Intel Press Release

Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 Reduces Cost of Deploying Standard PC Configurations

New Capabilities Help Integrate Legacy, Managed and Network PCs into Corporate Networks

HILLSBORO, Ore., Nov. 10, 1997 — Intel Corporation today announced LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5, a new version of Intel's deployment product that helps administrators fully and seamlessly integrate Network PCs (Net PCs) and other managed PCs into corporate networks. The addition of software "push" technology and remote wake-up capabilities to version 1.5 allows IT administrators to schedule automatic configuration changes and software distribution after business hours without a technician at the desktop.

LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 lowers the cost of business computing by automating complete, centralized configuration of new and legacy PCs, from hardware setups — such as updating the BIOS and formatting the hard drives — to operating systems, workgroup-specific productivity suites, and applications.

For companies facing the task of migrating networked PCs to Microsoft Windows* 95 and Windows NT*, LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 significantly reduces the time and effort required to configure each desktop by effectively creating, deploying and managing an administrator-defined set of standard PC configurations. LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 is an effective tool to manage the networked PC configuration lifecycle — from installation, through redeployments and migrations, to retirement.

"Companies can now effectively migrate their networked PCs and simultaneously implement standardized desktop configurations," said Ed Ekstrom, vice president of Intel's Internet and Communications Group and general manager of the System Management Division. "Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager is a significant step in driving down the cost of deploying and managing networked PCs."

Leading OEMs are supporting LANDesk Configuration Manager in their Net PC and managed PC products and solutions. Dell is announcing a new server with LANDesk Configuration Manager 1.5 software as part of its over-all Net PC solution. Compaq is using LANDesk Configuration Manager 1.5 in its customer evaluations for the Deskpro 4000N Net PC, the first Net PC to ship, and will add the product to its Smart Start Partner program. Hewlett-Packard plans to include LANDesk Configuration Manager in its NetVectra* (Net PC) customer demonstration. Additional OEMs are expected to license LANDesk Configuration Manager in the near future.

LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 is fully compliant with the Network PC System Design Guidelines and supports Net PC solutions by providing remote configuration of software, including operating systems, and ongoing administration. The product also supports the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) v2.0 and all PCs that are compliant with the Intel Wired For Management (WFM) Baseline Specification, which is designed to help manufacturers produce a wide range of business PCs that can be effectively managed over the network.

LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 includes the following tools for configuring networked PCs:

  • Complete software configuration/deployment -- Administrators can flash a PC's BIOS, format its hard drive, copy files and deploy OS and software applications. Configurations and services can be created, stored, modified and reused from the LANDesk Configuration Manager system.
  • Automatic application distribution -- Automatic application distribution can be scheduled during off hours to avoid interfering with end-user productivity. Application distribution can take place even if the machine is turned off for PCs equipped with Remote Wake-up capability.
  • Desktop inventory -- Administrators can quickly spot PCs that are outside of policy so that the appropriate standard desktop configuration can be redeployed. Accurate inventory of workstation hardware and software enables administrators to identify which machines must be upgraded or reconfigured.
  • Desktop personalization -- Operating systems and applications can be installed based on a network user login, company name and domain or workgroup information. Desktop profiles can be defined when the configuration is created, thereby saving technicians' time spent customizing each desktop.
  • Activity log/reports -- Administrators can track the progress of their deployment and know if a problem has occurred during an installation. Reports can be generated based on installations, date, machine, user or deployment technician, in addition to activity status.

Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 has a suggested list price of $9,995 (U.S.) and is available now. The product includes deployment, inventory and control software and an Intel server with a 200 MHz Pentium®Pro processor.

LANDesk Configuration Manager v1.5 is available from Intel's network of distributors and value-added resellers. Information on LANDesk Configuration Manager and other Intel network and LANDesk products is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at (503) 264-7354 for other international customers.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.