VMware released the latest version of vCenter Protect Essentials. This product is a combination of several technologies but the major part is from Shavlik Technologies, which VMware acquired on 16 MAY 2011.
VMware vCenter Protect Essentials provides
- centralized patch management for Windows and third party applications
- centralized asset inventory for Windows and third party applications
- for both virtual and physical machines.
The VMware vCenter Protect Essentials Plus versions adds
- centralized antivirus
- centralized power management
- centralized configuration management
- ITScripts
More information on the product can be found on VMware’s website and in a blog article at VMGuru.NL
Pricing information can be found here
INSTALLATION
The installation of the product is very easy and straightforward. All you need is a Windows machine and a SQL database. The details requirements can be found here
Here are the steps to follow for the installation
Download the 57.4 MB package from http://www.shavlik.com/downloads.aspx
Execute the downloaded package VMwareProtect_xxxx.exe
Click RUN
I choose to use the local SQL Server Express database – Click YES
The installer checks if all required components are installed on your system and will download and install them if needed – Click INSTALL
Now that all required components are installed, the actual installation of the product can start. Click NEXT
Accept the license Agreement and click NEXT
Click NEXT
Choose whether or not you want to participate in the Product Improvement Program and Click NEXT
Click INSTALL
At this point and time the database will be set up. I choose to create a new database. Click NEXT
Provide the database server name, database name and authentication method. Click TEST SERVER CONNECTION
Click OK
Click NEXT
Click NEXT
Click FINISH
Click FINISH
Now the product is installed and is ready to be used.
To open the console click on the desktop icon which was created during the installation