Service Pack Releases for LANDesk^® Management Suite and LANDesk^® Security Suite

In our continuing commitment to provide quality products, LANDesk Software develops updates and advancements to meet customer and partner requirements. On a regular basis we combine these updates into a service pack release. LANDesk has scheduled the following service pack releases for LANDesk^® Management Suite and LANDesk^® Security Suite versions 8.8 and 9.0:

Service Pack 4 (SP4) for LANDesk Management Suite and LANDesk Security Suite 8.8

SP4 for LANDesk Management Suite and LANDesk Security Suite 8.8 shipped April 30, 2010. Key features include:

Client support for Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit) Hot patches for 8.8 discovered since SP3 OSD/provisioning support for Windows 7 Client support for Windows Server 2008 R2 Intel AMT 6.0 support AV engine (SDK 8) support for 8.8 Client support for Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) (originally released February 19, 2010) Buffer overflow protection for HIPS

For a readme document with a detailed list of features and fixes, click here.

Service Pack 1 (SP1) for LANDesk Management Suite and LANDesk Security Suite 9.0

The SP1 release is a consolidation of recent updates for current 9.0 customers and is scheduled for availability June 30, 2010. For more information, see the frequently asked questions section of this document. After June 30, 2010, click here for a list of SP1 fixes.

Service Pack 2 (SP2) for LANDesk Management Suite and LANDesk Security Suite 9.0

The SP2 release, scheduled for September 30, 2010, provides new capabilities, as well as improvements based on customer feedback, including:

Console support for Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit) File replication Client support for Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) (originally released February 19, 2010) PXE proxy scalability improvements Role-based administration improvements Software license monitoring improvements Removing dependency on AMP Updated reporting engine Improved install and upgrade process

Reporting and role-based administration improvements

LANDesk is moving from the Avocent Management Platform (AMP) in favor of a Process Management direction. We will be sharing more information on this direction in upcoming communications and at Interchange in October.

With the removal of the AMP dependency, the SP2 release of LANDesk Management Suite and LANDesk Security Suite 9.0 will include new reporting and role-based administration capabilities which are fully integrated in the console. The reporting solution features easy-to-use dynamic reporting that requires less server infrastructure. In addition, the reporting capabilities and functionality that were introduced in version 9.0 will also be offered in SP2. This includes the ability to use a standard report as a template to build a custom report, and to use SQL to build reports that access any table in the database. We are also improving the usability of our role-based administration by offering more granular control of user rights, roles, and scopes.

What are the implications of the reporting changes?
It is important that LANDesk customers understand and plan for the reporting changes in SP2. From the LANDesk console, you will have access to the same standard reports and be able to create custom reports. If you have already created custom reports, you will need to re-create them in SP2. Any SQL statements created as part of a custom report in 9.0 can be leveraged to create custom reports in the new reporting solution.

Helpful information for a successful upgrade to 9.0
We want to make sure customers are well aware of the correct steps for a successful upgrade to 9.0 prior to installation. Click here to review the “Database” and “Installation” documents found in the “Preparation, Installation and Initial Setup” section of this LANDesk User Community landing page. Click here for an e-learning presentation.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about SP1 and SP2 of LANDesk^® Management Suite and LANDesk^® Security Suite 9.0:

Q: Which fixes will be included in Service Pack 1 for version 9.0?
A: After code complete, we will post a list of fixes included in SP1 here. As of this date, some of the key fixes in SP 1 include:

Correcting SLM Silo Service memory errors Allowing multiple instances of the SLM console to be opened from multiple machines Correcting the Manufacturer results displayed in the License tab Improved scalability for queries in an SLM computer group Ability to monitor products that don’t install or register

Q: Is there going to be new media released that includes Service Pack 2?
A: Upon release of SP2, new media will be available for download for customers newly installing version 9.0 or upgrading from a previous version. The new media will automatically run SP2 during the install process.

Q: Why is AMP being removed from version 9.0?
A: At the time of the product launch in December 2009, LANDesk Management Suite and LANDesk Security Suite 9.0 leveraged AMP in order to provide a common platform across Avocent data center management and LANDesk desktop management products for reporting, authentication, database, and other requirements. With the Emerson acquisition of Avocent and the subsequent decision to spin off the LANDesk division, the requirement to support AMP does not align with our long-term objectives.

Q: Is there a demonstration to see what the new reporting engine offers?
A: A recorded demo of the new reporting tool will be available internally at the end of May.

Q: Will my existing 9.0 reports be converted when I upgrade to SP2?
A: Because we are using a different tool, the reports cannot be converted. However, the SQL from a report created in iReport can be copied and placed into a report created in the new tool. The report would then need to be formatted with the new report tool.

Q: Do I need to uninstall version 9.0 and then reinstall SP2, or is there an upgrade path?
A: There is no need to uninstall 9.0 and reinstall SP2. Users with version 9.0 can simply run SP2 and they will have version 9.0.2. AMP will be uninstalled in the execution of SP2. Users installing from the new media will get version 9.0.2, which does not include AMP.

Q: Will I need to install SP1 before installing SP2, or will SP2 be a cumulative patch?
A: SP2 is a cumulative update and will include all the fixes for SP1.

Q: Will I need to reactivate my licenses when I install SP 1 or SP2?
A: Yes. In the original release of version 9.0, product licensing was handled through AMP; with SP2 you will be prompted automatically at the end of the SP2 install to reactivate the core using the same tool you used originally to activate your LANDesk^® products.

Q: How does this affect other products installed on the same core server, such as LANDesk® Asset Lifecycle Manager and LANDesk® Process Manager that support the automated patch process?
A: SP2 will also install the latest service pack for LANDesk Asset Lifecycle Manager and LANDesk Process Manager that removes AMP from those products as well. If you previously installed SP1 of these two products that removed the AMP dependency, SP2 will simply update that instance with the latest rollup patch. No special considerations apply.

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Three Ways LANDesk Protects You from False Positives

Recently McAfee released an antivirus update with a false positive.  As a result, many PCs experienced significant performance issues including shutdown errors, blue error screens, and endless reboot cycles. The reality is that false positives can happen to anyone. But by running LANDesk^® Management Suite and LANDesk^® Antivirus together, you have three ways to avoid the aggravation and stress when a false positive affects your endpoints. To learn more, click here.

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LANDesk and CREDANT Team Up for Data Encryption

Did you know you can extend LANDesk endpoint security and PC lifecycle management tools to provide full data encryption? Recently, we’ve teamed up with CREDANT, a market leader in endpoint data protection solutions. Now you can use CREDANT Mobile Guardian for superior data encryption technology as part of LANDesk Security Suite. CREDANT Mobile Guardian is compatible with just about any existing backup and recovery solution and is transparent to end-users so you won’t have to worry about decreased office productivity. And with LANDesk tools, you can quickly distribute powerful data encryption to all endpoints in your organization from one easy-to-use interface. To learn more, click here.

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LANDesk Announces New Remote Classroom Training

LANDesk Education is introducing Remote Classroom, a new digital training offering for remote attendees using an Internet and phone connection. Now you can enjoy the full classroom experience, while eliminating the time and expense of travel. Remote Classroom attendance is available for each of our four LANDeskManagement Suite and LANDeskSecurity Suite 9 classes listed below:

Getting Started with LANDesk Solutions Managing IT Systems with LANDesk Management Suite 9 Deploying IT Systems with LANDesk Management Suite 9 Endpoint Security Using LANDesk Security Suite 9

Remote attendees will need an Internet connection to view a desktop sharing application with a live picture-in-picture video of the instructor and students.  Audio is provided via a conference bridge. You will also be able to practice with hands-on exercises using our virtual lab environment. Students may choose to attend these classes in person or remotely.

In addition to Remote Classroom, LANDesk Education offers the following types of training:

Instructor-Led Classroom Private Onsite Training Instructor-Led Online Private Instructor-Led Online E-Learning

To view a schedule of training classes through August 2010, click here.

For information on LANDesk Training, send an e-mail to training@landesk.com, or call 801-208-1312.

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LANDesk Certification Update

Certified LANDesk Engineer Exam for LANDesk Management Suite 9 Now Available

For more information, including the recommended study path, click here.  

Replacement for Certified LANDesk Administrator Exam

LANDesk Education has replaced the Certified LANDesk Administrator exam with a comprehensive post-class assessment given to students on the final day of each of our four LANDesk Management Suite 9 classroom-based classes. You can take this exam only after attending one of these classes.

These assessments are now included as part of the class tuition. Assessment topics will focus on the material delivered during the class. Upon passing, you will receive the designation of LANDesk Professional for that class. These post-class assessments are offered only as part of the class and are not available for purchase separately.

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LANDesk Training Vouchers

LANDesk customers who renew their Support Maintenance agreement as Professional, Enterprise or Enterprise Plus are entitled to training vouchers to register for Instructor-Led Online (half-day and full- day online classes) and E-Learning Library subscriptions.

To see if you qualify for these vouchers, contact your LANDesk sales representative or send an e-mail to  training@landesk.com. Some restrictions apply.

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Events

LANDesk to Host Interchange in October

LANDesk is bringing back its internationally known Interchange conference. This year’s event will take place in October (exact dates and location to be determined) and will include keynote addresses by the LANDesk executive team, training and information on latest products, hands-on labs, meet the experts panels, and much more. Watch for more information on this exciting event.

Upcoming Webcasts

Asset Lifecycle Management Webcast
May 18, 2010, 11 a.m. EST
Register

National User Group Webcast
June 16, 2010, 12 p.m. EST
Register

LANDesk/Lenovo Innovation Webinar Series

Podcasts

Intel^® vPro^™ and LANDesk^® Solution Podcast
Enjoy a 15-minute podcast on the LANDesk implementation of Intel vPro

Asset Lifecycle Management
Virtual Strategy Magazine speaks with Toby Martin, director of product management at LANDesk, about asset lifecycle management

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