2003 Desktop Software Distribution Magic Quadrant

Transcription

1 Markets, R. Colville Research Note 15 April Desktop Software Distribution Magic Quadrant Software distribution is the critical component for desktop configuration management. Vendors in our Magic Quadrant have included richer feature sets to help enterprises manage their desktop software distribution needs. Core Topic Enterprise Management: Configuration Management Key Issue Which product and service vendors will become leaders in configuration management? Managing the software configuration of enterprise desktops includes many management disciplines, such as software distribution (SD), policy management, autodiscovery/inventory, remote control and healing; however, SD is the most critical. It is the most significant contributor to reducing the cost of managing desktops. SD solutions will continue to surround themselves with complementary functions (for example, inventory, imaging, usage, remote control and packaging) to address the complete configuration management requirements (see "The Software Distribution Tool Market Is a Revolving Door"). Since 2002, focused desktop SD vendors have included richer feature sets in their capabilities and will continue to broaden their support to include laptops, handhelds and Linux. Our 2003 Desktop SD Magic Quadrant assesses vendors that provide SD tools that focus on managing the configuration of desktops (see Figure 1). The positioning of the SD vendors in the Magic Quadrant is based on several criteria (see "Software Distribution Magic Quadrant Evaluation Criteria") that continually evolve, depending on new user requirements, new technology and a vendor's overall vision and ability to execute. Gartner Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Gartner shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

2 Figure Desktop Software Distribution Magic Quadrant Challengers Leaders Microsoft Ability to Execute IBM Tivoli Computer Associates International Altiris NetSupport Solutions ManageSoft OnDemand Software Mobile LSVi Automation Novell Novadigm LANDesk Software ON Technology Marimba Source: Gartner Research (April 2003) Leaders As of April 2003 Niche Players Visionaries Completeness of Vision This year's leaders offer robust SD capabilities that take SD from a simple target-and-deploy technology to an adaptive technology that enables system consistency and availability by tightly integrating policy definitions to provide continual state-based management. In doing so, they address the broader configuration management needs of matching users' entitlements to appropriate software resources, which not only ensures that the software remains available, but that the appropriate software is delivered to the user. Novadigm and Novell offer a scalable policy-based architecture. Novell's solution can address midsize and large enterprises, whereas Novadigm concentrates its efforts predominantly on large enterprises (with success in midsize enterprises that have strong staffing and robust processes). In addition, Novell and Novadigm's solutions can be leveraged organically or via partners for the PC life cycle (for example, imaging and migration), as well as for remote and mobile users' configuration management. Novadigm has continued to be the technology leader, adding enhancements and new modules (for example, Web portal, 15 April

3 operating system and migration capability, packaging and wireless support for configuration management). Likewise, Novell's ZENworks for Desktops has enhanced capabilities in packaging and migration through organic and licensed technologies. However, the biggest change came from a new release of ZENworks for Desktops that removed the requirement for the Novell client. With this major change, ZENworks for Desktops has made strong inroads in non-novell customers, demonstrating that the suite offers comprehensive desktop configuration management and strong directory management (via Novell's e-directory) for policy-based distribution. Challengers Computer Associates International (CA), IBM Tivoli and Microsoft offer SD solutions; however, these solutions are not the vendors' main focus, and they are often sold as part of a larger enterprise deal. During this past year, Microsoft has had a dual focus SMS 2.0 and SMS SMS 2.0 has stabilized, and Microsoft has released several task-oriented feature packs to it, simplifying critical support functions such as patch deployment and asset reporting. Nonetheless, SMS 2.0 is behind the current technology curve and SMS 2003, with its promise of integrated mobile device support and full Active Directory integration, is more than a year late. Microsoft has had a positive impact on this market generally (for example, Windows Installer as the de facto packaging standard, Active Directory for policy management and Windows Management Instrumentation for unified instrumentation); however, because these are embedded operating-system technologies, all SD vendors can take advantage of them, giving no competitive advantage to SMS. Gartner anticipates that Microsoft will continue to raise the technology bar for other vendors through the management services it adds to Windows. IBM Tivoli has continued to enhance its configuration management solution (previously SD and inventory), which now offers a more simplified installation, workflow planning, crossplatform packaging, directory integration and extended support for personal digital assistant devices. Tivoli configuration management has been most frequently found on shortlists for IBM Tivoli customers as an extension of an established relationship for other Tivoli solutions or IBM systems. CA's SD solution is only one component in its broader vision to manage IT assets (both hardware and software). This vision focuses on inventory, asset management, change management, problem management, availability and service-level 15 April

4 management. During the last year, CA continued to focus on its loyal installed base to upsell its configuration management solutions from prior versions and releases and added a focus on customer support. Because of its broader focus, CA remains behind the curve of its point solution competitors in migration, packaging and mobile management (see "Vendor Rating: CA's Configuration and Asset Management"). Visionaries Visionaries offer areas of strength that are innovative, and each has a competitive advantage for SD. These vendors have predominantly focused on ease of use and full life cycle management organically or via partnerships. In difficult economic times, vendors such as Marimba that are still working toward profitability remain because they have enough cash to sustain their operations and have resized/readjusted their businesses (for example, cost and product pricing reductions). Throughout this year, Marimba, whose strength lies in Internet and extranet SD, remained focused on broadening its capabilities with product enhancements and a focus on ease of use and new partnerships (for example, Symantec, InstallShield, BMC Software and Remedy). In 2002, ON Technology improved its stature by growing its revenue, with a focus on its strengths in Windows 2000/XP deployments for managing distributed environments (multiple remote locations). In addition, its highly customizable architecture and native installation technology enables integration with thirdparty packaging, imaging and migration tools. Altiris continues to make inroads because of its complementary solutions for client management with migration and usage, asset management and server management, while continuing to mature its desktop SD capability for scalability and active directory integration. Yet, much of its success is because of its strong partnership with Compaq/Hewlet-Packard. Although Intel exited the configuration management market, it (along with other venture capitalists) has funded the launch of the LANDesk company, which will continue to sell LANDesk Management Suite through its already established global channels. LANDesk Software is out from under the folds of a chip manufacturer with a focused agenda and the same strong R&D team. Because of current relationships with XcelleNet, Remedy, FrontRange and PeopleSoft, and recent announcements of organic enhancements for migration, LANDesk Management Suite offers a comprehensive solution with an eye on ease of use. Despite a large installed base among midsize enterprises, 15 April

5 LANDesk Management Suite's main challenge will be to sustain its brand recognition, while continuing to grow channels. Niche Players Niche players are a combination of new market entrants and smaller players that offer unique SD capabilities. Even vendors with unique technology, such as Cognet, which closed its doors, and Swan, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2002, were not able to execute in today's economy, where enterprises are looking for the best deal, which includes a low price, global support and rich capability. As vendors exit the SD market, others enter or re-emerge with the intention of providing a comprehensive solution with ease of use and a low entry price. Although not new, OnDemand Software (which is a result of Veritas Software's divestiture of the WinInstall software) rejoins the market with the hope that loyal channels and its customer installed based will be a foundation for future growth. Its WinInstall product is known for its easy approach to software deployment. NetSupport Solutions is also not a new player. It previously focused on European markets and is making inroads expanding its operations in the United States. Its solution offers an administrator-friendly approach to SD for enterprise desktop life cycle management. NetSupport Solutions offers a simple approach with a compelling price. LSVi also is not a new player, but one that is making inroads with small and midsize businesses. It offers a modular approach to configuration management with distribution and discovery. The newest entrant, Mobile Automation, focuses on managing remote and mobile users. It is found on the shortlists of enterprises that need solutions that can satisfy desktop and laptop requirements. Mobile Automation has focused on mobile management requirements and has recently added a simplified approach to migration with a focus on ease of use and strong Internet/extranet capabilities. ManageSoft refreshed its executive management team and solution image. It has demonstrated growth with enterprise buyers, with a focus on its presence in the United States and new sales channels globally. Like Novell and Novadigm, ManageSoft is focused on policy-based SD with a tight integration with Microsoft's Active Directory Services. ManageSoft has continued to broaden its solution to include Windows deployments. 15 April

6 Bottom Line: Enterprises can achieve return on investment quickly with the right software distribution tools. These tools are often replaced every two to three years to meet a broad and changing set of requirements and to maintain enterprises' investments. In the SD market, there are too many players chasing too few dollars. We believe that the market will consolidate further, especially in these tough economic conditions. In addition to assessing a vendor's solution based on technology merits and diligent reference checking, enterprises must take a closer look at a vendor's long-term viability. The right vendor for a given situation can be from any of the four quadrants, depending on an enterprise's specific needs. 15 April