A core component of Sybase's Information Anywhere Suite, Afaria provides an administrative platform for the centralized management of multiple, remote (typically outside the LAN) devices such as mobile laptops, remote desktops, and handhelds. Devices are managed from a centralized Microsoft .NET-based console that can be accessed by Web browser, with various modules available to process such activities as backing up data from the remote device to a centralized location, ensuring device configurations are set properly, and providing for the automated dissemination of specific document updates. Though the platform is managed through a centralized Microsoft .NET based console (and also supports LDAP/NT directories), the individual devices can be Windows 32-bit laptops/desktops, Windows CE or Pocket PC based handhelds, and Palm, Symbian, or BlackBerry handhelds. Not all modules offered support all these clients, however; exact specifications for each are provided on the Afaria micro-Web site.

Connectivity to the devices for the performance of maintenance tasks can be accomplished through dial-up remote access (RAS), TCP/IP over wireless, LAN or WAN; and additionally HTTP access is supported for connectivity through corporate firewalls. Each of the modules is bandwidth sensitive and can be tuned to ensure that the information it is transmitting does not interfere with the simultaneous transmission of more critical information.

Key individual modules available include:

Backup Manager: Automated backup of device data to the network.

Configuration Manager: Setting and automated application of device specific configuration information; such as network access settings.

Document Manager: Subscription, automated (pushed), or on-request updating of specific documents from the network to the devices.

Inventory Manager: Scan and catalog frontline device hardware and software assets.

Remote Control: For Windows-based consoles and clients. Optionally, a Remote Control Gateway Server can be used at the LAN perimeter to limit the number of required open ports on the firewall.

Software Manager: For application deployment and management.

Patch Manager: Allows administrators to automate and deliver Windows system patches via the Afaria platform. Specific devices or groups of devices can be targeted for the application of specific patches.

Other available modules include License Manager, OneTouch (single click network connectivity), Security Manager (separate offerings for handhelds and for Windows), and Session Manager.

New features in the latest Afaria release, which is expected to be available later in the fourth quarter of 2006, include FIPS 140-2 validated encryption in the Security Manager; support for full management of Security Manager for Window's full-disk encryption from the Afaria administrative console; support for the initial provisioning of wireless devices; support for Remote Control on Windows Mobile devices; Expanded patch detection in Patch Manager, including support for additional MS apps (Exchange Server, SQL Server, Office); and interoperability with push E-mail platforms, including the vendor's OneBridge and MS Exchange Server.

Pricing starts at $39 per user for handhelds, and varies depending on the product components required and volume of users.

Visit the iAnywhere Web site for further information.

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