Hewlett-Packard Announces Web-based PC Management System

Hewlett-Packard announced a new version of HP TopTools, describing it as “the
industry’s first fully functional, Web-browser-based PC-management
application.”

It includes a new centralized information tool that allows managers to
search, select and group hundreds of PCs and manage them using Desktop
Management Interface (DMI) information.

The vendor also announced a new line of HP Vectra VL PCs that can be turned
on and off remotely via LAN cards from any major supplier. Hewlett-Packard
is hailing this as a “breakthrough in PC management technology” because it
allows customers to build networked HP Vectra PC environments using
industry-standard networking components from vendors of their choice.

Prices start at around #786 (exc. VAT) for an HP Vectra VL7 6/233 Pentium
II, with 32MB RAM and a 3.2GB hard disk. Every HP Vectra VL PC comes with
HP TopTools.

Using HP TopTools, IS managers can search and view inventory information,
track alarms, manage security settings, and perform remote configuration
from any browser-equipped PC in the enterprise.

HP TopTools includes a dynamic link to the HP support Web site, enabling
managers to download the latest BIOS in the TopTools registry for easy,
push-button updates.

The new version of HP TopTools is expected to be available for free
download in April.

The UK’s 26th largest exporter, Hewlett-Packard Limited, had a turnover of
#1.9 billion in 1996. The company has five R&D and manufacturing divisions
in the UK, and over a third of HP’s long-range global research is performed
at HP Laboratories in Bristol.