INFOBrief. Dell OpenManage Client Administrator 3.0. Key Points

Transcription

1 Dell OpenManage Client Administrator 3.0 Key Points Dell OpenManage Client Administrator is an integrated suite of client management applications developed in partnership with Altiris. This product provides the following: Integrated deployment and migration technology supporting desktops, notebooks, and workstations Hands-free hardware and software inventory with Web-based reporting Detailed view of remote computer properties along with bandwidth-sensitive remote control Policy-based software delivery (client-pull) or real-time software delivery (push) that supports LAN, WAN, and mobile users Checkpoint recovery, bandwidth-throttling, compression, network block-out and scheduling of software delivery Support for WAN, LAN, and mobile clients Easy to use, Web-based interface; single point of support; leverages existing staff by reducing complexity Remote BIOS configuration and version management Hardware status monitoring and alerting Page 1 of 9 February 2006

2 Product Description Dell and Altiris work together to provide optimized client system management for Dell customers via OpenManage Client Administrator (OMCA). OMCA includes capabilities for deploying and migrating, collecting hardware and software inventory, distributing software, configuring BIOS settings, monitoring hardware status, and assessing the landscape of networked clients, all from a user-friendly web interface. Figure 1 The Dell OpenManage Client Administrator quick start walks you through the most common remote management tasks Page 2 of 9 February 2006

3 Some of the key features to look for in the latest version include: Role and scope based security Task driven interface Adaptive Display Technology Management and distribution wizards Thorough, automated collection of hardware values and BIOS settings Hardware status monitoring and alerting BIOS profile management and cloning BIOS flashing Policy-based, set-and-forget automation (no administrator intervention required) 7 console languages supported 17 agent languages supported Page 3 of 9 February 2006

4 Product Information OMCA is a suite of integrated products based on Altiris technology, giving you the power to create, edit, copy and remotely deploy system images as well as remotely distribute software applications over the network. OMCA also enables you to migrate PC software and settings, all from a central management console. In addition to the deployment and migration features, OMCA also makes it easy for you to track and report on hardware and software inventory, manage hardware configuration, and monitor hardware health. Figure 2 Remotely configure the BIOS of thousands of computers with a single policy Page 4 of 9 February 2006

5 System Deployment OMCA provides PC imaging, configuration, software packaging, software deployment, and PC personality migration for any Windows operating system. It also supports scripted operating system or application installations with conditional events that run only if the target system matches the desired configuration. The deployment technology supports desktops, notebooks, and workstations with special emphasis on unattended installations, virtually eliminating the need to visit remote clients. Comprehensive Inventory Reporting OMCA provides detailed hardware and software inventory, including serial number, bios details, disk, operating system and end-user contact details for any WIN32 system. You can easily capture inventory even from systems with only an http connection. Out-of-the-box web reports allow you to report on hardware and software inventory, view the details of each computer and assess the landscape of your networked client environment. Figure 3 Detailed information about each managed system is captured and stored in a centralized database Page 5 of 9 February 2006

6 Policy-Based Software Delivery OMCA offers on-going, policy-based software delivery for both connected and mobile/remote users. Administrators can determine which software is mandatory for each user and which is optional, and schedule when software should be delivered. Special emphasis is given to bandwidth-throttling for slow connections and checkpoint recovery for situations where the connection is lost during download. Hardware Configuration Management and Monitoring OMCA integrates the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation (OMCI) agent transparently with the management platform. From a single, remote console you can: Discover Dell Precision, OptiPlex and Latitude systems and push the hardware management agent to them. Collect the BIOS settings and hardware values for all your Dell clients know the exact composition and configuration of any system. Monitor critical systems for hardware alerts or status changes. Upgrade the BIOS on thousands of computers with a single policy. Change the BIOS settings for multiple computers at once or replicate the settings of a blueprint computer to other computers Page 6 of 9 February 2006

7 Supported Configurations Three components work together within the OpenManage Client Administrator environment: Altiris Notification Server, the Altiris Console and the Altiris Agent. The customer s server must meet certain minimum requirements before installing these components. Notification Server Hardware Requirements Description Processor Pentium III 800 MHz or higher RAM Minimum 1 GB (recommended) File system NTFS system partition Disk space 1 GB for Notification Server and components 1 GB for SQL Server database To scale the server to support thousands of computers, faster processors and more memory are recommended. IMPORTANT: You cannot install Notification Server on a computer that is functioning as a Domain Controller. Notification Server sets up local groups during installation and local groups cannot be created on a computer that is functioning as a Domain controller. Software Requirements Description Operating System Windows 2003 Server Windows 2000 Server SP2 or later SQL Database Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP3 (recommended) Microsoft MSDE (approved) Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later Microsoft Windows Internet Microsoft IIS 5.0 or later (requires the Information Services (IIS) Web server to be hosted on NTFS) Note: Microsoft IIS is not installed by default with Windows 2000 or later. For Windows 2003 Server, ASPNET needs to be enabled. Page 7 of 9 February 2006

8 Altiris Console The Altiris Console is the interface for Notification Server. You can run the Altiris Console from any computer on the network that fits the following requirements: Windows 2000/XP/2003 or Windows NT with SP 6a (or later) Internet Explorer 6 (or later) Managed Computers You must meet the minimum requirements listed below before you install the Altiris Agent to managed computers on the network. Hardware Minimum Requirements Disk Space 5 MB for agent (plus space to install any additional software) RAM 64 MB (depending on operating system) Software Minimum Requirements Operating System Windows 95 or later Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later PXE Server To take advantage of the PXE server (pre-boot environment) features, you must have a DHCP server on the network. File Server You can use a file server for storing OMCA program files, images, software packages, etc. This component can run on a Windows server or a NetWare server. It can reside on the management server or be located elsewhere on the network, but clients must have access rights. Page 8 of 9 February 2006

9 Service and Support Dell offers a telephone technical support service for OpenManage software at no additional charge to support customers with installation questions. The following support is included: Web download assistance Uninstalling software Altiris, Inc. complimentary offerings include the following: Knowledgebase Altiris maintains an extensive searchable knowledge base on its website, which includes technical information, white papers, frequently asked questions (FAQs), etc. that will resolve most customer support issues. This is the first place you should go if you need help. Visit Altiris Technical Support Forum All registered Dell customers are entitled to unlimited access to the online technical support forum on Altiris website. The support forum is for use by all customers to help each other and to receive support directly from Altiris. Altiris support personnel monitor the site and respond to customer questions. The target response time on the forum is 24 hours. Visit For additional technical support including Asia-Pacific and EMEA support, please visit the following URL: Dell, PowerEdge, PowerVault, OptiPlex, Latitude, Dell Precision and OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Copyright 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information contact Dell. Dell cannot be responsible for errors in typography or photography. Page 9 of 9 February 2006