(Click here for larger image)Hipcheck lets system administrators set triggers for real-time event alerts in the systems being monitored, according to SCO. When the event trigger occurs, an SMS message is sent to the designated mobile device. The administrator then responds to those alerts by viewing critical parameters and executing system commands.
By setting event alert triggers properly an administrator can receive "early warning" of an impending problem rather than waiting for the problem to happen. SCO CTO Sandy Gupta explains, "The real-time nature of the service enables system administrators to monitor and proactively manage critical environments anytime, anywhere, even when network connections themselves are unreliable."
Hipcheck comprises three components. They are described as:
- HipCheck Agent -- a small, unobtrusive executable installed on each system to be monitored. The agent runs in the background, monitoring the systems hardware and operating system status and communicating this status to the SCO Mobile Server.
- HipCheck client -- a GUI application that runs on a mobile handset and allows authorized users to monitor and control system operation.
- SCO Mobile Server -- provides an administrative web interface to set up the systems to be monitored, and assign system alert, monitoring and control privileges to system administrators. The Mobile Server is an "edge of network node" for secure and reliable access to back end corporate data.
According to SCO, HipCheck clients are available for a range of Windows Mobile, Blackberry, and Treo devices, as well as for Windows desktop PCs.
SCO lists three deployment options for HipCheck, depending on where the Mobile Server is located. A subscription-only service uses a server located at an SCO data center. A partner-hosted subscription uses a server operated by an SCO partner. Finally, a customer premises installation locates the server in the customer's data center.
A free 30-day trial of HipCheck is available by filling out an online form,
here. Pricing was not disclosed.
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