IBM and Intel Unveil Alert on LAN Technology for Real-Time Systems Management
IBM and Intel have jointly announced Alert on LAN technology, a new systems management and asset protection offering that enables network administrators to immediately detect and address problems with PCs, even when they are powered off or have no operating system running. This innovative technology, developed through the IBM/Intel Advanced Manageability Alliance, aims to simplify systems management and reduce the total cost of ownership of business computing.
Key Takeaways:
- Alert on LAN technology provides real-time alerts for network administrators when a PC has a problem, even if it's powered off or has no operating system running.
- The technology is a new feature in Intel's 82558 LAN on motherboard chip set and will be used in select IBM commercial desktop PCs and in the IBM IntelliStation line of Windows NT-based professional workstations.
- Alert on LAN is expected to be particularly beneficial for remotely located systems, mission-critical systems, and in scenarios where theft or unauthorized removal of PCs or components is a concern.
- Alerts can be generated when the Power On Self Test (POST) fails, the operating system stops responding, or when the PC is disconnected from the network or power outlet.
- Alerts can also notify administrators of tampering such as the PC cover being opened or the microprocessor being removed, and can even be forwarded to an administrator's pager.
Statistics:
- The IBM/Intel Advanced Manageability Alliance has developed solutions such as Wake on LAN and Alert on LAN to help customers reduce the cost of managing PCs.
- IBM plans to have an Alert on LAN-enabled Token Ring solution available later this year.
- The Alert on LAN technology is expected to cut down on theft or unauthorized removal of PCs or valuable components.
Sources:
- "IBM and Intel Announce Alert on LAN Technology" (Source not specified in the original text)
- Interview with Rod Adkins, general manager, IBM Desktop Systems