IBM Corp added a new string to its services pitch yesterday with the introduction of NetWorkStation Management, a set of global services aimed at helping customers manage their multivendor client-server computing environments. The company promises flexible financing and a predictable monthly service fee for a set of systems management tools that will enable users to update their technology on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the changing needs of their business; effectively roll out, manage and track their multivendor technology assets; access the Internet; get help desk support and remote management of local and wide-area networks; track hardware and software configuration status through rigorous management disciplines and tools; and plan and manage their distributed computing budget. It claims that the new service, which has been undergoing trials for a year, can save customers 10% to 15% of the cost of managing personal computers. Once IBM finishes counting them, it puts them on a regular maintenance and upgrade schedule. The service – no fixed price – is offered in 100 countries.
