The LANDesk Security Suite application contained both the management suite and the client agents. The deployment, however, was dependant on multiple server-based dependencies. LDMS requires Microsoft Data Access Components, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or 3.0, Microsoft ASP .NET 1.1, Microsoft Simple Network Management Protocol and Microsoft Web Services Enhancements (WSE).
We found the management console hard to use. There is both a network-based discovery and LDAP/Active Directory integration. It was easy to discover our endpoints, but it was hard to move them to the managed frame, so that we could perform the agent installation process remotely.
The LANDesk quick-start wizard helped us get most of the administrative aspects of the console set up.
Once we got the agents deployed, we were pleased to find that LANDesk has multiple layers of malware protection, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, web and email content protection in the form of adware (banners and redirectors), proxy-programs, remote admin utilities, client-IRC, dialer and downloader programs. Protection from viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, hacker utilities and rootkits is also included. The agent is capable of assessing endpoint vulnerabilities.
Additional features, such as host-based intrusion prevention, software licensing monitoring, patch management and the ability to protect thin client devices, and handheld and CE devices make this offering one of the more complete offerings we reviewed. The only item missing was a firewall module but it does work with Windows firewall.
The documentation was delivered as PDFs. We had an instance where we were asked to perform a task that we could not identify on the console, but other than that we were pleased with the documentation.
The basic support only provides for product updates. Any additional support needs would require a support upgrade to one of the various maintenance agreements.
The LANDesk Security Suite is an all-inclusive security solution. It definitely delivers protection for all the types of malware we have been reviewing.