Altiris Support for ACNS

Cisco content engines are multifunction plug-and-play appliances that eliminate the administrative burden and capital cost of deploying dedicated file servers.

By deploying Cisco Application and Content Networking System (ACNS) software and content engines at regional hubs and branches, IT can:

• Offload software distribution processing from central servers
• Minimize WAN bandwidth congestion
• Deliver rapid updates
• Facilitate mobility

Cisco ACNS can also assist with other corporate objectives:

• Business Video/Video on Demand (VoD)/eLearning
• Portal Application Acceleration (Siebel, PeopleSoft, Oracle applications, etc.)
• Internet Proxy/Security SAFE v2- iProxy
• Digital Signage

Depending on load and configuration, it is possible for organizations to dual-purpose the ACNS devices in remote locations; for example, use for both software distribution and video distribution.

How does Altiris work with Cisco ACNS?
The Cisco ACNS solution works with Altiris solutions to automate file replications between headquarters and remote locations, using policies—such as unicast or multicast distribution, bandwidth and scheduling controls—to support scaling. 

 
Files can be pre-positioned or demand-pull cached.

How does it work?
When the client receives an HTTP get request and WCCP (or HTTP intercept/302 redirect), ACNS intelligence transparently redirects them to the local CE in their branch or area, where the client package is delivered by the closest/fastest responding Edge CE. Once downloaded, Altiris Notification Server is notified of successful download and installation.

Which Altiris solutions and suites can benefit from ACNS?

• Altiris Client Management Suite
• Altiris Server Management Suite
• Altiris Software Delivery Solution
• Altiris Patch Management Solution

How do Cisco ACNS devices differ from Altiris Package Servers?

PROS: Cisco ACNS provides a common URL across the organization, simplifying package distribution. Cisco ACNS uses hardware-based intelligence to replicate packages, offloading bandwidth throttling and other distribution management from Notification Server. May reduce Notification Server load by as much as 40 percent and increase scalability Cisco ACNS devices can address other corporate objectives (such as video conferencing), in addition to package distribution.

CONS: No throttling or checkpoint recovery to local clients (only between CEs). This may not be an issue for many customers, however, because clients are usually LAN-connected within the remote office. Hardware solution, is not free (as opposed to re-using existing servers).