DX-Union Management Suite

Automated distribution of software and data

IT departments have to tackle a wide range of tasks every day: users regularly need new computers, which must be equipped with the right software and access to business-critical resources. In addition to PCs, server environments also require increasing levels of management. This work is often carried out on-site or using various management tools. This ties up considerable resources that are then lacking elsewhere. DX-Union’s automated software management relieves IT staff of these routine tasks. This frees up working time for more important tasks, reduces the error rate and helps to permanently lower IT operating costs.

Software deployment with DX-Union

DX-Union’s automated software deployment enables the integration of new computers in general, as well as the setup of terminal server or Citrix XenApp environments within the network, without the need for manual software installation and configuration. DX-Union automatically provides the new computer with the Microsoft or Linux operating system and configures all necessary network parameters. The system is ready for use and integrated into the corporate network without the need for intervention by an administrator or a member of staff from the specialist department.

The clearly laid-out DX-Union interface displays the target and actual software statuses in tabular form. This enables the administrator to easily and conveniently define and monitor the software configuration. Furthermore, the target and actual statuses allow for the rapid and automatic restoration of systems in the event of failure, replacement or misconfiguration. No extensive training is required for this. When compiling the configuration profiles, the administrator is also supported by the automatic checking of all software dependencies. Furthermore, bulk deployments can be conveniently set up and monitored using jobs. Hard disk configurations can also be defined via the administration interface, for example to manage system, programme and data partitions separately.

Integrated server and Citrix management

Maintenance windows can be defined specifically for the management of server and Citrix environments, during which software may be installed. Outside this timeframe, the servers are not burdened with installations and the associated resource consumption, or even with reboots. This ensures that users are affected as little as possible by software deployments. For urgent installations that fall outside the maintenance window, a force mode can be set up. This allows urgent maintenance work to be carried out even during normal operation.

Specifically for Citrix environments, targeted settings for a Citrix farm can be configured via DX-Union Farm Management. Once a farm has been created in DX-Union, the administrator can set the server as a member of the farm within the computer object. Subsequently, during installation, the server automatically becomes a Citrix server within the configured farm, which can also be created from scratch if necessary.

Creation of software packages

The most time-consuming part of automated software deployment lies in the creation and testing of software packages. With DX-Union, this is handled by a wizard provided as part of the package. DX-Union supports further actions through predefined script actions and its user-friendly scripting language. All data in the database can be accessed within the packages. Flexible problem handling ensures accurate information on the status of an installation. Thus, DX-Union can accommodate any specific software configuration.

Patch management: Centralised patch provision

The ever-increasing number of patches in the Microsoft environment and from third-party providers leads to growing workloads in system administration: patches must be checked for relevance, and important patches must be downloaded and tested. Following successful testing, an initial pilot rollout takes place, followed by installation on all affected systems. These steps can be automated to a significant extent. This is where DX-Union patch management comes in. It handles all manual tasks: from identifying required patches, through downloading and checking computers for missing patches, right through to installation.

The patches are then managed and installed via DX-Union mechanisms. For applying patches to third-party software, catalogue files are used, some of which are provided by the software manufacturers or third-party vendors. These catalogue files are available, for example, from Adobe for Flash Player, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader.

Your benefits with DX-Union software management

• Software can be deployed to computers during normal working hours and whilst systems are running.
• No disruption to other applications during the installation process.
• Large software packages do not need to be sent to each client individually, but are delivered to all recipients in a single centralised transmission.
• Precise timing control via push and Wake-On-LAN functions.
• Urgent installations and maintenance work can be carried out in force mode.
• Fast, automatic replication of computers.

How we can help you with automated software distribution

Materna offers solutions for the automated management of IT workstations in the form of the DX-Union Software Distribution module. We support our customers every step of the way, from consultation through to implementation. Following a no-obligation product presentation, we set up a test environment at the customer’s premises so that they can familiarise themselves with the product at their leisure. Our other modules can be added as required.

Integrated inventory of the entire IT landscape

Display the exact number of all clients in the company at the touch of a button, manage existing licences and avoid legal issues caused by over-licensing. With the DX Inventory module, you can automate precisely these processes, saving both costs and effort.

At DX-Union, the integrated inventory of the IT landscape’s hardware and software is carried out using the Asset Assistant. It automatically records all relevant information, such as installed software or network, hard drive, graphics card and BIOS details. Thanks to its integration into DX-Union, the DX-Union Asset Assistant can be deployed without the need for complex configuration or customisation. Queries and the display of results can be carried out directly from within DX-Union.

DX-Union Asset Assistant

Infrastructure discovery is supported by a network scanner. This scanner can be used to scan network segments, domain accounts or even the contents of host files for active network components. Once the devices have been classified, they are then transferred to the DX-Union database.

The DX-Union Asset Assistant is based on the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) standards, the Microsoft implementation of the WBEM standard. In addition to Windows systems, devices of any kind that communicate via SNMP can therefore be inventoried. These include devices such as routers, switches, network printers and print server appliances. The MIB (Management Information Base) stored in the devices – a small database containing information about the object to be managed – is read directly by the Asset Assistant. Unix and Linux systems are inventoried via remote access using SSH (Secure Shell). In this process, data from the target system is retrieved using standard console commands and transferred to the central database.

As part of the software inventory process, the DX-Union Asset Assistant can identify software on Windows systems that is either listed in the Control Panel or based on the installation routines of MSI technology. It is also possible to identify software using a signature file. This allows various attributes to be defined to determine how a piece of software should be recognised. On Unix and Linux systems, the installed software packages are identified by automatically reading the PKG and RPM databases present in most distributions.

To collect only the necessary amount of inventory information depending on the deployment scenario, this information can be summarised in questionnaires. This allows, for example, the main memory configuration or the installed processor to be checked every morning. On other occasions, more detailed questionnaires are then used. The inventory process is carried out via surveys, in which it is defined which systems are to be recorded with a specific questionnaire at which time.

Advantages of inventory management with the DX-Union Asset Assistant

• Creates transparency and thus provides an important basis for planning all IT service management processes (e.g. tasks in the service desk or licence management).
• Provides accurate and up-to-date information to support decisions regarding upgrades, migrations or new purchases.
• Provides the basic information required for IT service management tools or for asset management.
• Can also be used in conjunction with other IT service management solutions or alongside a service desk.
• Installation takes just a few moments, and operation follows Windows standards.

The Licence Management extension module

The Licence Management extension module logs software usage. This logging also works in terminal server or Citrix environments. This information can be processed into licence reports via the DX-Union Service Desk.

Advantages of Licence Management

• Logging is user- or system-specific
• Easy determination of the actual number of licences required for a product
• Avoids legal issues arising from under-licensing
• Avoids unnecessary expenditure due to over-licensing
• Prevention of the use of pre-defined software
• Prevention of undesirable user activities, such as file sharing over the internet
• Option to display a warning message when certain software is used

How we can help you with the inventory of your IT infrastructure

Materna offers solutions for the integrated inventory of your IT infrastructure in the form of the DX-Union Inventory module. We support our customers every step of the way, from consultation through to implementation. Following a no-obligation product demonstration, we install a test environment at the customer’s premises so that you can familiarise yourself with the product at your leisure. Our other modules can be added as required.

Network and infrastructure under control

Materna offers a solution for monitoring critical IT systems, assists with the implementation and maintenance of the systems, and provides expert support during the design phase. The DX-Union monitoring module provides system administrators with a clear overview of network and system status, performs automatic discovery of networks and systems, displays IT networks at OSI layers 3 and 2, and offers convenient event management.

The benefits of monitoring

• Identify the causes of problems
• Assess the impact of problems
• Meaningful alarm messages through event correlation
• Technicians receive evaluated, concise notifications
• Causes of faults can be identified more quickly
• Efficient handling of standard situations
• Resolution times are reduced
• Service Workbench supports, manages and documents the fault resolution process
• Greater transparency and improvement of the entire service process
• Reduction or avoidance of downtime
• Higher customer satisfaction

Service optimisation as a competitive advantage

IT processes are becoming increasingly demanding, and applications ever more complex. As a result, the number of user enquiries to the helpdesk is growing. IT support is thus becoming a key priority within a company’s IT services: any technical disruption leads to delays in business processes. Efficient handling of enquiries or issues not only reduces the workload on IT staff but also helps to provide optimal support for business processes.

Service starts with the user

Users can conveniently access the DX-Union Service Desk via a web portal. Here, customers can access approved entries in the solution database within the web portal. This prevents many service desk enquiries from arising in the first place, thereby reducing the workload on IT staff. Furthermore, users can also contact the Service Desk. They can open new problem reports, view the status of previous reports and communicate with the Service Desk via the comment function. The ability to search for colleagues, including potential integration with the telephone system, as well as the option to view reports approved for the customer, round off the standard functionalities of the web portal.

Furthermore, users can select from a list of services that have been approved for them. These services can be easily created in the Service Desk using a wizard and linked to existing workflows. Once the request has been submitted, any necessary approvals are obtained. Depending on the configuration, the line manager or a service manager is first asked for approval. Only then is the workflow linked to the service initiated.

The services in question may be IT services, such as requesting access to a share, or non-IT services, such as ordering floral decorations for a meeting room.

In addition to the web portal and telephone, a Mail2Ticket interface is of course also available, through which new tickets can be created or existing tickets replied to. This interface is ideal for connecting external service providers or services.

Service also applies to IT staff

Via an integrated dashboard, Service Desk staff have a direct view of the most important summaries and ticket statistics. The dashboard can be customised as required by allowing new reports in the form of charts, tabular lists or graphs to be added and arranged independently.

Furthermore, the Service Desk can be connected to a telephone system via a CTI (Computer-Telephony Integration) framework. When incoming calls are received, the Service Desk staff member is informed directly via a dialogue about the caller and their currently open issue reports and can branch directly to the relevant ticket.

The DX-Union Service Desk features an integrated full-text search function. This allows search queries to be run across all information within the system, making it easier to locate specific details.

The big picture from an IT support perspective

In addition to the entire IT infrastructure, non-IT areas can also be managed within the Service Desk. To this end, individual properties of items can be defined, forming the basis for the existing components. In addition to standard attributes, inventory data can be imported and assigned, and commercial data can also be stored. By linking components, even complex configurations can be saved.

The room management system integrated into the Service Desk documents the spatial distribution of the entire inventory.

Additional benefit: Licence Manager

In addition to the traditional options for issue resolution, the Service Desk can also be used to manage a company’s software licences and contracts. The Licence Manager has an overview of the current licence situation via the relevant dashboard. The on-demand check helps to quickly identify any current under-licensing and initiate countermeasures.

Manual or automatic licence reports can be generated to output and monitor licence data. These enable, for example, a comparison of licensed software with installed software, allowing over- or under-licensing to be identified at an early stage.

Reports

Basic reports, such as the Compliance Check, are already provided by the basic configuration of DX-Union. The results of the Legal Compliance Check can be retrieved at freely definable intervals. On this basis, predefined actions or workflows, e.g. email notifications, can be set up. The user can easily add further reports.

Benefits of the Service Desk

• Optimisation of user support
• More productive staff and higher user satisfaction
• Automated receipt of enquiries and their central management in the Service Desk
• Efficient use and expansion of the knowledge base
• Analysis of Service Desk activities possible
• Easy submission of user enquiries, requests or complaints, and tracking of requests via a web portal
• Reduction in time-consuming follow-up enquiries regarding problems already reported
• Also manages the inventory of non-IT areas, e.g. furniture
• Escalations and automatic responses, such as sending an email, are possible
• Alert and reminder functions notify users of expiring maintenance or support contracts
• Continuous transparency and insight into the compliance status

How we can help you with DX-Union’s Service Desk

Drawing on extensive IT service management experience, Materna has developed a compact Service Desk solution to complement the DX-Union IT management suite. Requiring minimal investment, the DX-Union Service Desk is optimised for rapid deployment with a short implementation time. Materna’s expertise in IT service management ensures a functional ‘out-of-the-box’ solution that can be used for both internal and external services. The DX-Union Service Desk can be used in conjunction with all DX-Union modules or as a standalone solution. Materna also offers optional services for customising the solution to your specific requirements.

Users and resources under control at all times

New employees must be granted all necessary user rights, whilst former colleagues must not have any further access to the systems for security reasons. The more complex the IT infrastructure, the more time-consuming it is to create new users and delete old ones. DX-Union handles these tasks simply and reliably. And it does so regardless of whether standardised password policies are in place, access rights to network shares are required, or whether Windows or Linux servers are involved.

New employees start work, whilst others leave the company. This involves granting or revoking access rights to various applications and data storage systems. These must be granularly tailored to the employee’s role and responsibilities. Even this standard IT administration task can prove quite complex. It is even more time-consuming when project staff require temporary access to the IT systems. This must be defined on a project-specific basis and correspond to a defined access profile. Furthermore, it is no longer the case that every employee has their own PC within the company. Many field staff are rarely present on the premises and use whichever computer is available – yet they all require the appropriate rights for their role. And even in day-to-day operations, user rights create work for IT support: passwords frequently need to be changed or reset – according to the market research firm Gartner, password issues account for between 15 and 35 per cent of all helpdesk calls.

Secure access to business-critical resources at all times

User management is significantly simplified with DX-Union. For example, end users can change their own passwords without any technical expertise. If a PC is faulty, the user simply logs in to another PC and is presented with their familiar working environment. This reduces productivity losses to a minimum. DX-Union also simplifies the management of shares and Active Directory groups. Both object types can be set up via the administration interface. The setup of shares is again completely transparent to the administrator across all systems. These resources are assigned directly from the administration interface using drag-and-drop. On the clients, the assigned shares are also automatically mounted with the desired drive letters, exactly in accordance with the administration specifications.

Cross-platform security

In addition to fewer outages and more satisfied users, DX-Union offers the company further benefits, such as in the area of security. This aspect is implemented across platforms in DX-Union. For example, password policies apply equally to all supported operating systems. It is irrelevant whether the platform provides this feature natively. If an operating system lacks the ability to implement the policies, DX-Union provides the corresponding functionality. This applies, for example, to login times or designated login PCs when used with Linux servers.

System integration

In addition to the standard configurations carried out by DX-Union, many customers wish to have a direct connection to other applications. This often includes the integration of Microsoft Exchange servers or directory services, which are supplied with user information directly from DX-Union. This often eliminates the need for parallel administrative steps, making administration faster and less prone to errors.

The DX-Union administration interface integrates fully with the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). From a single interface, administrators can perform almost all system administration tasks. Thanks to support for heterogeneous network environments, administration can be carried out across different operating systems. Managing systems via a central interface as a single point of administration eliminates the need for many workflows that would otherwise have to be carried out in parallel.

Advantages of DX-Union User Management

• Direct integration of additional applications is possible
• No need for parallel administration steps
• Administration becomes faster and less prone to errors
• Complete management within a single user interface
• Administration possible across different operating systems

How we can help you with user management

Materna offers solutions for managing users and their resources in the form of the DX-Union User Management module. We support our customers every step of the way, from consultation through to implementation. Following a no-obligation product presentation, we set up a test environment at the customer’s premises so that they can familiarise themselves with the product at their leisure. Our other modules can be added as required.

Easily integrate printers into the workplace

The DX-Union Printer Management module simplifies the integration of printers within organisations. It makes no difference whether the printers are local, P2P or network printers. Once the printer drivers and configuration settings have been installed, the administrator can conveniently share new printers with users or computers via an easy-to-use administrator interface.

DX-Union Printer Management Module

The DX-Union Printer Management module supports all types of printer connections, from local and P2P printers to network printers and printers connected to server spooling systems. The necessary printer drivers and configuration settings need only be collected once on a reference system via the Printer Wizard. Afterwards, printers can be easily assigned to a user or PC via drag & drop. Printer drivers and profile templates can be distributed to other repository servers via a hierarchical resource distribution system. The administrator makes all settings via the easy-to-use administration interface.

Your benefits with Printer Management

• Easy integration of printers at the workstation
• Availability of printers assigned to a user at every workstation
• Printers assigned to a PC are available to all users at that workstation
• Distribution of specific printer configurations for users or PCs

How we can help you with Printer Management

Materna offers printer management solutions in the form of the DX-Union Printer Management module. We support our customers every step of the way, from consultation through to implementation. Following a no-obligation product demonstration, we set up a test environment at the customer’s premises so that they can familiarise themselves with the product at their leisure. Our other modules can be added as required.

Managing Plug & Play devices with DX-Union

External devices can be connected to Windows systems easily and straightforwardly thanks to the USB interface and the capabilities of Plug&Play integration. The drivers required for the devices are usually already included on the Windows installation media, which presents a security risk. Unwanted applications can enter the system and business-critical information can be leaked to the outside world.

The management of local interfaces is an integral part of DX-Union. It prevents the unauthorised export of data or the import of viruses. DX-Union implements company security policies for individual devices, specific users and PCs.

Your benefits with device management

• Secure activation or targeted blocking of mobile storage media
• Granular assignment of rights to read, write, execute, delete, rename and even view files, depending on the user, PC and application

Using IT systems flexibly and effectively

Physical servers and clients have a fairly rigid mapping between machines and applications. If IT systems are to be made more flexible and used more effectively, it makes sense to virtualise at least parts of the existing infrastructure.

DX-Union automates the management of virtual servers, desktops and applications. With its virtualisation management, the software offers all the functions required to operate virtual client environments cost-effectively across the entire organisation. It covers the entire lifecycle of the virtual system: from creation, through the installation of the operating system and software, to the removal of the system. DX-Union supports products from Microsoft, Citrix and VMware.

Your benefits with virtualisation

• Management of virtual and physical servers and desktops, as well as applications, in heterogeneous environments
• Fully automated provisioning and management via a central administration interface
• Increased productivity and cost savings through hardware consolidation