Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager Cuts Burden of Operating System Upgrades

New Product Reduces Support Costs by Managing and Deploying Standard Configurations on New and Existing PCs

HILLSBORO, Ore., March 31, 1997 -- Intel Corporation today launched LANDesk Configuration Manager, an integrated hardware-software product that enables companies to remotely install operating systems, workgroup-specific productivity suites, and applications on PCs over corporate LANs. For companies facing the task of migrating PCs to Microsoft Windows* 95 and Windows NT*, LANDesk Configuration Manager provides a unique ability to define and manage a set of standard PC configurations and to deploy them using technology innovations that vastly reduce the amount of effort required for each desktop.

Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager has a suggested list price of $9,995 (U.S.) and is available immediately.

"Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager gives organizations an essential tool for deploying and migrating operating systems as well as all other software on a business PC," said Ed Ekstrom, vice president of Intel's Internet and Communications Group and general manager of the System Management Division. "Managing the configuration process represents one of the most time-consuming and expensive tasks on any computer network. Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager is the first viable solution to effectively manage this process. The product represents another large step in making business PCs universally manageable."

Maximizes IT Staff Resources
Information Technology staff can use Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager to configure new PCs or update existing ones. Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager provides tools that walk the IT administrator step-by-step though the process of defining and creating a set of master configurations. Once the IT administrator creates a master set of configurations, desktops can be upgraded or installed quickly and efficiently with a simple reboot at the desktop. This eliminates the need to install software manually at each workstation, thereby nearly eliminating direct technical labor costs for each desktop.

Boot Intervention Is Key
The installation and deployment process is significantly enhanced by the Intel LANDesk Service Agent. LANDesk Service Agent is Intel's implementation of a newly adopted industry standard that intervenes in the boot process so the PC can boot directly from management servers such as the Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager. The PC can then be configured with the appropriate operating system, network files and desktop applications.

IBM Shipping LANDesk Service Agent
IBM recently began shipping LANDesk Service Agent with select systems. Combining the capabilities of LANDesk Service Agent with IBM's Wake on LAN™ technology enables IBM PC's to be remotely booted and configured, even in off-hours when the PC is turned off. This standards-based solution is a result of continued collaboration by Intel and IBM under the Advanced Manageability Alliance.

"Reducing the complexity of deploying and managing PCs is a key reason why IBM and Intel formed the Advanced Manageability Alliance," said Rich Cheston, program director for IBM Commercial Desktop Marketing. "Intel's announcement today is an important step in meeting customer needs in this area, and that is why IBM will release a complementary product in April called LANClient Control Manager that addresses a similar need. Our two companies will standardize these products over time."

Intel LANDesk Configuration Manager, the newest member of the LANDesk product family, is a key element of Intel's Wired for Management initiative to further reduce the total cost of ownership of high-performance business PCs based on Intel Pentium®, Pentium Pro and, when introduced, Pentium II processors.

All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at (503) 264-7353 for other international customers.

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