VI. Use of Intel® LANDesk® Management Suite

I. Purpose:

With technology constantly changing, the Division of Information Technology is increasingly required to do more with fewer resources. One tool MSCD has invested in is Intel LANDesk Management Suite, which provides a powerful solution to this challenge. LANDesk can easily accomplish key tasks, such as distributing software applications and files, providing remote access to the desktop to fix problems, making purchase decisions based on hardware and software inventory, and keeping compliant with software licenses.

II. Policy:

Information Technology uses Intel Corporation's LANDesk utility software as part of the standard suite of software provided on all personal computers. This software provides four valuable functions:

1. it automates the computer hardware inventory process,
2. it continuously meters the standard suite of software to ensure compliance with licensing agreements,
3. it can be used to distribute software updates or problem fixes, and
   
4. only with the user's permission may it be used to remotely diagnose computer problems.

Function 1: Inventory
With the standardized desktop running Windows 2000 Professional, an accurate inventory of workstation and server assets is essential. With LANDesk, hardware and software inventory allows the administrator to see the configuration of every computer on the network. This comprehensive inventory does the following:

• Provides justification for upgrades
• Helps with hardware purchase decisions
• Assists in problem solving software issues
• Identifies and monitors any changes to existing desktop configurations
• Identifies specific hardware criteria as a requirement for software distribution

Function 2: Software Metering
Software metering tracks concurrent use of each software package and ensures MSCD is operating within its software license agreements. IT will only meter MSCD's standard desktop applications and will not attempt to meter the user's personal applications. Metered applications can reside either on a network server or on a local hard disk. Software metering can be used to:

• Track software usage for licensing compliance
  
• Document software usage to better manage site-licensing issues

Function 3: Software Distribution
Software distribution will allow applications to be scheduled for automatic delivery. IT will only maintain and update software that is part of the institution's portion of the hard drive. No attempt will be made to maintain the user's portion. Automatic distribution can be scheduled during off hours to avoid interfering with user productivity. Applications can be pushed to the client or even uninstalled. Software can even be distributed to users via the Internet or on floppy disk.

Function 4: Remote Help Tool
With the approval of the desktop user, Help Desk technicians can shorten problem resolution times and assist users without sending a technician to the user's computer, making it easier for them to achieve first-call problem resolution. Remote tools include:

• Access to desktop configuration information
  
• Remote access for problem-solving
  
• Diagnostics
  
• File transfers
  
• Remote Execute of Software tools (ex. Norton or ScanDisk)
  
• Remote reboot

Approved December 2001