Novell ZENworks

Novell ZENworks, a suite of software products developed and maintained by Novell, Inc. for computer systems management, aims to manage the entire lifecycle of servers, of desktop PCs (both Windows-based and Linux-based), of laptops and of handheld devices (such as PDAs).

The ZENworks suite comprises nine individual packages.

Customers can purchase the whole suite or separate packages.

As of 2005 Novell ships version 7 of ZENworks.

History

ZENworks originated as a product named NAL (Novell Application Launcher), but its functionality outgrew the meaning of its name and therefore it became ZENworks (for "Zero Effort Networks"). (The "Novell Application Launcher" service and executable program-names with the NAL- prefix persist internally, however.) The new name first appeared with ZENworks 1.0 and with ZENworks Starter Pack (the limited version of ZENworks 1.0 bundled with NetWare 5.0). It then became known as "ZENworks for Desktops" (ZfD) because Novell produced a server-management tool called "ZENworks for Servers" (ZfS). Since then Novell has released a number of products under the "ZENworks" name, and consolidated the two products (for servers and for desktops) under the unadorned name "ZENworks".

Capabilities

Desktop Management allows administrators to install software on, configure, put a hard disk image on, inventory and remotely troubleshoot Windows-based workstations and laptops from a central location, through the use of policy-driven automation.
- Software packages installed via Desktop Management can have self-healing features and can install themselves on demand.
- Desktop Management also supports MSI packages and Group Policies, despite the common misconception that systems administrators need Microsoft Active Directory and a Windows server to gain the full benefit of these technologies.
- The Application Explorer utility (nalview.exe) provides a Novell Application Launcher (NAL) view to link applications into Microsoft Windows desktop displays.
- Desktop Management software can work both inside and outside the firewall.

Personality Migration software consists of a modified version of the DesktopDNA currently owned by Computer Associates. Administrators can use it to migrate documents and settings from one Windows-based computer to another, regardless of the version of Windows running on either machine.

Software Packaging comprises a special edition of Macrovision's AdminStudio software, which allows administrators to create reliable MSI packages for distribution using the desktop-management software components.

Data Management, a version of Novell's iFolder software, allows users to synchronise data in a specified local folder (an iFolder folder on a Windows workstation with iFolder client software installed) with an iFolder server. Users can access iFolder data on the server from within the local network and via the Internet using iFolder server web interface. (Novell significantly extended iFolder functionality in iFolder 3.0, adding support for Linux workstations and many other features.)

Patch Management takes place using a modified version of PatchLink's software.

Linux Management leverages the Red Carpet software package which manages RPM packages installed on Linux workstations. Future releases will allow for further configuration of Linux stations.

Server Management allows remotely-located administrators to update, configure and troubleshoot Windows, NetWare, and Linux servers through the use of policy-driven automation.

Handheld Management allows administrators to remotely update, configure, and inventory Palm, Windows CE, PocketPC and RIM BlackBerry devices.

Asset Management, the newcomer to the suite, did not actually form part of the ZENworks 6.5 Suite, but operated as a stand-alone product prior to integration into the suite with the next revision. This product allows for a greater array of options for inventory, both hardware and software.

System Requirements

Managed devices

Desktop Management
- Windows XP Professional SP1
- Windows 2000 Professional SP4
- Windows 98 SE
- Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Server Management
- NetWare 5.1, NetWare 6 and NetWare 6.5
- Novell Open Enterprise Server
- Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 and 9
- Red Hat Advanced Server 2.1 and Red Hat Enterprise Server 2.1
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3 and 4 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES 3 and 4
- Solaris 9

Linux Management
- Novell Linux Desktop SP1, x86, x86_64 and x86_EM64T
- Novell Open Enterprise Server, x86
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 SP1 x86, x86_64 and x86_EM64T
- SUSE LINUX Professional 9.3, x86, x86_64 and x86_EM64T
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 AS, ES, WS and x86

Handheld Management
- Palm OS 3.5 and later on Palm devices
- Windows CE 2.11 and later including Pocket PC devices
- BlackBerry 850/857 devices using the DataTAC network and BlackBerry 950/957 devices using the Mobitex network
- Synchronized devices, through a Windows 95 and later desktop, or via TCP/IP to the ZENworks Handheld Management server.

Server used for managing

Desktop Management
- NetWare 6.5 SP1
- NetWare 6 SP4
- Windows 2000 Server SP4
- Windows Server 2003
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 SP1

Server Management
- NetWare 5.1, NetWare 6 or NetWare 6.5
- Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 and 9
- Red Hat Advanced Server 2.1 or Red Hat Enterprise Server 2.1
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3 and 4 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES 3 and 4

Linux Management
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 SP1 x86

Handheld Management
- Windows 2000 server or workstation
- Windows Server 2003

Directories supported

External links

System software | System administration

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