Dell, Altiris Offer Integrated Management Software

Dell on Tuesday introduced a new patch-management product created by integrating its OpenManage 4 systems-management software with Altiris Inc.'s management suite.

The OpenManage/Altiris package unifies the tools and provides a single interface to update system software, operating systems, and applications, said Paul Gottsegen, VP of enterprise marketing at Dell, in a statement.

"Customers are asking us to simplify their operations by reducing the number of tools required to effectively manage distributed server environments," Gottsegen said. This "enables us to provide a seamless method of fully updating the entire server network."

According to the companies, OpenManage will work with Altiris Patch Management to provide users a single view of all Dell PowerEdge servers on the network. Customers can determine which system-software, operating-system, and application updates are needed.

The product provides a view of what system-software version resides on any given server, automates downloads of BIOS, firmware, and drivers from Dell's Web site, and schedules delivery and distribution of updates.