Does your PC lifecycle management (PCLM) reflect the issues associated with mobile users? Many organizations face expensive inefficiencies by not managing mobile assets effectively. These inefficiencies include dispersed and manual data collection, and inventory tools that are dependent on a connection to the company network. This whitepaper suggests how you can improve PCLM to increase auditing accuracy, compliance, security and cost-efficiency. Learn how you can automate data collection, track assets over the internet, and centralize your data to get a "big picture" of your mobile assets.
whitepaper
Executive Summary
If your organization is like most, you're buying mobile computers to allow for remote and mobile workers - meaning corporate computing is no longer confined to the LAN. Most likely, the tools you have to manage them aren't keeping up with your responsibilities.
Most IT managers face a PC lifecycle management (PCLM) environment that fails to reflect the staying power of mobility. Financial inefficiencies, compliance risks and security consequences result from your day-to-day PCLM struggle:
. Inventorying tools are dependent on a connection to the corporate network. Manual data collection processes are inconsistent. Inventory collection agents are often tampered with by your own employees. Data collection methods are fragmented and dispersed
To do your job more effectively and report improvements to management in an easily understood way, you must adopt a PCLM approach that reflects the realities of mobile computing:
. Use tools that track assets via the internet, independent of network connection type. Automate data collection to automatically collect 'who, what, where' information. Use firmware-embedded inventorying agents to avoid tampering. Centralize data views via an online interface or online portal with plug-ins. Utilize software-as-a-service solutions for scalability and cost-efficiency
Put this plan in place and you will see increased auditing accuracy, improved compliance, enhanced security and substantial cost savings. In times like these, saving money, doing more with less and protecting your organization's reputation equals hero status.
www.absolute.comwhitepaper
So, You're Responsible for Managing Laptops: Now What?
Table of Contents
Your Role Is Defined by Mobility 3I. PCLM: Theory Versus Practice 3Inventorying relies on a network connection - yet connectivity is irregular 3Inventory tools are susceptible to tampering, impacting consistent data collection 4Manual data collection is cumbersome and often unreliable 4Data resides in islands, challenging understanding of the "big picture" 4II. Consequences of Common IT Practices 4Where you're likely losing money 5Running the risk of non-compliance 5Security challenges 5III. So, Then What? 5Track devices via any internet connection - on or off the network 5Keep tabs on machine movement with GPS and WiFi 6Think outside of the computer box 6Use firmware-embedded inventory agents 6Automate the collection of asset data wherever possible 6Centralize inventory data via an online interface 6
Utilize SaaS to minimize infrastructure and maintenance costs 6IV. Benefits of Adopting PCLM Best Practice 7Increased auditing accuracy = increased cost efficiency 7Maintain compliance and fulfill regulatory guidelines 7Proactive and reactive security 7V. Conclusion 7
www.absolute.comAbsolute Software whitepaper
Your Role Is Defined by MobilityNo longer confined to the company LAN, your computing environment is defined by mobility. Notebook computers mean employees can access business critical data from nearly any location, giving rise to an increasingly mobile, remote and dispersed workforce. And with notebooks expected to encompass 52% of 'professional' PC shipments by 2010 - up from 32% in 20071 - it appears that you are definitely not alone.
I. PCLM: Theory Versus PracticeIn theory, PCLM enables the efficient and cost-effective management of computing assets - including hardware and What is PCLM? software - throughout their lifecycle. Sound PCLM programs are invaluable to technology planning and procurement, and when effectively implemented, improve productivity, enhance performance and maximize cost efficiency. Good PC Lifecycle Management theory, but can you do it?is the process of managing computing assets from At the foundation of PCLM is the requirement of an accurate inventory of all computing assets deployed in the purchase to retirement. A working environment. Yet, you know how difficult this is to accomplish in reality.combination of best practices Computers are rarely confined by office walls. An accu... [download for more]
