The #1 Remote Control and File Transfer Software Contents 1 Integration Summary 1 An Introduction to Timbuktu Pro 2 Integration Details 2 SMS Application Distribution Packs for Timbuktu Pro 3 SMS Console Integration 3 Event Logging 3 Integration Benefits 4 Summary Timbuktu Pro and Microsoft System Management Server Integration White Paper
Integration Summary Microsoft s System Management Server (SMS) allows enhancement to its basic functionality by other software vendors. One area where customers of SMS have asked for improvements is in the basic remote control software included in SMS. As a result, Netopia has integrated its Timbuktu Pro with SMS to provide the best remote control software for enterprises and their help desks. Netopia s Timbuktu Pro integration with SMS is comprised of three elements: distribution and installation of SMS Timbuktu Pro File Packs, direct integration into the SMS console, and NT/SMS event logging. Benefits of integrating Timbuktu Pro with SMS include network system independence, remote control server independence, peer-to-peer services, and Macintosh compatibility. An Introduction to Timbuktu Pro Timbuktu Pro is high-performance remote control and file transfer software for the enterprise. Designed for the network administrator, it offers scaleable technology that is easily managed and deployed. Timbuktu Pro is utilized as a systems management tool across the LAN, WAN, or Internet and operates on common network protocols. It is a key component of many centralized help desk operations. Timbuktu Pro s stable, easy-to-use, remote control technology allows system administrators and network management personnel to take control of a remote PC operating on the enterprise network. Administers can perform complete evaluations, diagnosis, and troubleshooting in order to manage resources and solve problems. Enterprise Focus Netopia focuses on the following key areas to provide the most viable remote control solution for the enterprise: Multi-Platform - Timbuktu Pro is compatible with the most common workstations and server platforms found in the enterprise. By utilizing a patented screen sharing technology, Timbuktu Pro provides complete interoperability between Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT 3.51 & 4.0, and MacOS-based computers. Performance - Timbuktu Pro uses unique screen sharing algorithms to reduce bandwidth utilization and maximize performance over the network. The software takes advantage of a computer s graphical interface to send, when possible, only high level drawing commands across the network. Furthermore, three levels of proprietary compression have been developed, including: delta screen compression, color reduction compression, and GDI packet compression. Additional performance enhancements, include on-the-fly wallpaper elimination on host machine and remote system screen caching. Installation - Timbuktu Pro is the easiest remote control software to install and configure. Netopia currently provides a network installation utility for network-based distribution and installation of the software. Furthermore, installation is non-intrusive. Timbuktu Pro does not install any DOS TSR s or modify any INI file settings. In most cases, this allows an administrator to remotely install and immediately begin utilizing Timbuktu Pro without rebooting the remote system. The non-intrusive nature of Timbuktu Pro also allows the software to be easily integrated with the SMS software distribution feature. Multi-Protocol - Timbuktu Pro is based on standard network protocols such as IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, and AppleTalk, and works in the most common network environments. Timbuktu Pro s services run on all implementations of these protocols over standard PPP-based Remote Access Server (RAS) connections including Windows 95 and Windows NT. Security - The Timbuktu Pro robust security model is based on passwords defined at the user-level. Passwords are encrypted and connections are established using a challenge and response protocol. Timbuktu Pro also provides a comprehensive log for monitoring activity. The Timbuktu Pro Administrator s Toolkit allows administrators to limit availability of users to each of Timbuktu Pro s services: Control, Observe, Send, and Exchange. Minimum security restrictions for the entire network can also be defined and enforced. Furthermore, Timbuktu Pro allows for the definition of a master set of access privileges for MIS personnel as well as a user-attended access mode for end users. Ti m b u k t up ro 1
Additional Timbuktu Pro security features are available for NT-based computers including screen locking and screen blanking. For remote control over the Internet or Intranets, Timbuktu Pro uses defined TCP and UDP ports which can be managed and configured to work securely with existing firewalls. Remote Access - Timbuktu Pro allows high-speed remote control over enterprise RAS connections. Its low bandwidth requirements let administrators successfully control a remote machine attached to the enterprise network over a RAS connection at speeds as low as 14.4k baud. Furthermore, Timbuktu Pro automatically integrates with the Windows 95 and Windows NT dial-up client. Integration - Timbuktu Pro s robust remote control services enhance other enterprise network suites and technologies. Netopia has delivered an integration module for Remedy s Action Request System for help desks, as well as Netscape plugins and ActiveX controls for integration of remote control services within Internet browsers. The following are highlights of other integration modules: Tivoli TME/10- Similar to SMS integration, Timbuktu Pro integrates into Tivoli s TME/10 environment by providing remote installation and distribution, TME/10 console integration, and TME alert integration. Remedy ARS - Timbuktu Pro integrates directly into the Remedy ARS trouble ticket system to allow on-demand remote control for help desk professionals. Web-based Integration - Netopia has developed Netscape plug-ins, ActiveX controls, and helper apps which allow Timbuktu Pro remote control sessions to be established through any standardsbased Internet browser and World Wide Web server. Integration Details Users gain additional functionality when implementing both SMS and Timbuktu Pro as a complete solution for systems management across the enterprise. The integration of Timbuktu Pro with SMS focuses on three features, including SMS Application distribution packs for Timbuktu Pro, SMS console integration, and event logging enhancements. 1. SMS Application Distribution Packs for Timbuktu Pro SMS file distribution packages are provided for installing Timbuktu Pro on the various platforms that SMS supports. This provides a way for the SMS administrator to automatically distribute Timbuktu Pro. WinNT 3.51 and Win 4.0 Installation 1. SMS copies the Timbuktu Pro files and an unattended installation program to a temp directory on the WinNT client. 2. SMS executes the unattended installer with command line arguments for the desired options. Win95 Installation 1. SMS copies the Timbuktu Pro files and an unattended installation program to a temp directory on the Win95 client. 2. SMS executes the unattended installer with command line arguments for the desired options. Win 3.x and WFW 3.11 Installation 1. SMS copies the interactive install into the desired installation directory on the client. 2. Local user must run the install and answer a few installation questions. Macintosh Installation 1. SMS copies the interactive install into the desired installation directory on the client. 2. Local user must run the install and answer a few installation questions.
2. SMS Console Integration Ti m b u k t up ro Timbuktu Pro is integrated into the SMS administrator s console through an extension to the Tools menu. This permits the SMS console operator to directly invoke a Timbuktu Pro Control, Observe, Send or Exchange session without having to enter the network address of the remote client. Once a client system has been selected, double clicking on the highlighted name will bring up the prope rty page for that client system. Selecting the Timbuktu Pro Control menu item will launch a control session to the specified node. Selecting the Timbuktu Pro menu item will bring up a button bar from which the standard Timbuktu Pro Services can be activated. 3. Event Logging The activity log concept of Timbuktu Pro has been integrated into the secure event logging of WinNT. When Timbuktu Pro is running on an NT system, it will write events into both the traditional Timbuktu Pro activity log and to the local NT event log. An administrator using the WinNT s event viewer program can remotely access the log to see what Timbuktu activity has occurred on that system. The types of events that Timbuktu Pro logs to the NT event log have increased to include both host and guest actions and successful and unsuccessful connection attempts. This logging allows system administrators to monitor the usage of Timbuktu Pro in order to provide the necessary information to manage and deploy remote control solutions throughout the enterprise. NT Event logging is set as a default on the registry setting. There are no enhancements to activity logging under Win 3.x or Win95. 3
Integration Benefits Enhancements to SMS Provided by Timbuktu Pro Although SMS provides basic remote control technology, Timbuktu Pro provides additional functionality in four key ways: Network Server Independence - As a mission critical application, Timbuktu Pro is based on a peerto-peer model allowing remote control sessions to be established independent of any network server. As a result, Timbuktu Pro s services are available regardless of network server interruptions, downtime or maintenance. For example, Timbuktu Pro can be used to diagnose and resolve a problem with a user who has not successfully logged onto the network. Even more importantly, an administrator can utilize Timbuktu Pro to remotely control and resolve server problems. Summary By integrating Timbuktu Pro with leading systems, users gain additional functionality and profit from a more robust remote control system for enterprises and their help desks. Timbuktu Pro s integration with SMS is comprised of three elements: distribution and installation of SMS Timbuktu Pro File Packs, direct integration into the SMS console and NT/SMS event logging. Integrating Timbuktu Pro with SMS offers users many benefits, including: Timbuktu Pro s services are accessible regardless of any network server interruptions; help desk administrators have remote control server independence and can use any machine on the network to access Timbuktu Pro; Timbuktu Pro is available to all networked users for peer-to-peer collaboration; and it effectively allows a SMS administrator to remotely control a Macintosh client. This added functionality results in a complete solution for systems management across the enterprise. Remote Control Server Independence - Timbuktu Pro can be used to control any workstation or server from any other computer connected to the network including dial-up connections. This allows MIS personnel to be independent from the physical SMS NT server and gives them remote control capabilities from any other machine on the network. Peer-to-Peer Ser v i c e s - Timbuktu Pro allows screen sharing and remote control services to be available to all networked users for collaboration and communication. These services can be centrally managed by the network administrator. Macintosh Compatibility - Timbuktu Pro effectively allows an SMS Administrator to remotely control a Macintosh client. Other improvements to SMS basic remote control when integrated with Timbuktu Pro are: True Color Support Observe Only Service Wallpaper Disabling Remote Support for ALT-TAB and CTRL-ESC Commands for NT Remote Control Service over Dial-up Connections Instant Messaging with File Attachments NT Screen Blanking and Screen Locking Connection Active Alerts
More than five million network users and 300,000 network administrators depend on Netopia innovation. Since 1986, Netopia has been the industry leader in providing networking products that connect personal computers, and help users communicate quickly, easily, and effectively. With products for PCs, Macs, notebooks, workstations, and printers, Netopia offers easy-to-use solutinos for connectivity and communications. Netopia, Inc. 2470 Mariner Square Loop Alameda, CA 94501-1010 USA (510) 814-5000 (510) 814-5023 Fax 1997 Netopia, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Printed in the USA. v.1097. ZPK850