Application Manager enables system administrators to disable the activation by individual users of executables, which are a notorious vector for malware such as viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware. Daresbury-based AppSense has to date focused on the terminal server market, where it offers its Performance Suite, comprising Application Manager and Performance Manager, a package which manages CPU and memory resources on individual machines.
However, the next release of the product set will extend its capabilities to the desktop, said Tony Bolland, the company’s VP of corporate development, and to this end the portfolio will be re-branded as Management Suite and gain a third member, Environment Manager. This module will bring user provisioning, lockdown of application characteristics and simplification.
It is in this context that the deal with HP brings greater reach than a privately-held company in the UK could hope for. It will give Application Manager access to HP’s existing user base, as well as upsell potential for the other two members of the suite. In this context, Bolland recalled that HP not only has the OEM deal for Application Manager, but is also a global reseller for other AppSense products.
Neither is the agreement with HP exclusive. We’re looking for deals with big SIs that have outsourcing contracts, said Bolland, adding that such relationships are already in place with EDS and CSC.
AppSense competes with different companies depending on the module and function. In security, Bolland cited SecureWave, while in desktop management there is AutoProf and in performance/workload management, Aurema. The company reckons it will have stolen a march on them by bringing together the functionalities that Management Suite will offer, however.
As for pricing, each of the three modules is available as a standalone, costing a one-off ÂGBP20 ($38) per user on the desktop of ÂGBP995 ($1,891) per terminal server. All three modules of the suite can be acquired for ÂGBP40 ($56) per desktop or ÂGBP2,195 ($4,172) for the server. For an additional 20% on each price, an update service is available.
