Apple Remote Desktop 3 makes the jump to Intel systems

Apple has unveiled a new version of its Remote Desktop application.

The tool offers IT staff tools that allow for remote system management. The application for instance allows adminstrators to automate simple tasks such as muting in the volume on all systems or emptying users' trashbins.

"With Apple Remote Desktop 3 you can easily manage an entire network of Mac computers," Eric Zelenka, senior product manager for OS X said.

Apple Remote Desktop is the first version of the application that is designed for Intel-powered Mac systems. The previous version could run on Intel processors through the Rosetta emulator, but required administrators to make some minor manual changes to systems.

The updated version offers about 50 additional features, including a compliance tools that tracks and monitors which applications users have installed and use on their systems, as well as System Status Indicators that allow administrators to assess the health of systems in their network.

The tool also introduces a new curtain mode that blocks local access to a system while it is controlled remotely. It also offers a new install mode that pushes out software to both desktop systems and mobile systems as soon as they connect to the network.

"One of the problems with portable computers is that they are not always on your network. This lets the administrator install the software without having to worry about which systems have it installed and which don’t," Zelenka said.

Apple Remote Desktop is available as of today. A licence that allows users to manage up to 10 systems costs $299 per administrator and license for managing an unlimited number of desktops is available for $499.