Continuing its commitment to provide directory-based solutions that lower the cost of owning a network, Novell has announced the first customer shipment of Z.E.N.works 1.1. Based on Novell Directory Services (NDS), Z.E.N.works provides software distribution, desktop maintenance and desktop management to make using Windows-based PCs and thin clients easier for end-users while reducing costly maintenance and troubleshooting tasks for administrators.
The new version of Z.E.N.works is bundled with a five-user version of Check 2000 from Greenwich Mean Time, the leading developer of Year 2000 software. The two products will help businesses assess their networks for Year 2000 bugs, deploy Year-2000 ready products and apply appropriate fixes to ease the transition into the next millennium. Additional new features for Z.E.N.works 1.1 include software metering, support for NetWare 5 and integration with Novell`s network and systems management solution -- ManageWise 2.6.
"Desktop maintenance is the greatest expense in almost every network," said Novell corporate strategist and business development manager Stafford Masie. "With the first version of Z.E.N.works, many customers eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to leverage NDS infrastructure in reducing those desktop maintenance costs.
"Many customers are in the midst of preparing their networks for the Year 2000; and Z.E.N.works 1.1, bundled with Check 2000, offers much needed assistance in efficiently assessing and repairing Year 2000-related desktop problems. This bundle gives companies the opportunity to continue managing network growth without disruption into the next century."
As the Year 2000 swiftly approaches, organizations must identify any and all problems that will arise in their networks due to software bugs that record years using only the last two digits. Check 2000 -- a diagnostic tool that scans workstation hardware, software and data for Year 2000 bugs -- is bundled with Z.E.N.works 1.1, enabling companies to prepare their networks for the next century by providing assistance in three critical steps.
The two products will aid in identifying and alerting network administrators of potential Year 2000-related issues; allow administrators to repair problems by pushing manufacturer`s recommended solutions or other fixes to all network desktops and resources; and assist in maintaining network stability by continually checking the status of PCs on the network to insure Year 2000 readiness.
"The deadline for Year 2000 network preparation is looming and thanks to NDS, Z.E.N.works 1.1 will help companies save valuable time distributing fixes identified by Check 2000," said Karl Feilder, President and CEO of Greenwich Mean Time. "This partnership with Novell enables us to use the industry`s most widely adopted directory service to deliver our Year 2000 assessment tools to millions of customers who are doing all they can to ensure a safe and stable network transition into 2000."
Along with the Check 2000 bundle, Z.E.N.works 1.1 offers several new and enhanced directory-based desktop management capabilities to improve end user and network administrator productivity. New features include enhanced integration with ManageWise 2.6, improved NetWare 5 pure IP support, an updated client that includes support for Citrix Metaframe terminals, and a simplified interface.
In addition, new software metering capabilities give companies the ability to track the number of software licenses that were distributed through the Z.E.N.works application launcher and are being used by and required for network users. In addition a reporting feature will report the number of licenses used over time, allowing network administrators to plan purchases and maintain license compliance. Software metering requires Novell Licensing Services (NLS), which is available in NetWare 5 and Support Pack 6 for NetWare 4.11.
By making networks easier to use and Windows PCs more reliable, Z.E.N.works 1.1 allows end users to concentrate on their job functions, rather than the computer network, improving end user productivity. The unique ability of NDS to create a "digital persona" allows Z.E.N.works users to log onto any computer in the network and have their own familiar interface applications and printer access. Z.E.N.works also ensures a simplified approach to resolving help desk requests by automating messages to support staff that include the end users` network identity configurations and error messages.
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