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Novell ZENworks Endpoint Security Management v3.5

ZENworks Endpoint Security Management (ESM) provides a centrally managed endpoint security product that controls and manages wireless connectivity. The ZENworks Endpoint Security Management provides complete control over all wireless connectivity within an organization. The product only allows the use of approved wireless devices and network interface cards as designated by the organization’s policy. The ZENworks Endpoint Security Management automatically distributes wired equivalent privacy (WEP) pre-shared keys without user intervention. Administrators can gather and receive data on rogue access points and unauthorized WLANs quickly.

From a user perspective, these products allow security in potentially risky access points, as well as offering the ability to conduct business from multiple locations safely.

While the ZENworks Endpoint Security Management is not yet a snap-in to ZENworks, the vendor tells us that connectivity is due soon. Meanwhile, there is good coupling between the ZENworks platform and the ZENworks Endpoint Security Management. This is important because the whole idea behind ZENworks is that it sees the enterprise and its components holistically and manages everything in roughly the same way.

The ZENworks Endpoint Security Management does not provide a standalone wireless security system. Rather, it integrates with the wireless devices on the network to report on and to manage their activity. It uses no sensors, but does manage endpoint devices through agents placed on them. This is an excellent adjunct to other security products, such as some of the others we reviewed for this issue.

Novell documentation is laid out well and consists of a suite of useful guides and manuals. The manuals are easy to navigate and the table of contents is linked for quick reference. The installation guides make good use of screen shots and provide a step-by-step approach for deployment. The user guide associated with the ZENworks Endpoint Security Management is helpful as well.

Novell offers online and telephone support. There is a well constructed website for support and for locating answers to problems.

Prices start at $69 per device or, as part of the Secure Desktop Solution, at $120. This can get a bit expensive depending on the size of the enterprise.
Product title
Novell ZENworks Endpoint Security Management v3.5
Product info
Name: ZENworks ESM v3.5 Description: Price: $69 per device
Strength
First-rate management infrastructure and Novell's usual excellent documentation.
Weakness
Missing some functionality expected of most wireless security systems. This is balanced by its overall good management capability.
Verdict
if you are a ZENworks shop, you need this product. Be sure that you have complimentary wireless security functionality in the form of other products, however.

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