WebEx, best known for its online conferencing service, this week plans to introduce a hosted systems management service for IT that will provide such features as asset management and automated backup.

With WebEx System Management Services, users also can get access to software distribution, patch management and virus protection. The services will fall under WebEx's existing Support Center offerings, which provide remote access and remote support. WebEx also offers a suite of hosted productivity applications it obtained in its acquisition of Intranets.com last September.

WebEx, which is partnering with desktop management vendor Everdream to provide the new services, is trying to expand from its Web conferencing roots and use its MediaTone Network to carve out a spot as a provider of software-as-a-service.

"They are saying we have this network that works very well and we should add more to it," says Robert Mahowald, an analyst with IDC. He says the initial target customer may be existing WebEx customers, but he says small and midsize businesses (SMB) may also find the services attractive.

"This is a very good option for SMBs because they don't have to ramp up more IT costs and they get a high level of service. It is just flipping a switch [to turn on the services] and training administrators to use it," Mahowald says.

WebEx hopes to compete with other hosted service providers, such as GoToAssist and LogMeIn, as well as on-premises vendors such as PatchLink and Shavlik Technologies, and systems management giants including CA, HP, IBM and Microsoft.

WebEx's asset management service performs a complete inventory of a user's network and tracks all installed software and hardware. It also tracks software licensing to help manage costs. The patch-management service is integrated with Microsoft's patch download site and the virus-protection service is based on Symantec's Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition. The services do not require users to install anything on their networks.

WebEx System Management services are scheduled to be available Feb. 1. Pricing ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the number of services deployed.

Whitepapers

• The Trend from UNIX to Linux in SAP(r) Data Centers
• Secure Wireless Printing Options
• Getting in Compliance With Government Data Regulations By Leveraging Online Security Technology
• How to Offer the Strongest SSL Encryption
• Maximizing Site Visitor Trust Using Extended Validation SSL
• The Latest Advancements in SSL Technology

View more SOFTWARE whitepapers

Webcasts

• Managing the End User Experience-A Real World Example of Success
• Lowering the Cost of Email Archives
• Google Webcast: Why archive email? Top challenges and best practices
• High Availability for SQL Server 2005 Using Array-Based Replication and Host-Based Mirroring Technologies
• Technical Overview of Exchange Server 2007 with HP Servers and Storage
• Bringing Order and Security to your Mobile Workforce: Corporate Mobility Policy and Device Management On-Demand

View more SOFTWARE webcasts

Special Reports

• WAN Optimization: The Ultimate No Brainer
• Keeping Spam at Bay
• Application Performance Management Executive Guide
• Executive Guide: Building a Service Oriented Architecture
• Executive Guide: Virtualization Reality Check
• IT Buyers Guide To: Collaboration

View more SOFTWARE special reports