Software roundup: Tools that manage PCs, Macs at the same time

Computerworld - As computing environments become larger, particularly those that are multisite and multiplatform, the need for a solid Macintosh/Windows remote deployment, management and troubleshooting package can start to seem like the Holy Grail. Much time can be spent by administrators having to go to a user's desk and then wait as any new or updated software is loading.

A number of packages offer remote troubleshooting and deployment options. Some are based on open standards, but many are commercial, Windows-specific or Mac-specific tools. In environments containing a mix of both Mac and Windows computers, having a single tool that supports all users and workstations, regardless of platform, is key. The packages discussed here all offer some level of cross-platform support and can help you efficiently manage the clients in your network.

One I decided against including was Apple Remote Desktop. Although it provides a great number of asset management, desktop monitoring, deployment, remote-control and configuration options, these features are Mac-only. Its only cross-platform functionality is through the use of an insecure and open standard called the Virtual Network Computing protocol, which allows for remote control of many computer systems. Given the general lack of security, it is difficult to suggest Apple Remote Desktop as a true cross-platform system.

FileWave

FileWave Inc. has been developing its flagship product for Mac networks for many years. FileWave operates in a client/server structure in which administrators define groups of individual clients and file sets that make up application packages, as they exist in the file system after an application has been installed. File sets are associated with groups to establish a list of applications that are available to those computers.

At regular intervals, each FileWave client queries the appropriate server or servers to determine whether its configuration has been updated. If the configuration has been changed, the client will begin downloading updated lists of files from the appropriate servers at that time. To maximize fault tolerance and performance, multiple FileWave Boosters can be installed in the network to distribute the load of file sets being transferred to clients.

FileWave supports Mac OS X and Windows NT, 2000 and XP clients, but the server components work only for the Mac.

One of the best features of FileWave is its seamless integration with client operating systems. Another excellent feature is its ability to generate reports about what software is installed on which machines at any given time -- this is particularly helpful for license compliance or when upgrading. FileWave also ships an asset management tool called Asset Trustee that expands on this capability. Finally, the ability to manage any installed tools as collections of file sets provides simplicity and ease of administration; this functionality is refreshing to see in such a complex and powerful tool.