Netopia Inc. — which specializes in broadband equipment, software and services — has updated netOctopus Enterprise Systems Manager to version 4.2. The software is a tool used by IT (information technology) staff to inventory, track, and remotely manage all of the computers and software on a corporate network.
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The system administration program enables network administrators to “see” every workstation on their network from their desktop, and then “reach” out to resolve any issues. In addition to troubleshooting, netOctopus Enterprise Systems Manager helps ensure software license compliance by streamlining software inventories and the deployment of updates
As of version 4.2, netOctopus has added enhanced software deployment tools, and new early warning systems to alert managers about impending equipment failure. Also, in partnership with Mindvision, netOctopus now includes a special version of Installer VISE for Mac and Windows systems, along with a new netOctopus application, File Scripter Pro. Using these tools, network administrators can take a snapshot of a computer hard drive before and after installing new software, compare them for differences, and create custom installer packages to send out to computers throughout their networks, according to Tim Williams, product manager at Netopia.
“netOctopus has always enabled administrators to check for compatibility before installing software, distribute the software for installation, and audit for license compliance afterwards,” he said. “Now, netOctopus will also build custom software installation packages.”
netOctopus Enterprise Systems Manager 4.2 also includes new hard drive monitoring using SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) technology. By monitoring SMART parameters, netOctopus can predict impending drive failures, and warn the administrator both through netOctopus, and via e-mail.
netOctopus Enterprise Systems Manager 4.2 is available immediately for evaluation or purchase. It’s available for “Classic” Mac OS and Mac OS X. For more information, including netOctopus modules and pricing structures, go to Netopia Web site.