Novell expands scope of system management with ZENworks 2

When announced, ZENworks (the ZEN stands for Zero Effort Networking) was positioned as a set of management products that enables a networked PC to automatically register local configuration, application and security information within NDS. This data could then by utilized by network administrators to define specific configuration, access and usage policies that could also be stored within NDS.

New features in ZENworks 2 include the ability to perform desktop hardware and software inventory over the network, as well as expanded software distribution support. Also included is Y2K diagnostic and repair tools from Greenwich Mean Time and antivirus software from Network Associates that work with NDS to help users automate and speed the process of checking networked desktops for Y2K problems, computer viruses, Web attacks and e-mail intrusions.

A Secure Cast feature that automatically provides users with software updates over a six-month period also supplements network Associates' VirusScan. As new viruses are discovered, Secure Cast uses the Internet to send the corresponding updates and reminders to network users.

At a time when many vendors are struggling to clearly define their policy management value proposition, Novell clearly has gotten it by focusing upon the required functionality first (e.g. the need for automated, centralized systems management) and then pulled through policy services as the supporting mechanism. The fact that most of the major network hardware vendors, including 3Com, Cisco, Lucent and Nortel have announced joint relationships with Novell to leverage NDS for policy-based network management further solidifies what appears to be the vendor's significant lead in this segment.