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SYSTEMS MANAGEMENTFigure 2. OMCA Deployment Server Console: Using the New Job Wizard to deploy software packagessuites, such as Microsoft SMS or Altiris Deployment Solution—oreven distribute the packages as part of an NT logon script. Dell haspartnered with Altiris to create OMCA, an affordable yet powerfulsuite of applications that are designed to help maximize total costof ownership (TCO) and minimize the amount of resources neededto manage enterprise-wide systems. The OMCA suite is upgradeableto the full suite of Altiris products for specific license fees.The DCCU uses the OMCA Deployment Server Console to displayall systems that have been discovered and are managed byOMCA. By using the Deployment Server Console, an administratorin the example scenario can distribute the WOL package to thedesired systems. Several methods can be used to create the DCCUjob, but the example scenario uses the New Job Wizard method.With the console open, the administrator right-clicks on the Jobssection of the console and selects “New Job Wizard” to start thejob creation process. From the wizard, the administrator selects“Deploy Software Packages” and enters a name for the job so thatit is easily identified (see Figure 2).The inventory report feature in OMCA is easy to access. By clickingthe Next button, administrators can use the New Job Wizard toaccess the OMCA inventory and use the inventory items as conditionsfor executing jobs. Here, the administrator can specify whichsystems receive the WOL package. To create a package that uses noconditions for execution, the administrator can select “Not usingcondition for the job” and click the Next button.The New Job Wizard needs to know where the WOL packageresides, so the administrator clicks the Add button on the nextpage of the wizard—the RapidInstall and PC Transplant Packagesscreen—to open the navigation window and provide the locationof the WOL package.The administrator selects the WOL.exe file and clicks the Openbutton; a warning message appears stating that the package selectedis not a valid RapidInstall or PC Transplant package and asks theadministrator whether to continue with the selection. The administratorselects “Yes” and the wizard updates the New Job Wizardwindow. More than one package can be added in this window.The administrator clicks the Next button to display the SelectComputers screen; here, the administrator can either assign the jobto a specific computer or group of computers or not apply the job toany computer at this time. Not assigning the job allows the administratorto drag and drop the job to computers in the Systems list onthe main console. The administrator closes the New Job Wizard byclicking the Next button and then the Finish button.Completing the New Job Wizard places the newly defined jobin the Jobs menu on the main OMCA Deployment Server Console.After selecting the WOL job and dragging the job to a computer fordeployment, the administrator is prompted to schedule the job orexecute it immediately. The default setting, when using the dragand-dropmethod, is to execute the package immediately. In theexample scenario, the WOL package will then be deployed by theOMCA console; after OMCA verifies that the WOL package is intact,OMCA will execute WOL.exe, leaving only the results file documentingeither the success or failure of setting the BIOS feature.Managing Dell client systems effectivelyThe example scenario described in this article helps illustrate howeasily and effectively system administrators can manage just one orthousands of Dell client systems—whether Dell Precision workstations,OptiPlex desktop PCs, Latitude notebooks, or a combinationthereof—without having to physically interact with the end-usercomputer. By using the Dell Client Configuration Utility with DellOpenManage Client Administrator, Altiris Client Management Suite,or Microsoft SMS, administrators can deploy additional systems,change BIOS settings, configure security options, install and deploysoftware, and apply updates or patches in a fraction of the timethat would be required without using these tools. This reductionin systems management time can lead to an overall reduction inTCO, enabling organizations to reallocate valuable IT staff resourcesto other tasks.Jim Lathan is a Dell client technologist based in Elgin, South Carolina. Specializing indesktop, notebook, and workstation pre-sales deployment, Jim has Microsoft Certified SystemsEngineer (MCSE), Dell Certified Systems Expert (DCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA) certifications as well as 20 years of experience in IT management and support.FOR MORE INFORMATIONDell OpenManage:www.dell.com/openmanage60POWER SOLUTIONS Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, February 2005. Copyright © 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. February 2005