Novell ZENworks for Handhelds Manages Devices of Mobile Workforce

Novell, Inc., the leading provider of Net business solutions, today announced the availability of Novell® ZENworks® for Handhelds 4.7, Novell's centralized management system for Palm, Windows CE and Pocket PC devices.

13 March 2002

  • Novell ZENworks for Handhelds 4.7 provides centralized management for Palm, Windows CE and Pocket PC devices
  • ZENworks for Handhelds reduces the high cost of handheld management and improves user productivity
  • Combined with ZENworks for Desktops, manages and controls entire workforce regardless of where and when they connect

Novell, Inc., the leading provider of Net business solutions, today announced the availability of Novell® ZENworks® for Handhelds 4.7, Novell's centralized management system for Palm, Windows CE and Pocket PC devices. ZENworks for Handhelds reduces the high cost of handheld management and improves user productivity by making it easy to keep their devices up to date with the latest applications and information. Novell's combination of ZENworks for Desktops, ZENworks for Servers and ZENworks for Handhelds provides complete, end-to-end network management via automation, security and control that delivers a personalized and easy-to-use experience for end users

Once used primarily for personal productivity applications such as address books and appointment calendars, handheld devices have now infiltrated the enterprise and also carry mission-critical data and applications. As the number of handhelds and their role in the organization has increased, so has the management and support demand placed on IT staff. ZENworks for Handhelds addresses these specific needs with transport technology specially optimized for low-bandwidth mobile communications devices, including data compression, bandwidth management and checkpoint restart (continuing an interrupted data delivery at the exact point it was suspended).

ZENworks for Handhelds 4.7 is Novell's first ZENworks handheld management solution and is based on leading handheld management software Orbiter, acquired by Novell from Callisto Software in December. "Waukesha Engine chose Orbiter to help manage the implementation of Compaq iPAQs," said Nancy Braatz, senior technology analyst for global industrial engine manufacturer Waukesha Engine, Dresser Inc. "We use software distribution to set up new devices and later deploy additional software and documents from the centralized administration console. By using Orbiter to set up and track devices, we have achieved greater automation and efficiency. Novell's move to bring handhelds into their broader family of ZENworks network management products should make life easier for network administrators."

Ronni Colville of Gartner, Inc., said, "Handheld devices, especially those with wireless capabilities, require specialized management solutions. Techniques such as compression, checkpoint restart, and bandwidth management are key differentiators of these tailored solutions. Products that apply these technologies to handheld management are now necessary for enterprises with a growing handheld installed base."

ZENworks for Handhelds management features allow customers to manage handhelds from a central point of administration, including:

  • Software distribution - automated distribution of applications, upgrades, patches and content keeps devices up to date across the entire mobile fleet.
  • Hardware and software inventory - automated identification of software and hardware on handheld devices allows administrators to analyze assets, plan for upgrades and troubleshoot problems.
  • Centralized control - a single point of administration allows customers to monitor status, analyze results, query for specifics and run reports for devices, groups or the complete installation.

"As our existing ZENworks customers deploy handheld devices into the enterprise, replacing laptops and running specific vertical and custom applications, they are quickly learning that leaving handhelds unmanaged in a corporate environment leads to higher costs and lower end-user productivity," said Brad Anderson, Novell's ZENworks business unit manager. "ZENworks for Handhelds picks up where traditional desktop administration tools leave off, extending IT's reach to handhelds that only connect to the network for brief periods. When combined with ZENworks for Desktops, customers have the ability to manage and control their entire workforce regardless of where and when they connect."

Pricing and Availability
Novell ZENworks for Handhelds 4.7 will be available March 15 through Novell Authorized ResellersSM and solution providers for a suggested $49 per user license for a limited time, regularly $59. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com/products/zenworks.

About Novell
Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ: NOVL), is a leader in eBusiness solutions and Net services software designed to secure and power the networked world. Novell and its eServices division, Cambridge Technology Partners, help organizations solve complex business challenges, simplify their systems and processes, and capture new opportunities with one Net solutions. Novell provides worldwide channel, consulting, education and developer programs to support its offerings.

For information on Novell's complete range of products and services, contact Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272), or visit Novell's Web site at http://www.novell.com. Information on eBusiness and integration solutions from Cambridge Technology Partners can be accessed at http://www.ctp.com. Press may access Novell announcements and company information on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

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