NetSupport DNA – Corporate Features

NetSupport DNA provides the perfect blend of functionality to deliver a „one stop” solution for the SME. With ease of use at its heart and the flexibility and scalability to securely connect and manage multiple sites, you can be sure NetSupport DNA will continue to grow to match your corporate needs. NetSupport is recognised globally as being a leader for 25 years in secure and scalable Remote Control and Asset Management solutions.

 

Ease of Installation

NetSupport DNA is designed to deliver a complete suite of IT administration features without the associated expensive hardware purchase, implementation and training costs of alternative solutions.

There are three main components: the DNA server is used to manage and store information in the DNA database; the console is used by the IT Technician to view information; and the agent is installed on each device you want to monitor.

After installation of the server module (used to manage and add information to the DNA database), the deployment tool provided will automatically discover and install the DNA client on targeted devices. Finally, the DNA console (installed by the IT technician) provides full DNA system control, rich on-screen information and real-time reporting.

A typical 50-user PC evaluation can be up and running within 30 minutes. An additional Gateway component is included as standard for linking multiple remote sites and SQL Server Express is also included so it can be used for evaluation. DNA will link with Active Directory (including single sign-on) and includes the ability to profile department access and administrative features by console user.


 

Device Auto-discovery

Receive notifications of any new devices that join the network and choose whether to deploy an agent automatically.

Once NetSupport DNA is installed and operational in your enterprise, it will constantly monitor the network and identify any new devices that join, providing the option to automatically deploy an agent for future management.


 

Hardware Inventory

NetSupport DNA provides one of the most comprehensive and detailed Hardware Inventory modules available on the market today. A wealth of information is gathered from each device, from CPU and BIOS types to network, video and storage information.

Inventory reports are displayed either for a single PC, a selected department, condition-based „Dynamic Groups” or for the full enterprise.

Contracts options are also provided to record both leases and maintenance contracts associated with any devices and peripherals, including supplier details, contract term dates and costs.

Hardware Inventory updates are configured to run at different time intervals throughout the day or at start-up and can be refreshed instantly on demand. A standalone inventory component is available to run on non-networked or mobile devices and, in addition, high value peripherals can also be associated and recorded against a device.


 

SNMP Device Discovery

The SNMP Discovery view allows NetSupport DNA to be configured to scan a range of network addresses and report on any new network devices discovered, such as printers and access points. These items are then be stored within DNA and real-time data (such as ink or toner levels) can be monitored from the console.

 

The SNMP module includes both discovery of and then active monitoring of any selected SNMP devices, tracking statistics and a history for any data set on a given device over time, such as data traffic on each interface of a network switch. The module also includes a dedicated alerting component, supporting dozens of customisable alerts which can be created and triggered if any tracked data meets a specific criteria. Alerts can be sent automatically to designated console users or pre-defined email accounts. Custom query based reports and views can also be created to reflect all gathered data.


Easy to deploy, NetSupport’s DNA has features you’ll be hard pushed to find in other asset management solutions.

PC PRO Magazine

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Software Inventory and Licensing

The Software Module is designed to help organisations manage licence compliance and reduce software overspend by accurately reporting installed software and proactively identifying PCs with software that has no or low usage.

A detailed summary of all programs and applications installed on each PC is provided, including Windows 8 and 10 store apps. NetSupport DNA can display the information for a selected PC, a department or a custom group and features an extensive module for assigning and tracking licence use. The NetSupport DNA software licence module supports the ongoing management of all software licences for each department − recording suppliers, purchase and invoice details, department or cost centre allocation and the tracking of maintenance contracts as well as storing PDF copies of any supporting documents.

A file scan option is also included and can be used to identify files of a certain type installed locally on devices. This could be used to ensure work documents are not being stored locally and missing company backup routines.

 


 

Software Application Metering

The Application Metering module reports on all applications used on each PC or server, detailing the time the application was started and finished, as well as the actual time it was active.

Monitoring application use ensures software licences are assigned to the right users and aren’t renewed for users without matching application activity, thus enabling cost savings.

Application usage can also be restricted for users or departments, either fully or just by time of day. Lists of approved and restricted applications, together with times when restrictions apply, can be created and enforced centrally.

Application Metering enables the business to monitor and report current licence use levels for all installed applications and ensure that application usage complies with corporate policy. Reports can be presented by PC or logged-on user.


IT audit and inventory is a breeze with NetSupport DNA !

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Internet Metering

From online collaboration and cloud-based solutions to social media and beyond, access to the internet is constant. To ensure the successful use of staff time, the effective use of company bandwidth and to support a safe environment, it is essential that companies don’t just have an internet safety policy in place, but also the right tools to enforce it.

The Internet Metering module provides a detailed summary of all internet activity on each PC by a user, including start and finish times for each URL visited and the active time spent on a page. Results can be reviewed either by activity on a specific device or for a user, no matter where they worked. Naturally, the key to supporting an effective policy is to provide effective controls. With NetSupport DNA, internet usage can be fully managed – and lists of approved and restricted URLs and/or sub-URLs can be applied centrally. Once applied, NetSupport DNA can allow unrestricted access to all websites, restricted access to certain websites that have been marked as approved by the company or by blocking access to specific sites marked as inappropriate.

Access can also be controlled by time of day, perhaps only allowing access to approved gaming or social media sites at lunchtime and outside of working hours.


 

Enterprise Alerting

NetSupport DNA features an extremely powerful Alerting module that prompts the system to automatically notify operators when any number of changes occurs across the enterprise. Building on the DNA philosophy, the system is designed to be simple to initiate and any number of custom alerts can be added.

There are two types of alert: system and PC. System alerts identify any changes within the data gathered by NetSupport DNA across the overall enterprise, including alerts for things like new PCs added, changes in hardware, a new application installed/removed and so on. PC alerts identify real-time changes or conditions that occur on a specific PC, such as CPU utilisation exceeding XX% for XX minutes, free disk space falling below XX%, when a key service stops (e.g. AntiVirus service or IIS on a server), print spooler alerts, security alerts (e.g. failed login attempts) and much more. As part of a SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) strategy, the PC event log can also be monitored with alerts triggered for errors, warnings or selected audit outcomes.

Alert notifications can be directed to specified email recipients and/or active console users (on a per alert basis, so the nature of the alert may dictate which operators are notified). In addition, outstanding alerts are identified against matching PCs on the main company hierarchy tree view. Once alerts have been identified, notes can be added by an operator. A full history of all alerts is accessible from the History feature.


 

Software Distribution

NetSupport DNA provides a multi-delivery option for Software Distribution.

A software distribution package is created by either applying parameters to a collection of files or folders, or by using the DNA application packager, recording the user prompts, keystrokes and mouse clicks that are used during a test installation, and then automating these on a live deployment to bypass the need for operator intervention.

Once created, the application package can be automatically „pushed” to the target PCs for deployment or, alternatively, it can be „published”. Once published, a user can check to see which applications are available for their PC, based on their departmental membership, and „pull” these on demand.

NetSupport DNA includes a Scheduling feature, allowing packages to be deployed on a specific date and time – usually out of core office hours when network traffic is at its lowest.

With remote deployments, the need to minimise network traffic congestion becomes a priority. In this case, NetSupport DNA allows a client PC, ideally local to the target machines, to be nominated as a distribution point. When the software is deployed, rather than being sent to each remote PC directly, it is just sent to the designated PC which then acts as a relay and re-distributes it to its local PCs.


NetSupport DNA delivers an impressive range of asset management tools that are extremely easy to deploy.

Network Computing

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Energy Monitoring and Power Management

The Energy Monitoring module provides a simple and concise high-level summary of potential energy wastage across an organisation by computer systems that are left powered on out of business hours.

NetSupport DNA checks to verify the powered-on state of all computers and its local monitoring component keeps an accurate record of each time a computer is powered on, off or hibernates. Once it knows the times of day each computer was operational, an average (and customisable) „power consumption per device” calculation is used, facilitating a baseline energy usage calculation for all computers.

With this information to hand, computers in selected departments can be set to automatically power off at a specified time at the end of each day and then power back on the next morning.


 

Endpoint Security

NetSupport DNA provides a simple and effective solution for managing the use of USB memory sticks to help maintain the security of the network. The use of memory sticks can be controlled across the entire enterprise or, just for specific departments and usage, can be set to allow full access, block all access, allow read-only or prevent applications being run from a memory stick. Alternatively, individual memory sticks can be „authorised” in NetSupport DNA and the use of sticks in the enterprise can also be limited to only those authorised.

A program administrator can connect a memory stick to their local PC and then authorise its use within the DNA console for either a given department or a specific user. Users who connect an unauthorised memory stick to their PC can also request remote authorisation, where appropriate. Not only does NetSupport DNA identify both removable (memory stick) and portable (mobile phone, tablet, camera) storage devices, it also provides similar usage controls over CD / DVD devices (including USB and virtual).


 

Real-time monitoring

Gain a real-time summary of all your PCs using Explorer mode. Selected PCs can be viewed in three formats – Icon, Details or Thumbnail view – and these can be refreshed at time intervals of your choice, e.g. every five or ten seconds and so on.

Explorer mode In the Thumbnail view, the PC screens (including multiple monitors) are visible and give a visual overview of current activity. The thumbnails size can be changed to suit the operator’s needs. For selected departments (i.e. finance or teachers), privacy modes can be set so the thumbnail is blurred.

Displaying the selected PCs as icons is another useful option for viewing large numbers of PCs at a glance and simply highlights OS platforms, and any with active notifications.

Drilling down further, the Details view displays all of the selected PC’s details in a list with any active notifications highlighted, allowing for easy identification of PCs that may need immediate attention. This view also provides a visual summary of all active policies applied to each PC. In addition, by right clicking on any PC an operator can launch on-the-fly PC-specific features such as power on/off, chat, remote control, send messages and more.

The notification filter can be used across all three display modes to highlight the PCs with any active notifications within the chosen time period.


 

Vault

NetSupport DNA contains a secure Vault component, allowing secure storage of serial numbers, passwords or any other confidential IT data. Access to the vault can be restricted to specific console users and activity can be recorded against the central DNA audit trail.


 

System Audit

NetSupport DNA includes a powerful Audit component, tracking all selected console activity by staff. The audit feature records when policies or settings are changed, entries are added or deleted or where rights are changed for any DNA user.


 

User Management

NetSupport DNA provides a range of features to locate and manage users within a networked environment. In addition to key user data (name, telephone etc), DNA provides the customer with the ability to tailor the data to be gathered and collated from each user, including tracking of user acceptance forms. DNA also keeps a history of changes to the data entered in User Data. Changes to Custom User details are recorded, including the following fields: Employee Number, Location, Asset Tag and Owner.

Other supporting tools include real-time chat and enterprise messaging, a real-time system status view for all devices, as well as a range of system admin features.


 

Enforce Acceptable Use Policies

Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) form an integral part of the key information security policies used by most organisations. It is common practice for new staff to sign an AUP before using company resources for the first time, or to confirm they have read any changes to such a policy whenever it is updated.

NetSupport DNA provides a flexible module to support the delivery and tracking of AUPs across the enterprise. Policies can be applied to specific devices for display each time any user logs on, or to users for one-time display and acknowledgement. The Acceptable Use Policy feature can support multiple policies, which can then be formatted for clear presentation. Full tracking and exception reporting is also provided.


 

Print Monitoring

NetSupport DNA includes a high-level Print Monitoring feature. Individual printers across the enterprise are automatically identified and, from the central console view, costs for printing (black and white, colour and so on) can be assigned either globally or against each different printer. Where required, printers can also be excluded from the view. A full overview of printing activities and indicative costs across the enterprise is provided by NetSupport DNA.

 


NetSupport DNA has solved all of our needs and has even more functionality than we expected.

UNICEF (Spain)

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Enterprise Reporting

NetSupport DNA provides both on-screen and print-optimised reporting. The on-screen reports / views are provided with supporting bar and pie charts and „live” drill down capabilities on all key summary data. As well as reporting on individual devices, users and departments, NetSupport DNA also features dynamic groups. These are user-defined and are added to the main company tree. A dynamic group could, for example, be to identify which PCs are upgradable and such a group would be created automatically from those that match the required criteria – such as „all PCs with more than 'XX’ GB RAM, 'XX’ GB free disk space and XX processor type” and so on.

Print-optimised reports are designed for management reporting and can be scheduled for creation and output to a specified file location automatically. All reports include the option to print or export to PDF, DOC and XLS.

NetSupport also supports custom views for all data; the Query Tool provides users with an easy interface for defining custom views. The query tool uses a simple drag and drop field picker, supported with conditions and sum-based features.


 

Mobile Inventory

Provided as a supporting tool for NetSupport DNA, the Inventory app can be downloaded free from the Google Play and Apple app stores. The DNA mobile app allows a Technician, when away from their desk, to search for and view a detailed Hardware and Software Inventory for any PC on the company network. The mobile app also includes a QR code scanner to help instantly identify any PC, either from an on-screen QR code displayed by DNA, or from a label fixed to the device. NetSupport DNA also provides a QR code label creation facility, including support for custom details. Histories of all hardware changes as well as any software installs or removals are also shown on the app.

In addition to the Inventory and History views, the NetSupport DNA mobile app also highlights any new PC alerts that have triggered across the network.

 


 

Remote Control (optional)

As a natural partner to IT Asset Management, NetSupport DNA is fortunate to be able to offer NetSupport Manager remote control. With 25 years of awards and 13 million+ users, NetSupport Manager is recognised as the best in class for secure, high performance remote control.

Accessed from the DNA console on your desktop, tablet or smartphone, NetSupport Manager provides seamless and secure access to workstations and servers across your enterprise, both locally when in the office, and remotely when on the move.

NetSupport Manager features true multi-platform remote control: monitor and view dozens of devices in a single view; transfer of files or updates to one or multiple devices in one go; remotely view and edit the Registry; manage services and processes; conduct an audio chat; share screens or even show your screen to others; access interactive training tools; geolocation, and much more.

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ServiceDesk (optional)

Designed to integrate with NetSupport DNA or operate as a standalone solution, NetSupport ServiceDesk ticks all the boxes as a fully functioning ITIL-compliant IT Service Management (ITSM) tool, supporting the key areas of ITIL’s best practice framework: Incident, Problem, Change and Service Level Management. Used with NetSupport DNA and our remote access solution, NetSupport Manager, support teams have a complete network management toolkit.

NetSupport ServiceDesk can be accessed through a web browser by any user from their desktop or mobile device and allows for the customisation of many key features within the solution. From operator functionality to the creation of specific data entry fields, it can be tailored to fit seamlessly into your organisation.

Powerful and customisable workflow rules help ensure delivery of an efficient and timely service in line with agreed service levels, automated email processing helps deliver further time savings and, with NetSupport ServiceDesk’s customer-friendly self-service portal, users are able to search for answers before even logging a support request.

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