Desktop Management
The highest cost in Windows desktop ownership is not the hardware or software, but the time IT administrators spend on support and maintenance. They face endless demands for desktop management and customization: application updates to install, printers to connect, e-mail profiles to create, patches to apply and spyware to remove! In addition, there is the risk of data theft and intrusion by hackers because the users’ desktops are not secured. With the arrival of Windows Vista, there is an extra challenge—smooth migration of users to the latest version of Windows without increasing administration costs.
Complete Desktop Configuration
Desktop Authority gives enterprises the power to centrally configure, manage, secure and protect desktops from a single, easy to use interface, and removes the need to visit desktop computers. Desktop Authority provides the administrator with a complete set of desktop configuration features for windows clients from 95 to Vista, including:
- Application Installs and Updates
- Remote Control
- Patch Management
- Anti-Spyware
- Lockdown USB and other ports
- Windows Firewall (XP SP2+ and Vista)
- Power Management
- Connections to File Servers
- Add and Remove Printers
- Manage Shortcuts
- Manage Outlook Profiles
- Microsoft Office Preferences
- Registry and Permissions Management
- Desktop File Management
Granular Control
Desktop Authority’s patented Validation Logic technology determines how each desktop will be configured, using over 40 validation types including the class of computer (e.g. desktop/ notebook), operating system, group membership, AD sites, OUs, and registry and file properties. Custom validation types can be added, such as Asset Tags and hardware configurations.
Software Deployment
Integrating with Desktop Authority MSI Studio, MSI packages can be centrally created and deployed to desktops across the enterprise with ease. Using Desktop Authority’s deployment infrastructure, desktops automatically install applications from the closest deployment server.
Role-Based Administration
In larger organizations there are typically multiple levels of administration, with junior ones assigned to specific geographical locations or restricted administration tasks. Desktop Authority’s architecture allows super-users to restrict other administrators to only view, change, and add or delete a limited set of configuration objects. By defining roles and applying those roles to users or groups at the profile level, administrators can ensure that administration of Desktop Authority follows enterprise security boundaries.
Extensive Reporting
Desktop Authority profiles and their configurations are now stored in an SQL database, along with information about each managed desktop. Built-in and custom reporting puts vital information at the fingertips of administrators, including reports on hardware and software inventory, user activity, patch deployment and Spyware removal.
Security Options
Desktop Authority enhances the security of desktops with a Patch Management option, which deploys patches from Microsoft and select 3rd-party vendors, an Anti-Spyware option which detects and removes known Spyware, and a USB/Port Security option that controls read and write access to USB, storage and communication devices on the desktop.
Total Remote Management
Ongoing management requires configuration updates, control and access from anywhere. Desktop Authority’s remote management and control works from any java-enabled browser to give administrators the power to manage:
- Services, Processes and Drivers
- File System and the Registry
- Installed Applications
- Open Files, DLLs and Registry Keys
- Tasks and Alerts
- Remote Reboots
- Remote Control
In addition, security levels can be established to restrict access to selected remote management features by different classes of administrator.
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Centralized Management
A single management console allows you to configure, secure, inventory and support desktops and laptops from a central location.
Secure Client Configuration
Standardize and secure desktop consistently across Windows versions from 2000 to Vista.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
A single management console allows you to configure, secure, inventory and support desktops and laptops from a central location.
Screenshots
Comprehensive Configuration
Configure every aspect of the desktop: printers, applications, file servers, shortcuts, desktop icons, registry settings, policies, Outlook settings and more at logon or logoff, or at frequent intervals throughout the day.
Granular Management Selection
Patented Validation Logic allows granular selection of which users and computers receive each configuration setting, and when!
Application Deployment
Centrally deploy MSI packages. Integrates with Desktop Authority MSI StudioTM.
Usb and Port Security Option
Control and prevent access to USB and peripheral storage devices.
Hardware/Software Inventory
Hardware and software details for all desktops are collected into a SQL database, where they can be analyzed with pre-built and custom reporting capabilities.
Power Management
Save energy and reduce costs by establishing power settings. Shut down idle machines even when the user is not logged on.
Screenshots
What's new in Desktop Authority?
Desktop Authority features a new anti spyware engine from a leading vendor. It supports Windows Server 2008 and deployment of Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP 3. Remote management now uses a FIPS compliant encryption for communication.
How does Desktop Authority lower the desktop total cost of ownership?
By proactively configuring every aspect of the desktop, users get a consistent, secure and functional working environment, lowering helpdesk calls, eliminating trips to the desktop and when the need for support arises. Desktop Authority has the ability to remotely manage the desktop without being interactive with the user, allowing the user to remain productive.
Why is using Desktop Authority so much quicker than writing logon scripts?
Desktop Authority's easy to use graphical interface replaces the work accomplished by even the most complicated scripts. This is done by presenting the administrator with a GUI representation of all the key areas involved in desktop configuration. Desktop Authority's patented Validation Logic makes it infinitely easier to select when and where those configuration are applied, at an extremely granular level. Additionally, testing scripts for different OS versions, debugging code, and beta testing in a test lab environment are eliminated with Desktop Authority.
How long does it take to set up? Does it require me to install software on my desktops?
Setup takes only a few minutes using the Desktop Authority Installation Wizard. Clients do not need to install any software to utilize Desktop Authority; the user only needs to have SLogic.bat specified as their Logon Script—a task automated by Desktop Authority.
