Fortra (Powertech)
Fortra's Powertech line (formerly HelpSystems, formerly PowerTech Group) is the longest-running dedicated IBM i security vendor and still the largest install base by most industry surveys, including its own annual State of IBM i Security Study. Powertech Multi-Factor Authentication, Authority Broker, Exit Point Manager, and Compliance Monitor are each strong standalone products.
Strengths
- Largest install base among dedicated IBM i security vendors, with the deepest bench of IBM i-specific security expertise
- Powertech Authority Broker is a mature, well-regarded privileged access / elevated-authority management product
- Exit Point Manager provides granular network access control across FTP, ODBC, DDM, and remote command exit points
- Publishes the annual State of IBM i Security Study, a widely cited independent-feeling data source (though vendor-funded)
Limitations
- Product line grew through acquisition (PowerTech, Bytware, Robot, Vityl) and integration between modules is less unified than Precisely's single suite
- Some legacy product UIs (Robot Console-adjacent tooling) show their age relative to newer competitors
- Full stack pricing across MFA, Authority Broker, Exit Point Manager, and Compliance Monitor adds up for smaller shops
Best Fit
Shops that specifically need best-in-class privileged access management (Authority Broker) or exit-point network control, and are comfortable managing several point products rather than one suite.
Controls Covered
Where this vendor shows up in the security stack. Each control is covered in more depth on its own page.
- Multi-Factor Authentication
- Privileged Access
- Compliance Monitoring
- Exit Point Management
- Encryption
This is an evaluation, not a listing. Every profile on this site states real limitations alongside real strengths, because a profile with no limitations has not been evaluated carefully. We take no fee from the vendors covered here.