Novell released "Novell ZENworks 7 SP1 Suite Release 4". The Novell® ZENworks® 7 Suite with Support Pack 1 Release 4 (ZENworks 7 Suite with SP1 R4) is a comprehensive set of integrated tools that automate IT management and business processes across the lifecycle of desktops, laptops, servers and handhelds.

ZENworks is the only solution that uses policy-driven automation to control IT costs by eliminating administrator effort, reducing IT skill requirements, and optimizing the value of IT assets across diverse, multiple-server and client platforms. This release provides updates to the Desktop Management on Linux product.

Novell^® ZENworks^® 7 with SP1 R4 provides the following:

• Desktop Management - Enables you to manage Windows* desktops and laptops, including the ability to automate distribution of desktop, thin-client, and Web applications, as well as provide self-healing of applications; remotely manage workstations, including file transfers and real-time diagnostics; inventory workstation hardware and software for both troubleshooting and auditing purposes; deploy standard operating environments through the use of workstation imaging; and maintain standard operating environments through user and workstation policies that control workstation environments and behavior.
  
  
• Desktop Management Services on Linux - Provides the same Windows desktop and laptop management capabilities listed above while using Linux* (OES Linux and SLES 9x or SLES 10) servers as the back-end ZENworks Servers rather than NetWare^® or Windows servers. It also includes support for the installation of the ZENworks 7 Middle Tier Server on SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server 10 and Novell Open Enterprise Server 2.0.


• Server Management- Enables you to manage NetWare, Windows, Linux, and Solaris* servers, including the ability to deploy application files, data files, and patch files across all server platforms regardless of server location to ensure a secure and consistent environment; enforce and update server configuration, including both mass configurations and remote configurations; inventory hardware and software for auditing and capacity planning across multiple server platforms; automate routine server management processes to ensure consistency and timely completion; use policies to control server environments and behavior; and monitor and analyze network traffic.


• Handheld Management - Enables you to manage Palm*, Windows CE, Pocket PC, and BlackBerry* handheld devices, including the ability to distribute applications and content to devices; secure information by using password enforcement, integration, self-destruct, and lockout capabilities; optimize low-bandwidth connectivity through the use of compression, checkpoint restart, delta technology, and configurable bandwidth technology; inventory hardware and software and use detailed queries to generate reports; automate device setup and standardize settings and programming; and retrieve files from devices to protect data and integrate it with corporate data.


• Linux Management - Makes it easy to embrace and extend Linux within your existing environment. It is the only solution that uses policy-driven automation to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux resources. These automated and intelligent policies allow you to provide centralized control across the lifecycle of Linux systems for desktop lockdown, imaging, remote management, inventory management and software management. The result is a comprehensive Linux management solution that eliminates IT effort by dramatically reducing the required overhead needed to manage Linux systems.


• Asset Inventory - Enables you to automatically inventory software and hardware, detailing desktops, servers and network assets across the enterprise. Inventory data is combined with purchase and license records and presented in a single, comprehensive, integrated "license view."


• Data Management - Powered by Novell iFolder^® 2.1.7, Data Management enables you to manage the storage of users' files, including the ability to provide users with access to their files from anywhere, online or offline, across multiple workstations and the Net; and provide users with a simple, convenient, and secure way to back up and synchronize their files.


• Instant Messenger - Powered by Novell Messenger 2.0.2, Instant Messenger is a corporate, cross-platform instant messaging product that is based on Novell eDirectory™. Your Messenger system can be set up on NetWare, Linux, or Windows.


• Personality Migration - Powered by Unicenter Desktop DNA R11.1, Personality Migration enables you to efficiently copy and move a full desktop environment, including the ability to control migration of system settings, desktop settings, and application settings; control migration of folders and files; use typical migrations or create custom migrations; automate migrations; and back up and restore desktop environments.
• Software Packaging - Powered by Acresso AdminStudio 9 ZENworks Edition, Software Packaging enables you to manage Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) packages, including the ability to convert legacy-based installs to MSI packages, including migration of ZENworks AOT and AXT packages to MSI packages; customize MSI packages for your organization's varying needs; and automate creation of directory objects used for management and distribution of the MSI package.


• Patch Management - Powered by PatchLink Update 6.3, Patch Management enables you to manage the software update and patch process across NetWare and Windows operating systems, including the ability to apply all required updates and patches to new installations to match corporate standards; patch all major vendors' software, including Novell, Microsoft*, IBM*, Adobe*, Corel*, Symantec*, McAfee*, WinZip, Citrix*, and many others; review detailed patch information to determine what patches are right for your organization; target specific machines to ensure that the correct machines get the correct patches; schedule the update times; and generate reports on patch compliance.