Software centralizes monitoring of IP devices HANOVER, GERMANY — F5 Networks of Seattle has launched a network management tool that allows centralized monitoring of its IP (Internet protocol) traffic management devices.IControl Services Manager (iSM) software allows administrators to remotely configure and manage F5’s IP Application Switches. Configuration changes, backups, reporting and monitoring of the load- balance devices can be managed through a central interface, Michael Frohn, general manager for Central Europe said Wednesday at the CeBIT trade fair here.Interaction with, and data collection from, the devices is encrypted to ensure security, said Frohn. “Analyzing packets and directing them while they remain encrypted is fairly unique, I think,” he said. The iControl Service Manager can control up to 24 devices. It will be available from March 25, starting at $1.995. Technology Industry