Dell and Fujitsu Siemens unveil new admin tools based on technology from Altiris

Dell and Fujitsu Siemens have unveiled new administration tools for their client systems based on technology from management specialist Altiris. Dell's OpenManage Client Administrator (OMCA) 3.0 manages systems from a single console, while Fujitsu Siemens has extended its tools to include displays.

OMCA 3.0 lets IT managers create and remotely deploy operating system images to Precision workstations, Latitude laptops and OptiPlex desktops, said Dell. It also enables the collection of inventory information, and lets customers configure Bios firmware settings on target systems. The tool is available immediately for £27.90 per node.

Meanwhile, DeskView for Displays extends Fujitsu Siemens' management software to cover its Scenicview Premium Line LCD monitors. The latest version helps administrators remotely configure settings and collect asset information from these monitors, which include a licence for the software.

"Our Esprimo Professional PCs and Scenicview monitors underline that we are committed to making it as easy as possible for our customers to use and administer their client infrastructure," said Andreas Thimmel, vice-president for Business Clients at Fujitsu Siemens.

Both Dell's OMCA 3.0 and Fujitsu Siemens' DeskView tools were developed in collaboration with Altiris, which sells a broad range of management software under its own brand.

Christof Majer, director of strategic alliances at Altiris, said, "Companies are under growing pressure to optimise their IT infrastructure and IT services, despite shrinking budgets and ever shorter upgrade cycles. The only way to meet this challenge is with efficient system management tools."