AST ESM provides remote, mobile users with enterprise-class management for Windows 2000 apps

AST ESM, a division of the JSE-listed AST Group, has introduced Novadigm`s Release 2.1 of its Radia Software Manager, Radia Application Manager and Radia Inventory Manager. These enhancements further strengthen AST ESM`s capabilities in the management of digital assets, software and content.

The new release comprises of new e-wrap technology capabilities that enhance Windows software management over LANs, WANs and the Internet, allowing global enterprises to manage Windows 2000 applications within and beyond the firewall, and providing software integrity and reliability for local, remote and mobile users.

Using Radia 2.1, AST ESM`s customers with large populations of both wired and unconnected users can save time, increase service levels and reduce costs by implementing a single, end-to-end management solution that encompasses virtually any operating system, any application, any network, and any audience.

"Many of our customers are increasing their dependence on mobile computing, even as they gradually migrate to the Windows 2000 operating system and applications," says Geoff van den Bosch, MD of AST ESM, SA distributors for Novadigm. "Through the close working relationship Novadigm has with its customers and partners, Novadigm has ensured that they address the challenges of managing software and content in complex, heterogeneous and evolving IT environments."

Radia 2.1 expands the basic capabilities provided by Windows Installer, Active Directory, and Windows Management Instrumentation, to deliver rapid and reliable distribution and continuing management of Windows 2000 software to all users throughout the extended enterprise. Mobile, remote, and even infrequently connected users, benefit from the same, automated software installation, maintenance, repair and retirement services as office-based users.

"Enterprises are demanding that vendors of software management solutions address the unique requirements of mobile users," continues van den Bosch. "Furthermore, those enterprises that are implementing Windows 2000 will need to acquire specific capabilities, such as bandwidth optimisation, connection consistency and timing of user-determined network connections, needed to address the unique infrastructure and network constraints of remote and mobile users."

Radia 2.1 addresses each of these issues in turn. Radia manages and optimises its use of network bandwidth by employing patented differencing technology, and allows administrators or users to control how much of the available bandwidth is consumed, minimising interference with other user activities. Large installation files for Windows Installer are divided into smaller packages that can be rapidly downloaded over a series of brief connections, instead of in a single lengthy session.

Radia 2.1 also notifies remote and mobile users of critical application updates and allows them to accept those updates immediately, or to defer them to a more opportune time.

Finally, Radia`s Internet-based self-service software catalogue offers users greater "self-management`` capabilities in choosing what to install, verify or repair.

Radia`s management of software deployment control points throughout the enterprise also means increased performance, increased reliability and reduced demand on network capacity. Radia 2.1 uncouples Windows Installer from its fixed application installation point and dynamically assigns software delivery and repair from the nearest available Radia-managed control point.

Radia further optimises network use by delivering only the minimum number of bytes needed to bring target devices to a "desired state`` prescribed by centrally administered policy. This same desired-state management is even more effective for offline devices, enabling the immediate and automatic "self-healing`` of software and content from locally cached Radia resources.