Novell ZENworks

Novell ZENworks is a software suite that is being developed by Novell to manage the entire life cycle of servers, desktop PCs ( both Windows and Linux), laptops, and handhelds. ZENworks supports multiple server platforms and file systems in order to allow the user to use the environment that best matches the existing. Most competing products do not cover the width of the different client systems from fully and thus force the customer to a single server platform and / or file system.

ZENworks is the acronym for Zero Effort Networks. The user should not need (zero ) effort ( effort) to access the network ( network).

Components

The ZENworks Suite consists of nine different individual packets ( see section Products ):

  • Desktop Management
  • Personality Migration
  • Software Packaging
  • Data Management
  • Patch Management
  • Linux Management
  • Server Management
  • Handheld Management
  • Asset Management

Customers can buy the entire suite, or select between individual packets.

In July 2006, the current version of ZENworks Suite 7.0.1 is released.

The published in May 2007 ZENworks Configuration Management 10 ( ZCM10 ) will replace the above-mentioned individual products in the suite in the coming years.

Zen for Desktops

A portion of ZENworks for Desktops Zen deals with the life cycle of desktop PCs in a network. The following administrative tasks can be realized with Zen for Desktops:

  • Software Distribution
  • Remote Management
  • Policy Management on the local PC using Group Policy
  • User management on the local PC
  • Workstation Management ( Betriebssystemrollout etc. )

History

ZENworks based at the start on parts of Intel's LANDesk Manager software, which Novell had licensed from Intel. Novell changed the package name in NAL (Novell Application Launcher ). The success of NAL led to significant growth in its functionality, and the product was renamed to ZENworks. However, the " Novell Application Launcher" service and program names for executable programs with the prefix NAL continue to exist in the package.

The new name first appeared with ZENworks 1.0 and ZENworks Starter Pack, a limited version of it, which comes bundled with NetWare 5.0. Novell added server management functionality added, and the product grew to become a complete suite consisting of " ZENworks for Desktops" ( ZfD ) and " ZENworks for Servers " (ZfS ). Since then, Novell adds repeatedly components to the suite added, which is sold under the consolidated name " ZENworks Suite".

Functions

  • Desktop Management allows administrators to install software, configure, playing across from a disk image, inventory and operate remote diagnosis of Windows - based workstations and laptops from a central location, with Policy- driven automation. Software packages that are installed on desktop management, can have self-healing capabilities and can install if needed themselves.
  • Desktop Management also supports MSI packages and Group Policies.
  • The Application Explorer utility ( nalview.exe ) is to link desktop display a Novell Application Launcher (NAL ) view to disposal to applications in the Microsoft Windows.
  • Desktop management software can work both inside and outside of the firewall.
  • Personality Migration software consists of a modified version of DesktopDNA, which is currently owned by Computer Associates. Administrators can use it to migrate documents and settings from one Windows-based computer to another, regardless of the version of Windows that runs on both computers.
  • Software Packaging consists of a special edition of Macrovision's AdminStudio software, which allows administrators to create reliable MSI packages for distributions by desktop management uses software components.
  • ( Is an iFolder folder on a Windows workstation, on the iFolder client software installed ) Data Management, a version of Novell's iFolder software allows to synchronize data users in a specific local folder to an iFolder server. Users can access iFolder data, within the local network and across the Internet through iFolder server web interface. (Novell has significantly expanded the iFolder functionality in iFolder 3.0, there was support for Linux workstations inserted and many other functions. )
  • Patch management is performed by a modified version of the software patch link is performed.
  • Linux Management manages the Red Carpet software package, which in turn the RPM packages that are installed on Linux workstations managed. Future versions will allow further configurations of Linux stations.
  • Server Management allows off-site administrators, Windows, Netware and Linux servers to update, configure and diagnose with the help of policy- driven automation.
  • Handheld Management allows administrators to remote maintenance of Palm, Windows CE, PocketPC and RIM Blackberry devices.
  • Asset Management, the new arrival in the suite, is not really a part of ZENworks 6.5 represents, but works as a " stand-alone" product, which will in future be integrated in the next version of the suite. This product provides a greater number of options for inventory available, both for hardware and for software.

Supported and required systems

Managed platforms and systems

  • Desktop Management Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP Professional SP3
  • Windows 2000 Professional SP4
  • Windows 98 SE
  • Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
  • Server Management NetWare 5.1, NetWare 6 and NetWare 6.5
  • Novell Open Enterprise Server 6.5
  • Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003
  • SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8.9 and 10
  • Red Hat Advanced Server 2.1 and Red Hat Enterprise Server 2.1
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3 and 4 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES 3 and 4
  • Solaris 9
  • Linux Management Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
  • Open Suse 10.3
  • Novell Linux Desktop SP1, x86, x86_64 and x86_EM64T
  • Novell Open Enterprise Server, x86
  • SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 SP1 and 10: x86, x86_64 and x86_EM64T
  • SUSE LINUX Professional 9.3, x86, x86_64 and x86_EM64T
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 AS, ES, WS and x86
  • Handheld Management Palm OS 3.5 and newer Palm devices
  • Windows CE 2.11 and later ( including Pocket PC devices)
  • BlackBerry 850/857 devices using the DataTAC network and BlackBerry 950/957 devices using the Mobitex network

Management Server Platforms

  • Desktop Management NetWare 6.5 SP1
  • NetWare 6 SP4
  • Windows 2000 Server SP4
  • Windows Server 2003
  • SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 SP1 and 10
  • Server Management NetWare 5.1, NetWare 6 or NetWare 6.5
  • Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003
  • SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8.9 and 10
  • Red Hat Advanced Server 2.1 or Red Hat Enterprise Server 2.1
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3 and 4 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES 3 and 4
  • Linux Management SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 SP1 x86 and 10
  • Handheld Management Windows 2000 Server or Workstation
  • Windows Server 2003

Supported directory services

RPM (disambiguation)
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