LANDesk Server Manager provides a central console from which network administrators can manage servers in their organizations, each with differing hardware or operating system deployments. While the core server itself requires a dedicated Windows (2000 Server/Server 2003, w/ IIS 5/6) box, the servers that can be managed include multiple O/S platforms, including Windows (2000 Server/Server 2003), Red Hat Linux (Enterprise 3 ES/AS), SLES 9/10, and HP-UX 11, 11i. Additionally, when utilized in conjunction with the vendor's LANDesk Management Suite, Server Manager is able to manage IBM AIX 5.1/5.2, Solaris 8 (Intel), and Solaris 8/9 (Sparc) machines.

The key core capabilities of the product include health and performance monitoring of managed servers. Both real-time and historical performance data is available for examination; and monitoring statistics can be collected actively in or out of band. For direct server analysis, application-layer remote control sessions can be launched to resolve configuration issues. Other features include integrated active vulnerability scanning, patch selection and patch distribution tools; centralized log management, and an alert management system.

Access to the core server is through a Web console (IE or Mozilla), while "lightweight" agents load resources from the target machines only when called to do so from the management console. Performance monitors extract information from the hardware, software, and O/S of the monitored platform via CIM, WMI, SMBIOS, WBEM and WfM.

Included with the LANDesk Server Manager is the LANDesk Management Gateway, which allows for the management of remote servers over Internet connections. The Management Gateway leverages remote agents on the target machines to facilitate secure communications through corporate firewalls without--according to the vendor--requiring a leased or VPN line.

Other features and capabilities of the Server Manager include:

- Software License Monitoring tools that allow you to scan for known/unknown applications and deny access to unauthorized applications.

- OS Deployment features, utilizing PXE proxy technology for the provisioning of bare-metal machines. Support is also included for Windows PE.

New to LANDesk Server Manager is automated provisioning; template driven provisioning processes for the initial setup of new servers.

LANDesk Server Manager is available now with a base price of $199 per node. Visit the LANDesk Software Web site for further information.