Dell Delivers New Patch Solution to Simplify Server Updates

May 4, 2005

Dell today announced an extension of efforts to simplify and standardize the way customers manage updates in their server environments by offering integrated patch-management software with Altiris.

Expanding on the program developed and announced with Microsoft for change management last year, Dell OpenManage 4 systems-management software now integrates with the Altiris Management Suite. The OpenManage-Altiris package unifies the tools needed to update system software, operating systems (OS) and applications to one interface that customers can apply with one mouse click.

This combination simplifies how customers update Dell PowerEdge servers by delivering a single tool that leverages existing operating-system management applications. Customers using Altiris for application- and operating-system management can now also use the patch tool for automated delivery of BIOS, ROM and firmware updates.

According to industry analyst firm Technology Business Research, "Dell's open system strategy of delivering functionality through the tools that customers already use — Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 and Altiris Management Suite — offers simplicity, flexibility and financial benefit to customers, without locking them into proprietary architectures."

"Customers are asking us to simplify their operations by reducing the number of tools required to effectively manage distributed server environments," said Paul Gottsegen, vice president of enterprise marketing at Dell. "The Dell/Altiris patch-management solution enables us to provide a seamless method of fully updating the entire server network."

OpenManage 4 works with Altiris Patch Management to provide customers a single view of all Dell PowerEdge servers on the network. Through this console, customers can easily determine needed system software, operating system and application updates. Capabilities at-a-glance include:

-- A detailed inventory of Dell servers and needed system software;
-- A view of what system software version resides on any given server;
-- Automated downloads of BIOS, firmware and drivers from Dell's Web site; and
-- Scheduled delivery and distribution of hardware updates to minimize the business impact of updating systems.

"The x86, industry-standard server market continues to experience strong growth on both Windows and Linux platforms. As customers continue to refresh and expand server infrastructures, Altiris and Dell have recognized the need to simplify operations while improving server utilization, security and compliance across heterogeneous platforms," said Dwain Kinghorn, Altiris CTO. "The efficient, standardized datacenter must automate Windows and Linux system provisioning, patch management and monitoring. The Altiris and Dell solution addresses these requirements and helps businesses efficiently reduce operational costs."

The Altiris patch solution marks the availability of the complete Altiris Management Suite, including patch, deployment and monitoring, for Dell PowerEdge servers. More information on Dell and Altiris systems management solutions can be found at http://www.dell.com/altiris7.