NetSupport DNA

Last year we looked at NetSupport TCO from NetSupport, which offered basic inventory capabilities and remote control. Since then, the company has launched an enterprise-level successor, NetSupport DNA, which adds application and Internet metering, software distribution and remote control. We recently tested this version, and while it still has a few warts, it does a great job of making a system administrator's job easier.

NetSupport DNA is ideally suited for a small to midsize business that doesn't need the enterprise-scale features of a systems management server. It also would appeal to companies with small IT departments looking for a product with a low learning curve and the need to get it up and running with minimal effort (See "How we did it" ).

Impressive interface

The first thing that caught our attention is a pleasing new user interface for the administrator's console that has tree views for grouping machines and tabs for different details. The system offers a nice use of footnote tabs for user views and reporting that changes the way information is displayed. Groupings include different categories, such as hardware and software inventory, application and Internet metering, and software distribution.

Hardware and software inventory

NetSupport DNA shines when it comes to inventory. On the hardware side, the information gathered is detailed and accurate - right down to the size of the memory chips in each slot on a client's motherboard. Basic information is reported for each workstation on the administration console in tabular form or in a report form that uses Crystal Reports. Reports can be saved in multiple formats.

For software inventory, the screen displays a familiar icon for the application, a description of the application, software version, filename and path. We liked the hot-fix detail area, which listed specific hot fixes with a green check if it verified correctly, a yellow question mark for uncertain (such as an older patch that has been superseded and can't be completely verified), and red X if the hot fix failed. Hyperlinks for each of the hot fixes take you to a description page on the Microsoft Web Site.

The DNA Database Query tool lets you build specific reports quickly and easily. You don't have to know SQL to create a simple query, and you can export the results in any supported format. Each query you create is saved for future use.

Software distribution and metering

We were a bit disappointed with the system's software distribution features. You are limited to building a distribution package from a list of files or folders. You will need a third-party tool, such as those from InstallShield, NetInstall or Wise, to build custom distribution packages for doing things like adding icons, creating Start Menu items or making registry changes. We would have liked to see a more robust package-builder tool or a bundled tool from NetSupport.