* AlexanderLAN System Management Kit for Windows, Linux and NetWare
I was in Salt Lake City last week for Novell’s BrainShare conference. It’s rare when I find something of interest to Windows network managers at that show (the last time was in 1998 – see link below). I wouldn’t mention it if I didn’t find something that would be of interest to you.
AlexanderLAN founder Dirk Smith has been mentioned in this newsletter before (a memorable quote: “We make great products. We suck at marketing,” appeared back in 2002) when talking about the cir SDK (System Protection Kit) for Windows servers and workstations. But, it seems, AlexanderLAN is just about ready to launch a new product, System Management Kit (SMK) for Windows, Linux and NetWare.
The SMK is a collection of hardware monitoring and controlling agents, tied together in a command console, to keep an eye on all of the computing devices on your network. It doesn’t replace MOM; it complements the operations manager. Browse over to https://www.alexander.com/SMK%20Demo/demoMain.html to see what I mean. You’ll see a mostly interactive screen that shows some of the functionality of the SMK but by no means all of it. Click around on some of the icons to see what functions and stats are available. As the blurb says: “From knowing when a CPU fan is slowing down to remotely rebuilding a RAID array, the SMK makes system management simple…and fast.”
Smith promises to pull together a press release, some Web pages and maybe a white paper. But see the quote above and judge for your self how likely that is.
Of course, the real breakthrough here is the coverage of not only Windows servers and desktops but also Linux and NetWare – two operating systems that just might be on your network.
A management console for all your likely operating systems, priced at a ridiculously low $149/server and $25/desktop (negotiable on quantity, of course) is certainly worth your time to check it out. And when it comes from a refreshingly honest company that really is willing to listen to you, the user it’s all the more satisfying. (For example, after looking at the demo, if there’s something you think it needs, just give AlexanderLAN a call – the phone number is on the Web site – and the company will consider adding it in!) The SMK should ship this summer, but take a look now.
