At ManageFusion 09 Las Vegas in March, Symantec announced the launch of Altiris Client Management Suite 7.0 and Altiris Server Management Suite 7.0. Included in the new version of Client Management Suite are some power management capabilities, which takes advantage of the Intel vPro technology’s latest capability to extend IT’s reach outside the corporate firewall. As a result, IT can literally shut the lights out on the PCs that were previously just outside its reach. Many companies have an always-on rule so IT can perform routine maintenance, install patches and other tasks. Of course, this makes for high electric bills and leaves an enormous carbon footprint. In the past, Altiris Client Management Suite users could turn off PCs when not in use with vPro. Intel vPro enabled IT to turn them back on remotely just long enough for the task at hand and then turn them off. However, this was only as long as the PCs were on the corporate network. With the latest version Client Management Suite, the firewall is no longer an obstacle with a couple of benefits. First is extending IT’s reach, but second is enabling those remote end-users to place a fast call for help. With a few keystrokes, a telecommuter or traveler with computer trouble now can immediately connect with IT for a fix. The shrinking IT budget is another issue many IT professionals worldwide are dealing with currently. While at ManageFusion, Symantec Strategic Alliance Director Kevin Unbedacht sat down with Intel Product Manager Tracie Zenti to discuss additional tactics, including a rather counterintuitive approach in a recession – spending money to save money. This video highlights the main points made by Kevin and Tracie.
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