FrontRange Solutions eases software license management with new License Manager 3.0

Wednesday, 03 December 2008 19:00

Automatic import of Microsoft® CLP reports saves time and support for CAL entitlements adds new levels of flexibility
FrontRange Solutions, which earlier this year acquired SAM solutions specialist Centennial Software, has announced the launch of License Manager 3.0, the solution which helps organisations automate the process of managing software license entitlements.

Central to the new features in License Manager 3.0 is the ability to dramatically accelerate the process of reconciling usage against entitlement for Microsoft® software licenses through the ability to bulk upload licensing data from the Microsoft CLP report.   This data can then be automatically reconciled against a full audit of the network, establishing how much software is installed and in use on the network against the organisation’s entitlement.   For customers of volume licensing deals such as Select or Open License agreements, this information is critical to successful negotiations and renewals.

License Manager 3.0 also introduces the ability to centrally manage entitlements for Microsoft server products that use either CALs (Client Access Licenses), such as SQL Server, Exchange and Terminal Services or per processor licensing. This includes the ability to create and manage CALs based on per device or per user.

Andy Burton, Vice President of the Infrastructure Management Group at FrontRange Solutions, commented: “For the vast majority of organisations, the first port of call when managing their software estate is to make sure they are accurately licensed across their Microsoft estate.   With the launch of License Manager 3.0, they can now find, track and reconcile the licensing position for all Microsoft products in a single solution – making it both easier to achieve and maintain compliance as well as getting the best deal for the organisation.”

With many organisations buying PCs pre-loaded with Operating Systems and business applications, the ability to differentiate and manage OEM licenses (which are often more restrictive than software purchased through other channels) is important to maintaining an accurate view on license entitlement.   License Manager 3.0 allows users to identify OEM licenses and apply the appropriate upgrade and downgrade rights.

Sam Routledge at FrontRangeTM SAM partner Softcat commented: “The introduction of License Manager 3.0, combined with the new SAM Essentials Optimization Edition solution for SAM best practice, sets FrontRange apart from other vendors of software license solutions.  This is now a highly mature product that is easy to use and will deliver results in a very short timeframe.”

License Manager 3.0 features an integrated version of the Centennial Discovery® audit solution, creating a single solution for both the collection of software inventory data and the processing of license entitlements.

License Manager 3.0 is available with immediate effect; for more information please visit www.frontrange.com.