Apple has updated its Apple Remote Desktop desktop management software. The new version, 1.2, adds new features and capabilities.
Designed for corporate and educational network environments, Apple Remote Desktop provides network administration and remote control functionality for the Mac. It can be used to distribute and install software, copy files and perform asset management auditing, and also works as a “remote control” system that enables teachers to interact directly with a student’s computer to provide personalized assistance directly on the screen.
Apple Remote Desktop v1.2 adds Remote Software Installation and Remote Network Startup Disk as new features. Remote Software Installation enables administrators to remotely install new software to groups of Macs simultaneously over the network, while Remote Network Startup Disk sets any number of OS X clients to start up from a specified netBook or Network Install disk image on a remote server.
Other new features in Remote Desktop 1.2 include automatic update for upgrading Apple Remote Desktop clients automatically over the network, and new security features including encrypted control and KeyChain support.
The Apple Remote Desktop client software works on Mac OS 8.1 through 9.2 and Mac OS X 10.1 or later; the administration system requires Mac OS X 10.1 or later. It runs on a G3 or better.
Apple Remote Desktop 1.2 is offered as a free update to existing customers through Software Update. New licenses are available for US$299 for the 10-client edition and $499 for the unlimited client version. Educational pricing is available. More details are available from Apple’s Web site.