Application service providers will need to offer a full range of desktop management services, including the ability to manage thick client applications, if they are to realize their full potential, at least according to Waltham, Massachusetts-based Epicon Inc. Epicon has launched Altis ASP, a new version of its desktop systems management tool designed to help ASP’s manage the desktop side of hosted applications, from desktop browser applications to high-end ERP packages.
If an end-user pushes the ‘Enter’ key and nothing happens, it doesn’t matter to them if the cause is the server, the network or a corrupt file on the PC – they will still hold the service provider responsible, said Epicon’s president and CEO Jack Sweeney. Altis offers the ability to manage hundreds of applications and client modules for thousands of PC users based on centrally maintained policies, he said, reducing deployment and installation costs. The technology automatically installs and updates applications and intelligently re-deploys components that were accidentally deleted or corrupted.
Founded in 1996, Epicon struck a technology agreement with Citrix Systems Inc in January 1998 to incorporate the Altis technology into the Installation Management services product from Citrix, for which Citrix paid the company $8m.
