Frequently Asked Questions

Qbilon is a multi-source IT data integrator and automation platform for hybrid IT landscapes. It automatically merges all IT-relevant data into a comprehensive overview picture. This enables individual evaluation and optimization, resulting in significantly reduced workload, lower costs and increased security. In addition, Qbilon can also send its consolidated, enriched IT data to other platforms, for example to automatically populate ServiceNow CMDBs.

We pronounce it “q-bee-lon”. The name is derived from the word “cube” and refers to IT data being viewed from different perspectives – just like the sides of a cube. Therefore, our logo also includes a cube within the big upper-case “Q”.

Qbilon is based in Augsburg (Germany) and was founded in 2019 by four former computer science research fellows at the University of Augsburg. Learn more about our team and background here.

No. EAM tools usually focus on capturing more abstract data such as workflows, processes and personnel assignment. In Qbilon, such information is merged with technical data to obtain one comprehensive overview picture that supports well-founded IT decisions.

Existing solutions usually require time-consuming manual data entry, store data according to a fixed schema in proprietary formats and are not able to create a coherent overall picture of the IT landscape.

In contrast, Qbilon relies on a high degree of automation when capturing data, which is then stored in a flexible schema and without the threat of vendor lock-in. This allows all information to be efficiently merged into a constantly up-to-date and consistent overall picture of the IT landscape.

Yes. EAM tools are a data source type that Qbilon merges with other information to create a comprehensive IT overview picture. EAM tools focus on mapping strategic business planning, capturing work processes and measuring business goal achievement.

Qbilon, on the other hand, has a more technical focus and is concerned with the optimal provision of IT services at the operational level so that the business processes built on them can run smoothly and reliably.

Yes. APM tools are a data source type that Qbilon merges with other information to create a comprehensive IT overview picture. APM tools are used to monitor IT systems at a deep, technical level – providing detailed, end-to-end observation of network traffic and individual applications.

Qbilon, on the other hand, is used primarily at the IT infrastructure and application level, where it sets the captured IT assets in an overall context by showing dependencies and thus enabling the individual assessment of the IT landscape.

“Elements” or “assets” are all separately captured “building blocks” that are shown in the comprehensive IT overview picture, e.g., server instances, applications, IT services, departments or personnel responsibilities.

In general, all IT-relevant assets can be captured – from running services to active server and database instances to applications, products or staff responsibilities. Qbilon flexibly adapts to your company’s data.

Basically, any third-party software can be connected, as long as it has a documented Web API (e.g., ReST or SOAP) and provides its data in a standardized format (a structured form).

For example, the following data sources can be directly connected without any customization effort:
– cloud platforms like AWS and Azure (including Azure Active Directory),
– virtualization software such as vSphere,
– integration platforms like ServiceNow and Orchestra (soffico),
– monitoring tools like PRTG and Darktrace as well as
– any CSV and JSON exports via our file importers.

A listing of currently supported data sources can be found here.

Yes, asset properties can be added manually in addition to automatically captured data. Existing information can also be overwritten by the user.

Yes. The Qbilon software can process all data which being provided in a structured form and that can be retrieved via an API. However, the integration of data from in-house software does require the development of a customized connector.

Many connectors are already available for the fast integration of common data sources. Using these, it only takes a few minutes to generate a comprehensive picture of the IT landscape. In addition, the simple creation of individual views already addresses numerous use cases. Therefore, the insights required for a particular IT decision can be gained in a very short time.

There are many possible fields of application, e.g., evaluating the cost efficiency of cloud landscapes and reveal hidden costs, finding potential security vulnerabilities in your IT landscape, checking whether the IT architecture complies with your corporate policies as well as automating the IT documentation to ensure its completeness, consistency and up-to-dateness. Further typical application examples can be found under the navigation menu item “Solutions” starting here.

Qbilon is primarily used by IT architects, IT leaders, C-level decision makers (e.g., CIO and CISO) and DevOps professionals.

Depending on the IT intensity of the business area, experience has shown that companies of around 250 employees or more benefit significantly from Qbilon.

Yes. Just contact us to get a free trial version.

Qbilon can be provided as cloud-based software-as-a-service solution or as (containerized) on-prem version for the deployment within your company’s local IT landscape.

Qbilon software:

Frontend:

We recommend to feature at least a 4-core processor, 8 gigabyte RAM and a 24-inch screen with “Full HD” resolution (1920×1080 pixels) for user end devices for a smoothly running process.

Qbilon supports the following browsers: Microsoft Edge (version 16 or higher), Google Chrome (version 60 or higher), Mozilla Firefox (version 55 or higher), Apple Safari (version 11 or higher) and Opera (version 48 or higher).

Qbilon software: On-prem

Backend & Database:

If Qbilon runs self-hosted/”on-premises” (Qbilon software) and is not deployed as Docker container, it requires Java Runtime Environment 11 to operate (e.g. Eclipse Temurin™).

The SaaS application is updated automatically, so you’re using the most current version at any time. Updates for the on-prem version are provided monthly.

Yes, because Qbilon only captures information that was purposefully integrated by the user. Regardless of this, all data, including personal information, always remains under your company’s direct control.

Our team only needs your basic requirements and a brief overview of the data sources to be integrated. We take care of setting up the software quickly (see Onboarding). Therefore, your personnel effort is minimal (just a few hours).

Take a look at our product pages to learn about our products and pricing plan.