The ability to analyze end-to-end transaction paths should help systems managers identify "the specific component causing a problem," Ptak wrote in a research note, adding that users of the tools also should be able to prioritize problem-solving according to business needs.

CA Inc. and IBM's Tivoli unit also offer transaction management products, Ptak said separately. But he said that BMC's new tools more easily integrate with third-party data-collection software and that they monitor and report on the details of actual transaction pathways.