News
Microsoft Releases Add-On Pack for Server Appliance Kit
- By Scott Bekker
- December 18, 2001
Microsoft Corp. expanded its Server Appliance Kit Monday with an enhancement specifically aimed at the needs of IT managers.
Redmond rolled out an Add-On Pack for its Server Appliance Kit 2.0, the version of Windows 2000 Advanced Server targeted at OEMs building dedicated appliances such as Web servers or Network Attached Storage devices.
Features of the Add-On Pack targeted at IT managers are a Multiple Device Manager and a Role-Based User Interface. Both items are designed to make it easier for IT administrators to oversee large collections of Server Appliance Kit-based devices.
The Multiple Device Manager allows administrators to manage many physical server appliances from a single console. MDM's capabilities include appliance discovery, device grouping, tracking/auditing and new security and command line tools.
The Role-Based User Interface feature allows system administrators to delegate administrative tasks while protecting access, useful for managing large Web farms. Three customized views let administrators provide delegated management levels in the UI for wholesalers, resellers and end users.
Microsoft also claims momentum from some major OEMs committing to sell server appliances based on the kit, with HP joining Compaq, Dell and Maxtor in building SAK devices.
About the Author
Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.