Lenovo ThinkPad T40p IBM System Information Center Administrator's Guide - Page 11

Features The System Information Center program is cost-effective software that helps you to manage your inventory without significant resources from the client computer. The program provides the following features: v Easy browser accessibility: Because the System Information Center program is Web-based, you can access it using the Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) Web browser. Authorized users can access and update asset information easily and quickly with a familiar Web interface. v Minimal resource on client computer: Unlike some inventory-management tools, the System Information Center program uses the System Information Gatherer program, which is a small, non-resident application you can program to run periodically, meaning it is active only when needed. If a computer is disconnected from the network, the client agent will scan and send the gathered information when the computer is re-connected. v Software entry-level license tracking: One of the major costs related to computer asset management is expensive software licenses. With the System Information Center program you can track software application licenses in your enterprise. As a result, you can reduce costs associated with licenses by identifying and uninstalling expensive software licenses that are not being used on client computers. v Tracking asset status: Tracking the status of each asset is extremely helpful. The System Information Center program tracks assets in a variety of ways, including identifying transferred assets and checking for security protocols. v Central management system: Because the System Information Center program, the built-in database, and the Java Web application server can all exist on the same physical server, you can manage both computer and non-computer assets from a central location. In addition to desktops, notebooks, and servers, you can also track other assets such as monitors, printers, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). v Scheduling tasks: Some user accounts are authorized to generate reports provided by the System Information Center program or to develop and schedule reports customized for a specific environment. Scheduling tasks and reports to run periodically over a defined period of time ensures that your enterprise has the latest and most relevant asset information. v Generating, e-mailing, and exporting reports: Generating reports is one of the vital tasks associated with the System Information Center program. You can run a multitude of reports based on the type of asset information you need. After viewing a report, you can export that data as a .CSV file to be viewed in most spreadsheet programs, as well as e-mail the file to a specific address. Exported report information can be made compliant with other SQL-compliant databases such as IBM DB2. v Online documentation: The System Information Center program has an integrated help system and Administrator's Guide. The help system assists you in accomplishing tasks that are accessible through the GUI. It is designed to help you identify the tasks and the user accounts that are allowed to perform those tasks. The Administrator's Guide helps you understand and install the program, and provides administrators additional information about performing advanced functions. Chapter 1. About the System Information Center program 3