What is NetSupport DNA?
NetSupport DNA is a complete IT Asset and Desktop Management solution designed to save time, increase productivity, save money, save resources and add extra security to your school or campus.
So how does a single solution manage to do all that?
First, deploy an Agent onto each PC you manage. DNA provides the tools to discover PCs and then deploy itself onto them. It will even monitor the network in the future to warn you when new PCs are added.
Gather hardware inventories
Once installed, DNA goes to work, providing a detailed hardware inventory of each device. DNA will identify which PCs are upgradable, which ones need to be scheduled for replacement and which ones are being under-utilized. DNA also lets you record accounting details against any PC.
Identify and manage software
NetSupport DNA then identifies all software installed on each PC. A central software licensing schedule is maintained, again with supporting accounting information. DNA also meters application use, so not only does it show where software is installed, it also identifies when it's used and by whom. DNA will identify Licenses that aren't being used and control application use so that, for example, only members of certain departments can use certain apps, and so on. DNA can also look for specific file types on each PC, highlighting key documents and resources locally that should be stored on the server for back up every night.
Real-time monitoring
NetSupport DNA also features an Explorer Mode which provides a real-time overview of all PCs on the network, highlighting which PCs have current notifications and any active polices ensuring operators can identify and resolve issues quickly. The data view can be presented as Icons, Details or Thumbnails (where the PC screens are visible). Privacy modes can be set to provide data protection and confidentiality.
Discover new devices
For the wider picture, NetSupport DNA includes a discovery mode: identifying SNMP-enabled network devices such as switches and printers and allowing those selected devices to be monitored and tracked. This, combined with additional standalone inventory modules for Linux, Mac, iOS, Android and Windows Mobile devices, ensures a complete picture of all key IT assets.
NetSupport DNA will then track a full history of any changes that occur − a great way to support problem resolution in the future.
Be alerted to changes
NetSupport DNA provides a complete alerting suite, monitoring hundreds of scenarios and proactively warning if problems occur – and, better still, in many cases warning before they occur, to avoid lost productivity. Alerts can be anything from: disk space running low; a key service (such as anti-virus) being stopped; an event log entry; through to unauthorized software being installed; and more.
Easy software distribution
NetSupport DNA also features a software distribution component, allowing flexible software packages to be created and pushed for install immediately or at a scheduled time on PCs across the network. DNA goes a step further: packages can be assigned to specific departments and "advertised" so staff or students can select and "pull" them down for install on demand.
Lost productivity can be minimize d by monitoring internet use and, where appropriate, allowing lists of "approved" and "restricted" websites to be applied at certain times of the day − perhaps, for example, making social media sites only accessible outside of work hours. NetSupport DNA will also monitor Active Directory accounts and warn if any user accounts are locked or have expired passwords. These can then be managed from within DNA.
Make cost savings
To help push down costs and drive up savings for your school or campus, NetSupport DNA also includes both energy and print monitoring, quickly identifying PCs left running out of hours and highlighting where print costs are generated. In addition to identifying cost savings, a power management feature is provided to schedule both "power on" and "off" of selected devices at scheduled times of the day.
Extra security
As well as the key cost-saving features in NetSupport DNA, security is a priority for any organization. In NetSupport DNA, a USB endpoint security component is also included, allowing you to control the use of portable USB devices. Individual memory sticks can even be assigned and restricted to use by specific individuals or departments.
Increasingly used in the education sector to ensure staff are aware of security and usage standards, NetSupport DNA also includes the delivery and tracking of Acceptable Use Policies. Once applied, users are prevented from using their PC until any active policies have been read and accepted.
Additionally the eSafety features provide staff with the tools to monitor and protect students online while they are using school or technology.
Use NetSupport DNA on the move
NetSupport DNA even includes a barcode feature to create printed Asset Tag labels or to display an electronic equivalent on screen directly from the DNA agent. These can then be scanned from any DNA mobile console and a full hardware and software inventory, any recent changes and any outstanding alerts for the device are shown.
What can NetSupport DNA do for your school?
NetSupport DNA was designed with ease-of-use and accessibility in mind: from the clear "welcome" dashboard, to custom views and inbuilt Crystal reports, DNA ensures a full view of all school or campus data. The supporting query tool provides a simple drag and drop window on the DNA database, ensuring even a novice can create custom reports in minutes.
So, with NetSupport DNA, an organization can quickly track and manage all devices; identify savings by re-deploying under-utilized hardware or by highlighting PCs that are upgradable; deliver effective software asset management and identify further savings by avoiding renewals on redundant software Licenses; maintain system uptime and user productivity with proactive alerting and warnings of any pending technical issues; manage access to website and software resources; track and re-charge printer costs; identify energy wasted from desktops left on at night and, if needed, automatically power them off each day – and, with endpoint security in place, you can ensure that an extra layer of security has been applied to your enterprise.
NetSupport has over 25 years' experience in the desktop management sector and is consistently voted as Best in Class. With industry-leading Remote Control, ServiceDesk and Classroom Management solutions all available to integrate seamlessly with NetSupport DNA, customers can be sure NetSupport has a solution to meet their needs.
Low cost, flexible and easy to use, NetSupport DNA is the complete IT Asset, Software and Desktop Management solution − give it a try today! You will be up and running in under 30 minutes - guaranteed.
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