Web extra: Managing mobility
Here are some other asset management packages that can help administrators keep track of portable devices.
Company: Computer Associates International
Product: Unicenter Asset Management
Notes: Broad client support ranging from desktop PCs -- including Apple Macintosh -- mainframes and several handheld platforms.
Company: Hewlett-Packard
Product: HP Client Management Solutions
Notes: Full support for desktop PCs, but limited support for handheld devices.
Company: iAnywhere
Product: Afaria
Notes: Supports mobile devices including smart phones and offers strong security features.
Company: IBM
Product: Tivoli Configuration Manager
Notes: Broad platform support along with network and identity management integration.
Company: ManageSoft
Product: Handheld Management
Notes: Desktop management software with new support for handheld devices; offers strong remote control, diagnostic and software management tools.
Company: Microsoft
Product: Systems Management Server 2003
Notes: Mostly focused on software rather than hardware; offers strong directory integration; has several features that require other Microsoft products.
Company: NetSimplicity
Product: Visual Asset Manager
Notes: Offers broader asset management than just PCs or handhelds, but also a slimmer feature set for these devices; mostly covers hardware and inventory database.
Company: Symantec
Product: LiveState Client Management Suite
Notes: Limited to Microsoft Windows and Pocket PC handhelds; requires other Symantec products for full functionality; expensive.
Company: Traq
Product: Mobile Director
Notes: Innovative mobile phone application with support for detailed management such as calling plans.
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