Intel Press Release

Intel Announces Enhanced Software Distribution Upgrade For Intel LANDesk Management Suite Version 6.3

Web-Based Architecture and New Package Builder Speed Software Distribution

AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Oct. 19, 1999 -- Intel Corporation today announced enhancements to the Intel LANDesk Management Suite Version 6.3 providing improved flexibility and control, increased scalability, and faster performance of software distributions over corporate networks. With this new module, network administrators can create and customize software packages, which can be distributed via a Web server to any supported client or server on their company's Intranet, in a fraction of the time this process previously required.

"Distributing new software, or upgrades and fixes for existing software, is one of the most time consuming tasks for network administrators, especially if they have to do it manually," said Dave R. Taylor, director of marketing for Intel's Systems Management Division. "Our customers have asked us to help them reduce this burden with more automated software distribution tools, and we believe this enhancement to our industry-leading LANDesk Management Suite software gives them the tools they need."

New Functionality
This Software Distribution Upgrade enhances the core software distribution technologies in Intel LANDesk Management Suite Version 6.3 through:

  • Increased flexibility and control - A new Package Builder includes a dynamic scripting language enabling IT administrators to modify existing "snapshot" distribution packages with customized scripts to accommodate their unique environments. An easy-to-use graphical user interface and an extensive set of commands simplify creating and modifying even the most sophisticated scripts. This scripting language also allows for calls to services and launches of external applications before, during and after the installation process. This gives the IT administrator greater distribution and installation control.
  • Enhanced scalability - The Web-based architecture enables the distribution of customized software packages through Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP). Use of this standard Internet protocol provides scalable and reliable solutions for even the slowest WAN links. The Web-based architecture allows the intelligent resumption of interrupted downloads via checkpoint/restart capabilities. When a distribution is re-enabled, the status of the download is determined and resumed at the point it was previously disconnected.
  • Improved performance - The new distribution architecture and transport support speeds the distribution of software packages. When software is installed, only non-duplicate files are downloaded to the client PC, resulting in improved bandwidth utilization and reduced time for package distribution.

"IT administrators have been clamoring for a tool that delivers on the promise of easy and powerful software distribution," said Richard L. Ptak, vice president, Systems and Applications Management at Hurwitz Group, Inc. "Representing one of the most important components of an effective systems management strategy, IT administrators will save significant time and money as these software distribution tools evolve and deliver significant new value."

Availability
The Software Distribution Upgrade for Intel LANDesk Management Suite Version 6.3 is now available for download over the Internet. Customers with Intel LANDesk Management Suite Service Maintenance Agreements (SMA) can download this upgrade at no additional charge.

Non-SMA customers may obtain information on purchasing this upgrade or an Intel LANDesk Management Suite SMA by calling (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers or (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers.

About Management Suite Version 6.3
Intel LANDesk Management Suite Version 6.3 is the cornerstone of Intel's LANDesk family of products, which also includes Intel LANDesk Client Manager Version 6 for Web-based PC management and Intel LANDesk Server Manager Pro 6 with the Intel remote management card for maximizing server up-time. Intel LANDesk Management Suite Version 6.3 plays a key role in helping IT managers take centralized control of managed systems through an integrated suite of management tools including remote control, hardware and software inventory, software metering, and software distribution.

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