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ScriptLogic Corp. on Monday picked up the security drumbeat for remote desktop administration when it released the latest version of its Desktop Authority user administration tool.
The mature tool, now at release 6.5, brings new patch management functions in addition to new anti-spyware capabilities to the remote desktop configuration management software.
“Were going after security in what our customers believe are the biggest pain points. Now we hear more about malware instead of viruses—and to help with an enterprise-class patch management [system] that works with the tools they already have in place,” said Andy Langsam, chief operating officer of the company in Boca Raton, Fla.
Toward that end, the new release includes a scanning engine that can detect and remove spyware based on technology licensed from Aluria. For patch management, ScriptLogic Corp. licensed technology from Shavlik that is integrated with ScriptLogics validation logic.
“Our validation logic lets you be granular about where and when a patch can be deployed,” Langsam said. Both the scanning engine and patch management are integrated into Desktop Authoritys administrator console.
ScriptLogic also enhanced file and registry security by allowing administrators to control permissions on Windows NTFS files, folders and registry keys.
Another security addition is the ability to centrally configure Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 Firewall functions from the DesktopAuthority console, so that administrators can control which firewall ports are open and closed.
Desktop Authority, which has about 14,400 customers and manages about 3 million desktops, was revamped last fall to allow additional functions to be easily integrated into the console. Thanks to that effort, the desktop administration tool simplifies file and printer sharing configuration, blocked program notification and ICMP reporting.
The new spyware scanning and removal as well as patch management capabilities are priced separately.