Quest Software updates endpoint management products

Quest Software has launched two new KACE products: KACE Systems Deployment Appliance 7.0 and KACE Systems Management Appliance 9.1. Quest claimed the products enable IT admins and network managers to manage the full lifecycle of all devices attached to a network within a single-pane-of-glass view.

The Systems Deployment Appliance (SDA) automates large-scale system deployment and aims to simplify migrations of multiple operating systems. According to Quest Software, this version of SDA enables IT admins to streamline systems imaging and deployment processes. It enables a higher level of management with enhanced features, such as Linux scripted installs.

New features to SDA include the following:

• Linux scripted installations. Quest added support for Linux, including Red Hat, CentOS and Ubuntu. Quest claimed this addition enables more automated installation services for Linux devices.
• New Windows Imaging file capabilities. In an effort to provide better logging information for admins to track where WIMS have been deployed, users can download WIM files to use online and select them for import as an image.
• Windows Media Manager. Windows Media Manager was rewritten in C# and updated to include knowledge-based engineering manipulator features.
• Updated Samba. The Samba update requires fewer touches when updating passwords. Additionally, when a user updates a password, it automatically updates in every environment on the appliance.
• Operating system upgrade. The new SDA now supports the most current version of FreeBSD.

The Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is a multi-platform endpoint management product. It automates the process of addressing systems management needs, such as taking inventory of hardware and software and ongoing management. Quest Software claimed SMA enables IT admins to view the endpoints that are connected to the network and automate the patching process.

Users have many options when it comes to patching and endpoint management. KACE can automate the patching process while enforcing security requirements to make sure the patch levels meet any corporate requirements.

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager has been a popular choice among larger enterprises for years and is optimal for patching OSes. Kaseya VSA was designed for small and medium-sized businesses and comes in at a more affordable price. Like many patch products, VSA is part of a larger offering for systems management.

The newest version of SMA now supports new OS versions such as macOS 10.14, Windows 10 Fall 2018 Update and SUSE 15. A new agent-assisted toolkit is also now available on SMA, as well as Azure support that enables the SMA experience in Azure.