Summary: How can PC lifecycle configuration management solutions enhance the control and administration of computers across an enterprise? With powerful capabilities that improve the efficiency of all facets of the PC lifecycle. Read on to learn more.

What to Look for In PC Lifecycle Configuration Management Software

PC lifecycle configuration management solutions are robust, feature-rich software packages that allow companies to more efficiently and cost-effectively deploy, enhance, and maintain the numerous desktops and laptops within their architectures. With PC lifecycle configuration management, the value and performance of computers can be maximized throughout their lifetime.

What kind of functionality do today’s most popular PC lifecycle configuration management systems offer?

Centralized Administrationy
Most PC lifecycle configuration management solutions offer a single, fully centralized console from which all deployment and administration-related activities can be quickly and easily conducted. For increased user-friendliness and convenience, many PC lifecycle configuration management vendors have made this portal Web-based, so it can be accessed at any time, from any Internet-enabled location. This comes in handy when IT staff members are traveling (i.e. visiting a branch office to conduct training or to install new hardware).

Automatic Software Distribution and Installation
With a PC lifecycle configuration management system, IT professionals can rapidly execute broad-reaching software installations, patches and fixes, and upgrades – without working with each computer individually. Executable files can be dynamically and simultaneously distributed to and installed on hundreds, or even thousands, of PCs across an enterprise.

Impact Analysis
There are many scenarios where an alteration to a single or multiple PCs will have a serious impact on the operation of the affected computer, as well as others in the environment. For example, one software package may be incompatible with other applications. PC lifecycle configuration management allows IT teams to perform comprehensive impact analysis. So, they can determine, in advance, if any changes they plan to make will have a negative effect on the rest of the infrastructure.

Usage Monitoring
Understanding what software is being used, and how, is critical to ensuring maximum return on application investments. PC lifecycle configuration management systems allow technology professionals to track software usage, so they can identify non-compliance with vendor agreements and correct over licensing issues, re-allocate unused licenses to prevent wasted money, and re-introduce any software that has unintentionally become “shelfware”.

Security Management
Without a PC lifecycle configuration management solution in place, managing security on each individual desktop or laptop computer can be a harrowing task that can result in inconsistent protection – and an increased risk of breach – across an organization. However, PC lifecycle configuration management allows for comprehensive oversight of security measures. User administration is fully centralized to prevent unauthorized access and provide full control over rights and privileges. IT staff can also use a PC lifecycle configuration management solution to help ensure that anti-virus and other protective software packages are installed and updated on all PCs, at all times.

Remote Support
IT staff, and the employees they support, often travel on company business. Yet, technical issues that impact PC performance can still arise, even when these workers are on the road. That’s why PC lifecycle configuration management solutions come complete with remote support capabilities, so any IT professional can troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair any PC – at any time, from any location.