To All
Features Include TCP/IP Configuration, Drag and Drop Software Installation and
Mac OS 8 Support
WILMINGTON, Mass., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- DATAWATCH CORPORATION (Nasdaq: DWCH) today launched netOctopus 2.0, a major upgrade of it's award- winning systems management software for Apple Macintosh computers. netOctopus 2.0 adds powerful new features, provides enhanced scalability and allows computers to be administered remotely over TCP/IP networks, including the Internet.
New Features
netOctopus 2.0 allows systems administrators to manage, update, configure and support Macintosh computers faster, easier and more cost-effectively than before. New features introduced with netOctopus 2.0 include:
-- remote configuration of workstation TCP/IP network settings
-- drag-and-drop software installation over the network
-- easy installation of complex software packages
-- remote file management
-- real-time reporting of over 300 system configuration details
-- integrated software metering and auditing
-- advanced security
-- Mac OS 8 support
"netOctopus gives administrators the ability to manage their networks proactively by pulling together data they need," said Thomas R. Dell, President of Scion Networks and co-author of the recent book Managing AppleTalk Networks. "netOctopus can be the difference between you running the network and the network running you."
"The new features in netOctopus 2.0 reduce Macintosh system management costs and enhance end user productivity," said Jan Sutton, netOctopus Marketing Manager. "This combination of features is unique in the Macintosh market. netOctopus 2.0 is truly a comprehensive solution for Macintosh systems management."
Remote TCP/IP Configuration
netOctopus 2.0 lets administrators view and change TCP/IP settings on Macintosh and Windows workstations. Administrators can modify parameters such as IP addresses, subnet masks, domain names, gateway addresses and DNS addresses. In addition, workstations can be remotely configured to use BootP, DHCP or RARP protocols. This feature resolves a major network administration problem: management of TCP/IP addresses. By enabling administrators to configure TCP/IP settings remotely, netOctopus gives them the flexibility to easily modify their network and reduce troubleshooting time. The result is a more efficient network and more productive users.
Drag-and-Drop Software Installation
The new drag-and-drop software installation feature in netOctopus 2.0 lets administrators install single files or complete directories by simply dragging the source folder to the desired destination. This speeds software installation and system troubleshooting, allowing software changes, corrections and updates to be rapidly deployed and tested.
Easy Installation of Complex Software
netOctopus 2.0 now includes DATAWATCH's File Scripter(TM) 2.0 installation script builder. File Scripter 2.0 works with netOctopus to speed installation of complex software packages, whether to one computer or hundreds at a time. File Scripter 2.0 monitors the operation of both standard and custom software installation programs, and builds commands used by netOctopus to install such software remotely over the network. File Scripter 2.0 also includes preconfigured templates for popular software packages like Microsoft Office, making software installation simple and efficient. According to the Gartner Group, the use of LAN-based electronic software distribution tools for distributing pre-packaged desktop application software will result in an annual lowered cost of ownership of between $86 and $185 per PC, through the year 2000.
Remote File Management
Remote file management speeds problem troubleshooting and resolution by allowing administrators to browse users' disks, create files and directories, edit file attributes, create aliases and shortcuts, as well as move, rename and copy files. Administrators and help desk staff who required remote control or screen sharing software to perform these essential tasks now can accomplish them faster, while consuming much less network bandwidth than ever before.
Gathers Over 300 System Configuration Details
netOctopus 2.0 gives administrators and help desk staff virtually complete information on each computer in their organization, providing up-to-date detailed information for better asset management and problem resolution. Over 300 details on processors, memory, networks, system and applications software, fonts, files, active processes and more can be gathered in real-time. Integrated reporting and flexible filtering presents all the information required for a particular task, without extraneous detail.
Integrated Software Metering and Auditing
netOctopus' software metering and auditing features have been upgraded and integrated, improving speed and ease-of-use. Software metering and auditing allows organizations to monitor software usage in real-time, inventory installed software and check software license compliance. They provide comprehensive information on software installation and usage, covering both concurrent- and named-user licenses. In addition to identifying unauthorized software usage, this reduces expenditure on software purchases by allowing organizations to buy only the number of licenses actually required.
Advanced Security
netOctopus 2.0 gives organizations advanced security that can be customized to fit their security policies. Organizations can allow end users to restrict administrator access to their workstations. They can also selectively delegate administrative responsibility, limiting the authority of administrators by function or workstation. The unique combination of security and customization accommodates the security policies of virtually any organization.
Mac OS 8 Support
netOctopus 2.0 operates on the new Macintosh OS 8, as well as Macintosh System 7. It is fully compliant with the new Macintosh OS 8 appearance guidelines and supports contextual menus and other OS 8 enhancements.
Enhanced Scalability
netOctopus 2.0 uses a new architecture providing increased scalability for large and small networks. Administration functions can be distributed among several computers on different network segments, and the netOctopus 2.0 Notification Server gives administrators the flexibility to have activity initiated by the administrator ("push" technology) or the workstation ("pull" technology). The Notification Server also lets netOctopus support users with intermittent network connections, such as mobile users of laptop computers or users who connect via a dial-up Internet connection.
Additional Features
netOctopus 2.0 includes support for Apple Installer version 4.x, and is fully AppleScript compatible and recordable. All netOctopus commands can be automated using AppleScript, simplifying routine or complex tasks. netOctopus 2.0 also integrates with the popular remote control software Timbuktu Pro, version 2.0 and later.
Pricing and Availability
netOctopus 2.0 pricing is based on the number of computers managed. Pricing for a 100-computer network is $4,500. Upgrades for current netOctopus customers are available. netOctopus 2.0 is scheduled to ship in September, 1997, and will be available directly from DATAWATCH at (800) 847-3982 or (508) 988-9700.
DATAWATCH CORPORATION develops, markets and distributes advanced software products for the personal computer market. DATAWATCH's principal products are: netOctopus(TM), a system and network administration tool for Macintosh and IBM-compatible PC networks; Monarch(TM), a report mining tool that provides data access, translation and reporting capability to users of networked PCs; Virex(R) and VET, which detect, repair and monitor for virus infections for both Apple Macintosh and IBM compatible PC's, respectively, and Q-Support(TM) (marketed as Quetzal internationally), a Windows-based help desk and asset management system that provides IS support centers with an integrated, full- service solution in a multi-user, networked environment.
NOTE: Datawatch and Virex are registered trademarks of Datawatch Corporation. Monarch, netOctopus and Q-Support are trademarks of Datawatch Corporation. All other company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner. SOURCE Datawatch Corporation
CO: Datawatch Corporation
ST: Massachusetts
IN: CPR
SU: PDT
08/06/97 09:00 EDT prnewswire.com |
