The Roles of Network Management Software

SERVER AND WORKSTATION MANAGEMENT includes controlling configurations, adjusting baseline (threshold) settings to define normal operation, and monitoring statzus. It additionally allows automatic identification and reporting of inactive PCs, lost physical network connections, and logging of client packet statistics.

INVENTORY CONTROL/ASSET MANAGEMENT gathers information on computing assets, including server and workstation hardware, system configuration, and software. These programs automatically track applications on workstations and servers by scanning their drive s. Inventory control programs collect hardware and software informa tion using lists of standard hardware parts and known applications.

APPLICATION METERING tracks software use to ensure compliance with license agreements. Features include monitoring of concurrent execution on server and local drives; notification when use exceeds license limits; creation and maintenance of a registration database for authorized applications; blocking options to enforce compliance with site licenses; and statistical reporting. Among the products evaluated, only Microsoft SMS lacks application metering.

ELECTRONIC SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION (ESD) lets you remotely install new applications and upgrades. It may employ an executable program, script file, or batch file to define distribution criteria and execute tasks. Ideally, the ESD module works with all major operating systems and across bridges, routers, and WAN links.

HELP DESK/REMOTE CONTROL lets administrators fix problems by taking over the user's machine. Administ rators may remotely view and edit system files, transfer files, chat with users, execute programs, and activate configuration changes by rebooting the remote computer.

Only Intel's LANDesk Management Suite comes with this capability. Microsoft SMS requires the asynchronous modem connection Remote Access Service (RAS), bundled with Windows NT Server 3.51 (SMS's required operating system). Symantec's Norton Administrator for Networks requires the optional remote-control program Norton pcAnywhere for help desk and remote control functions. McAfee's BrightWorks requires the company's optional NetRemote software.

NETWORK TOPOLOGY AND MAPPING identifies network segments, nodes on segments, and other logical aspects of the network and draws a diagram of them. Of the reviewed products, only LANDesk Management Suite provides rudimentary logical mapping (see the screen).

VIRUS PROTECTION enables centrally managed innoculation. Only LANDesk Management Suite comes with it, while it's an optional add-on in all other programs but the Frye Utilities for Networks, which doesn't offer it at all.

DESKTOP SECURITY employs software distribution, inventory, and license metering to control user privileges. The most secure products have database passwords and data-encryption features. Among the tested products, Microsoft SMS has the most security features, while BrightWorks has the fewest.

Other administration utilities may include printer and queue management, network backup and storage management, and task scheduling.