ScriptLogic Boosts IT Security, Productivity with Centralized Management of Windows Desktops, Applications
Updated Desktop Authority enhances USB/port security, supports 64-bit platforms, adds patching and reporting features
ScriptLogic Corporation released Desktop Authority version 7.7; the update offers enhanced security controls on USB drives and other removable storage devices, provides 64-bit platform support, and enhances patch management and reporting features.
Version 7.7 lets IT administrators allow or deny specific USB devices by their serial numbers, device classes, or IDs and provides a report of all permitted and denied activity to show the files a user has copied and notes any attempts to breach security policies.
The new release also extends support to 64-bit platforms, including 64-bit desktops running the desktop agent and the 64-bit back-end servers running Desktop Authority services. ScriptLogic’s Validation Logic lets administrators to tailor configuration profiles to 32-bit and 64-bit platforms independently.
Desktop Authority 7.7 includes several enhancements to improve IT patch management, including:
The Desktop Authority Update and Patch Download Service is design for highly secured environments in which desktops and servers are isolated from the Internet. The service allows administrators to download updates and patches into a ZIP file for easy delivery to the selected Desktop Authority server.
International Language Support for Patches and Upgrades: Desktop Authority supports downloading and installation of updates and patches in English, German, French and Spanish.
Patch Rollback: Administrators can roll back selected patches and updates.
User Deferment of Patch Installation: End users can delay update installation or delay the reboot following patch installation if the administrator allows.
A new reporting tool, the Custom Report Wizard, makes it easier for IT professionals to create and automate reports that contain multi-level queries. Wizard-created reports can search and filter the hardware and software inventory without writing any SQL code. This wizard steps administrators through creating reports based on any information stored in the Desktop Authority database; admins can customize the report layout and format of the report and set the schedule and delivery method.
Desktop Authority 7.7 is available immediately; the company offers a free 30-day evaluation at http://www.scriptlogic.com
Desktop Authority is priced on a per-seat basis; volume discounts are available.
About the Author
James E. Powell is the former editorial director of Enterprise Strategies (esj.com).