Vector’s IT Asset Management Product Protects Laptops
06 November, 2006
category: RFID
Atlanta-based Vector Networks, known for its asset-managment products that protect laptops and other IT resources – just announced its first offering in the RFID arena.
Where’s the beef in the beefing up?
Vector Asset Locator (VAL) uses RFID technology to physically locate and track assets such as laptop computers, adding an additional level of security to organizations’ assets, according to the company. To boot, Dual-Mode Software Distribution gives organizations the option to instantly stream applications upon user demand or to have IT “push” applications to client machines from a centrally-controlled, secure location.
Vector Networks Extends IT Asset Management Solution with RFID Asset Locator and Application Streaming
First IT Asset Management Solution to Integrate RFID Helps Prevent Laptops from Being Stolen; New Capabilities Streamline Application Management with Secure, On-Demand Provisioning
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vector Networks, a leader in IT asset and service management, today announced the addition of two significant capabilities to Vector AM (Asset Management) Professional, a comprehensive IT asset management solution that provides total control of IT resources: 1) Vector Asset Locator (VAL) uses RFID technology to physically locate and track assets such as laptop computers, adding an unparalleled level of security to organizations’ assets. 2) Dual-Mode Software Distribution gives organizations the option to instantly stream applications upon user demand or to have IT “push” applications to client machines from a centrally-controlled, secure location.
“IT asset management is all about optimizing resources to keep costs low and technology affordable,” said Chris Jackson, product manager, Vector Networks. “But until now, security has been a separate issue. With so much sensitive data on moveable hardware, organizations must integrate protection into their asset management strategies. By adding VAL to Vector AM Professional, we’re enabling organizations to keep tabs on critical hardware assets, alerting them within seconds if a laptop is moved by an unauthorized employee, or leaves a location without approval.
“In addition, by adding on-demand streaming to our application provisioning capabilities, we’re giving IT the ability to accelerate deployment and the flexibility to install applications in the way that best suits their needs, while ensuring that access and licensing are centrally controlled and monitored for security and budgetary purposes,” Jackson noted. “Organizations can now physically track IT assets and manage their software and hardware inventory – all with one solution.”
“With 64 offices and 3,700 sales associates, managing our IT assets is incredibly important. We’ve had great success using Vector for desktop inventory, application metering and distribution,” said Tory Skyers, infrastructure engineer, Prudential, Fox & Roach, an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. “Adding RFID tracking to Vector’s asset management solution will be a great way to know when and where a hardware asset has been moved to, or whether it has left the premises, and to mitigate the chance of sensitive assets being stolen or inappropriately used.”
Vector Asset Locator
Gartner Group estimates that a single stolen laptop can cost an organization more than $6,000 in hardware, software, and time to restore data. Sensitive data that is lost or stolen can end up costing an organization thousands more. With VAL, Vector AM enables enterprises to use the latest RFID technology to track assets to help staff geographically organize equipment and significantly reduce the risk of theft.
To determine the physical location of an asset within the enterprise, simply view the asset within Vector Inventory and check the “Asset Location” field.
Associate RFID tagged devices such as laptops with specific personnel RFID tags. This can alert IT staff or security if an unauthorized person handles a protected laptop.
Smart RFID tags can instantly broadcast alerts if they are tampered with or removed.
Dual-Mode Software Distribution
Vector AM’s Dual-Mode Software Distribution gives organizations the flexibility to implement and maintain applications through a traditional “push-based” software deployment approach or by providing self-service capabilities through streamed software on-demand (“pull-based” access).
Deploying applications on-demand puts users in-charge of which applications they need to do their job, and enables them to get these applications instantly. Vector AM streams applications from a central server out to local and remote PCs on-demand, where they are executed using local client resources just like conventionally-installed applications. An application is only installed if the user has been granted rights and has requested it. The net result is lower TCO through more efficient license use and less administration.
Availability
Vector’s Dual-Mode Software Distribution capability is available immediately. Vector Asset Locator will be available by end of 2006. Vector asset and service management solutions are available from Vector Networks and authorized channel partners. Visit www.vector-networks.com for more information.
About Vector Networks
Vector Networks is a leading provider of scaleable asset and service management solutions that streamline IT operations for any size organization. Vector AM Professional improves visibility, optimizes utilization and streamlines the management of IT assets through inventory, metering, software distribution and streaming-based application provisioning. Vector SM Professional increases the efficiency of IT services in one complete, proactive and centralized package by incorporating HelpDesk, inventory, and remote control and diagnostic features. With Vector products installed on over three million desktops and servers worldwide, privately-held Vector Networks drives the IT management of some of the world’s largest organizations. Visit www.vector-networks.com for more information.
