead, CA intends to focus more on its three core areas of security, storage and management, according to Clarke.

"Historically, CA has not done as good a job as it might in distinguishing between core strategic products and other products," Clarke added.