Dell, Microsoft Team On Software Update Tool

Due out in January 2005, the Systems Management Server 2003 Inventory Tool For Dell Updates is a combination of Dell's OpenManage 4 systems management software and Microsoft's Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 software, said Dell President and COO Kevin Rollins.

With SMS 2003 Inventory Tool For Dell Updates, IT administrators will have an easier method for quickly deploying software updates, operating systems and other applications across Dell PowerEdge server platforms, Rollins said. The tool will be able to apply the software updates to "thousands of servers in less than an hour," he said.

In addition, SMS 2003 Inventory Tool For Dell Updates will offer administrators a single view of all Dell PowerEdge servers running on a network, as well as report which servers require updating; updates can be scheduled to avoid bandwidth conflicts with business-critical operations. The tool, too, will give detailed reports of which system software versions resides on any given server plus enable administrators to automate downloading of BIOS, firmware and drivers from Dell's Web site.

"This partnership between Microsoft and Dell will help customers realize the promise of the Dynamic Systems Initiative, Microsoft's strategy to simplify management of distributed systems by more closely connecting developers and IT professionals throughout the application life cycle," Microsoft President and CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement.

When it's released next year, the SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Dell Updates will ship with Microsoft SMS 2003 or be available as a free download for existing customers from Microsoft's Web site.