N-able Technologies has started rolling out Version 7.2 of its N-central platform, which includes better integration with Autotask and ConnectWise, automatic patch approvals, redesigned remote control and more.
N-Central 7.2 is expected to be the last big update before 8.0 is launched in April, said JP Jauvin, president and COO of N-able.
"We've made the migration plan very smooth. It provides bi-directional integration [with ConnectWise and Autotask] to allow engineers to flow information back and forth to other systems. That's something customers have been looking forward to," Jauvin said.
Other improvements include a streamlined management process for patch approvals. It reduces the complexity of managing patches. And we've redesigned the plumbing to let remote control be faster. If the network supports peer-to-peer connection through UDP hole punching, that makes things a lot faster," Jauvin said. "In the past, everything had to be funneled back through our N-central server. Now it can go directly to the device."
In addition, N-able enhanced software discovery on N-central 7.2. MSP have better reporting capability on software license keys, Jauvin said. "They can help their customers in turn understand where they are with software license management," he said.
Herb Meyerowitz, director of technical services for General Networks, a Glendale, Calif.-based MSP, said the improved patch management functionality is the reason he upgraded to 7.2.
"Having a single console to handle everything is so important rather than [Windows Server Update Services], where you get the patches here, then have to go back to N-central," Meyerowitz said. "Reporting in WSUS was minimal at best and there was nothing you could generate to give to the client. Also, to be able to look at everything in one place, that's a key thing. For the whole MSP model to be efficient, we have to manage our clients and not have to spend time looking here or looking there to see if the information is up to date."
Jauvin wouldn't offer details around N-central 8.0 but he said it would offer "substantial enhancements in terms of automation" and provide greater breadth and depth of support across the whole portfolio of management features.
