Computer Associates International, (CA), and the Computer Systems Division (CSD) of Toshiba America Information Systems, are expanding their relationship to address the challenges of managing the growing numbers of portable computing devices in enterprise environments. Together, the companies are empowering IT departments to more effectively manage mobile PCs and other intermittently connected mobile devices, in order to reduce the cost of supporting mobile knowledge workers while ensuring they are fully equipped for continuous productivity.
The agreement builds on the companies` mobile management initiatives, including Toshiba`s new Mobile Information Centre and CA`s existing Enterprise/Remote Site Management (E/RSM). These technologies address the most problematic issues associated with managing a portable user base: unscheduled connection times and unreliable network connections.
Developed based on feedback from Toshiba`s enterprise customers, the Mobile Information Centre provides centralized mobile-specific information and features that work as part of the E/RSM within CA`s acclaimed Unicenter TNG Framework. In addition, IT departments will now have access to information on any Toshiba Tecra, Port'eg'e and Satellite notebooks through Unicenter TNG`s network management auto-discovery.
In support of its Mobile Information Centre, Toshiba is bundling CA`s acclaimed Unicenter TNG Framework with all Toshiba Magnia 3000 workgroup, Magnia 5000 departmental and Magnia 7000 enterprise PC servers.
"With the increasing use of portable computers in enterprise environments, mobile manageability becomes more important than ever," said Jeffrey Friederichs, vice president of marketing, Toshiba`s Computer Systems Division. "By working together, CA and Toshiba are uniquely positioned to understand and address the specific challenges IT departments face in managing their mobile workforces. We look forward to working with CA on this and other initiatives to continue driving down ownership costs while enhancing service levels to end-users."
"Effectively supporting the intermittently connected user remains one of the toughest challenges IT departments have to face in today`s information-centric business environment, where every minute and every e-mail message counts," said Ken Farber, senior vice president of strategic alliances, CA. "The combination of Toshiba`s intelligent portable hardware platforms and CA`s integrated management technologies enables customers to meet these challenges without taxing their already-overburdened IT operations staffs."
By enabling enhanced management of portable computers, Mobile Information Centre allows companies to effectively track all Toshiba portable devices as they connect into the corporate network. IT managers can track removable parts in the notebook such as storage, hard disk drives and software applications - all of which affect IT budgets - and end-users can more easily manage their own devices.
"Effective management of a mobile workforce is critical to reducing overall IT management costs," said Randy Giusto, research director, International Data Corp. "The combination of mission-critical management software along with top notch service and support programs can play a key role in effective workforce management."
The Mobile Information Centre software will be available in Q3 `99 free of charge, and can be downloaded from Toshiba`s website at www.toshiba.com.
The Unicenter TNG Framework is the only framework to provide "out-of-the-box" support for a broad range of hardware platforms and sophisticated framework technologies, such as object repository, auto discovery, and 2D and 3D GUI. The Unicenter TNG Framework supports the full portfolio of desktop management standards, including DMTF/DMI 2.0 and IETF/SNMP. The software is the underlying foundation for Unicenter TNG, the only fully integrated management solution covering network discovery, topology, performance, events and status, security, software distribution, storage, workload, help desk, change management and other functions for the heterogeneous enterprise.
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Computer Associates
Computer Associates International, Inc., the world leader in mission-critical business computing, provides software, support and integration services in more than 100 countries around the world. CA has more than 17,500 employees and had revenue of $5.3 billion in fiscal year 1999. For more information about CA, please call 011 807 5920 or email info@cai.com. CA`s World Wide Web address is www.cai.com.
Toshiba
Toshiba continues to be the world`s leading vendor for portable computers with 17.6 percent market share in worldwide Q4 `98 according to International Data Corp. The company offers portable, desktop and server computing solutions for business customers under the Toshiba brand name. For dealer referral and product literature, call 1-800-TOSHIBA, or visit the company`s World Wide Web site at http://www.toshiba.com.
TAIS
Headquartered in Irvine, California, with annual sales of approximately $3 billion, TAIS is comprised of nine divisions, organized into three business groups, which manufacture and market a wide range of business and information-oriented products in the United States and Latin America and one wholly owned subsidiary which operates a network of copier/fax dealers. Products include portable and desktop computers; PC servers; plain-paper copiers; facsimile systems; toner products; voice mail systems; digital business telephone systems; interactive voice response systems; network systems and digital cameras. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of the $42 billion Toshiba Corp., the seventh largest computer and electronics company and the world`s 26th largest industrial corporation in terms of sales. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high-technology products with over 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.