Desktop Management (or ZDM — for 'ZENworks Desktop Management') allows administrators to install software on, configure, put a hard-disk image on, inventory and remotely troubleshoot Windows-based workstations and laptops from a central location, through use of policy-driven automation.
Software packages installed via Desktop Management can have self-healing features and can install themselves on demand.
Desktop Management also supports MSI packages and Group Policies, despite the common misconception that systems administrators need Microsoft Active Directory and a Windows server to gain the full benefit of these technologies.
The Application Explorer utility (nalview.exe) provides a Novell Application Launcher (NAL) view to link applications into Microsoft Windows desktop displays.
A Zenworks implementation on a desktop machine may include:
nalagent.exe
nalntsrv.exe (runs the NT service)
zenrem32.exe (allows remote users to manage a machine)
Desktop Management software can operate both inside and outside firewalls.
Personality Migration consists of a modified version of the DesktopDNA currently owned by Computer Associates. Administrators can use it to migrate documents and settings from one Windows-based computer to another, regardless of the version of Windows running on either machine.
Software Packaging comprises a special edition of Macrovision's AdminStudio software, which allows administrators to create MSI (installer) packages for distribution.
Data Management, a version of Novell's iFolder software, allows users to synchronise data in a specified local folder (an iFolder folder on a Windows workstation with iFolder client software installed) with an iFolder server. Users can access iFolder data on the server from within the local network and via the Internet using iFolder server web interface. (Novell significantly extended iFolder functionality in iFolder 3.0, adding support for Linux workstations and many other features.)
Patch Management provides automated patch management, allowing administrators to mitigate patch-related security threats by automating the collection, analysis, and delivery of patches throughout an enterprise network. Patch Management includes a subscription to the world's largest repository[citation needed] of fully automated patches spanning Windows and many Linux and Unix platforms. Patch deployment takes place rapidly and accurately with wizard-based tools and the ability to continuously monitor to ensure that computers stay patched over time.
Linux Management initially leveraged the Red Carpet software package (ZENworks Linux Management versions up to 6.6.2) which manages RPM packages installed on Linux workstations and servers. After a complete rewrite (version 7 and upwards), the tool extended its functionality from Software Management to Asset Management, Policy Enforcement, and System Imaging. As of 2008[update], Linux Management handles software installation, updates and rollbacks with varying degrees of reliability. Novell provides updates with bug-fixes and security patches on RPMs distributed with its commercial ( SUSE) Linux products.
Server Management allows remotely-located administrators to update, configure and troubleshoot Windows, NetWare, and Linux servers through the use of policy-driven automation.
Handheld Management allows administrators to remotely update, configure, and inventory Palm, Windows CE, PocketPC and RIM BlackBerry devices.
Asset Management handles hardware and software inventories.