Desktop Management

Desktop Management

by

Lisa PerssonDesktop management

is probably the most resource-consuming task for the typical operations and support team, regardless of being frequently overlooked as not as complex or specialized as core network operations and management. Nowadays this scenario is even worse, since the increasing number and complexity of desktop systems was not matched by satisfactory management solutions – despite the relative success of products such as Intel’s Landesk or Microsoft’s SMS. In order to address this problem, we are exploring a different approach to desktop management, through the design and implementation of the open-DMS management framework. This open source framework differs from available products in several points, such as earlier remote management mechanisms (prior to operating system load), incorporation of existing open standards, a network-centric architecture, operating system neutrality and tighter integration between traditional PC, thin clients and network PC. In this paper we discuss the current status of desktop management solutions and we present an overview of the Open-DMS approach, including its most relevant technical foundations and an application scenario.

Desktop Management InterfaceDesktop Management

Interface (DMI) is a new method of managing computers in an enterprise. The main component of DMI is the Management Information Format Database, or MIF. This database contains all the information about the computing system and its components. Using DMI, a system administrator can obtain the types, capabilities, operational status, installation date, and other information about the system components

Desktop Management Suites All leading PC vendors also offer their own suites of management tools, and a number of third-party software vendors have competitive or complementary products as well. These application suites, which are generally aimed at small to medium-size companies, offer a collection of applications with a consistent graphical user interface (GUI). Typical features include software distribution

, inventory tools, and a variety of system administration and troubleshooting tasks. Some suites include tools for distributing and updating OS’s, performing remote BIOS updates, and remotely locking PC components

such as floppy disk drives, keyboard, and I/O ports. Many of these suites support Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and DMI 2.0, which means they can perform desktop asset tracking in cooperation with DMI-enabled PCs.

Lisa Persson

Author of Sweden http://www.specopssoft.com/ http://www.specopssoft.com/products/specops-deploy

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