NetSupport DNA 1.01 Reveals The Facts

NetSupport recently improved its NetSupport DNA desktop management suite and launched version 1.01 of the product. The modular tool is aimed at the midtier enterprise, and the standard package consists of three modules: hardware/software inventory, application/Internet metering and software distribution. For 500 users, pricing starts at $10,080 for the standard modules. The standard package plus the DNA remote-control module is $20,160, and the standard package with NetSupport Manager remote control added is priced at $26,210.

CRN Test Center engineers thought the pricing was a little high and the pricing structure was extremely complicated for this simple software; however, NetSupport does offer an extensive channel program and a reseller margin of 25 percent. The company provides a dedicated account manager for partners; a secure, dedicated partner Web site; prequalified sales leads; pre- and post-sales support; marketing support; territory protection; and an online software demo area that includes a training function.

NetSupport DNA is a SQL-based product and is easy to use. The GUI includes color-coded information for easy monitoring of license expiration, PC usage and other statistics across a company's PC fleet. Companies can easily monitor the number of employees using certain applications and can more closely predict the number of licenses needed. Businesses can also use NetSupport DNA to tailor application access to each user's specific needs. Instead of blindly installing an application across all machines in a company, the programs can be installed only for users who need them. This can save both time and money.

The software's design also makes it simple to install and configure, and solution providers can have the system functional in a matter of hours rather than weeks. The company packages an enormous amount of literature with the product, which also eases setup. NetSupport offers technical support during normal business hours Monday through Friday and a toll-free tech support line. NetSupport's Web site also offers an online help desk, white papers and technical product specifications.

The hardware/software inventory module works closely with the application metering function to scan a network and identify any programs that have run on a particular machine. This method is more comprehensive and detailed than simply using an Add/Remove Programs listing and allows administrators to view absolutely everything installed and run on any machine.

The application/Internet metering module is impressive and accurate and includes an active time metering function. Companies can use the Internet metering function to quickly identify when users are viewing particular Web pages. Most importantly, administrators can differentiate legitimate Web page views from the viewing of pop-up ads. For example, when an employee visits a particular Web site, pop-up ads or secondary sites often appear in the background. NetSupport DNA only actively monitors how long a user spends on the requested site and not on the pop-up window. This feature can also help prevent employees from facing false accusations about their whereabouts and activities on the Internet.

One of NetSupport DNA's metering capabilities allows administrators to approve or restrict user access not only to the Internet but also to particular applications. Administrators can set up time frames during which certain applications and/or Web sites are restricted. They also can control what types of Web sites users can view during working hours and restrict application use to corporate-related functions. Installation is not as complicated as expected for a management utility because of the software distribution module. When the product is installed on a server, client-side installation is automatically triggered. Setup is configured on the server side, and the software functions are automatically pushed out to client machines using the Deploy feature. Updates and patches are set up through the software distribution feature. Users can pull down software updates and patches on their own or they can set up their machine to automatically download the updates.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>NETSUPPORT DNA 1.01 DESKTOP MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
COMPANY: NetSupport
Alpharetta, Ga.
(770) 205-4456
www.netsupport-inc.com
DISTRIBUTORS: CDW, CompuCom, Software House International
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Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.