VENDOR & PRODUCT

Altiris Client Management Suite 6.0
BMC Marimba Client Management 6.0 from BMC Software
CA Unicenter Desktop Management Solution
LANDesk LANDesk Management Suite 8	4.2	4.0	4.4	3.6	3.9	2.9	2.8	3.0
Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003
Novell ZENworks 6.5
Symantec iCommand Suite
High Score	4.6	4.3	4.7	4.2	3.9	3.6	3.8	5.0
Low Score	2.6	2.7	2.6	2.4	2.9	2.0	1.7	1.0

LANDesk Software LANDesk Management Suite 8

Below is the scorecard for LANDesk's client systems management offering. These scores reflect our assessment of LANDesk Management Suite 8 and LANDesk Handheld Manager, which we refer to throughout the scorecard as "the product."

(This product was last lab-tested in September 2004.)

The scores are based on a five-point scale. The weightings and scores listed below are based on Forrester's reference weightings as of November 19, 2004. Vendors are ranked based on users' custom weightings.

1. Architecture	4.2	The LANDesk Management Suite (LDMS) has a solid, unified, and flexible architecture for all core functions. The product offers broad client OS support and is easily upgraded from previous versions. One of its key strengths is the peer multicasting capability that allows any managed node to be used for both deployment and command execution for tasks like preboot execution environment (PXE) and Wake-on-LAN. The only weak point in the architecture is the asynchronous directory connectivity that does not provide real-time directory integration. The product is very scalable as well, though very large enterprises may find that it does not meet expectations in this area.

2. Software/OS management	4.0	The product excels in software deployment, particularly because of its peer distribution capability and drag-and-drop task execution. It also has strong OS and image management capability and includes a solid, GUI-based desktop migration utility. Its configuration management capability is stronger than many other CSM tools, but it lacks robust security configuration management specifically. It has good application packaging capability, but most enterprise customers will want to extend this with a third-party tool, such as InstallShield.

3. Patch management	4.4	The vendor recently introduced its own patch management product with support for Windows, Solaris, and Macintosh. It is the only leading CSM product to offer integrated patch management that is not licensed in some part from another vendor. For most customers, the patch management capability should be sufficient. Its only significant weakness involves vulnerability management.

4. Asset discovery	3.6	The vendor offers complete hardware and software inventory capability with broad platform support. It also allows administrators to create a custom form to collect data from users. The product includes basic license management capability, though information must be imported or entered manually. Customers that need more comprehensive license/asset management capability should plan to deploy third-party products in this area.

5. Administration and management	3.9	The product offers solid administration and management through intuitive Web and Windows consoles, with robust task automation and the ability to respond to specific conditions on the client. The look and feel of both consoles can be easily customized. It also offers solid reporting capability but, like most CSM products, lacks trend analysis capability. A good policy-based management engine is part of the product, but it is somewhat limited by directory synchronization (rather than direct integration).

6. Standards and interoperability	2.9	The product ranks well in overall standards and interoperability. Directory synchronization and scheduled queries allow it to apply directory data, but it lacks real-time directory connectivity. Out-of-box connectivity to help desk and systems management frameworks is available, but for a fee.

7. Market presence	2.8	Although LANDesk is a smaller vendor, it has grown rapidly since it was spun off from Intel in 2002. It has a solid customer base and channel. However, direct customer support is somewhat limited by the firm's size, so the company relies largely on its channel.

8. Cost	3.0	The LANDesk product is typically sold as a bundled suite, which includes all of the core management functions for PCs and mobile devices. It is priced competitively at US$89 per node. The discovery component is also available as a separate product.