About LANDesk
LANDesk is a client management applications that provides OIT the ability to manage thousands of SMU computers. Each computer is installed with the LANDesk agent. This agent provides the following functionality:
- Electronic inventory of hardware and software
- Patch Management reporting and remediation
- Software delivery
- Remote Control Access initiated by the customer
Electronic Inventory
The LANDesk agent sends inventory information to the server on a regular basis. The data collected is simply all software and hardware information pertaining to the computer. It does not capture any personal data or any information contained in documents or non program files. This electronic inventory is used to allocate technology funding for the care and maintenance of machines.
Patch Management
All Windows computers should be configured to receive critical updates through the WSUS server. WSUS monitors and reports any machines that are missing updates or have issues installing updates. However, WSUS only covers security updates for Microsoft applications. LANDesk provides additional patch management for other applications such as Adobe.
Software Delivery
Software applications can be packaged for electronic delivery to computers through LANDesk. Once a license is ordered, the software package can be sent electronically to the machine for immediate installation. OIT is currently testing this component.
Remote Control Access
LANDesk offers a remote control support functionality. This allows a customer to initiate or approve shared control of a computer with a support technician. Support personnel can not connect to the machine without the customer's approval. The remote control session allows both the customer and the technician to interact and share control of the mouse, keyboard and screen to resolve incidents and provide training.
LANDesk Installation
The LANDesk agent is install on all computers through the standard load and through domain policies. However, if a machine needs the agent and it is not on the domain, it can obtain the agent from Securenet.smu.edu.