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Discussion of Command AntiVirus v4.70
Technology and Product Roadmap


This release is significant in many ways and includes numerous improvements that have been made in direct response to the wishes of our customers. Specifically, we have made notable improvements to the core functionality of the Command AntiVirus (CSAV) product family and how it is managed.

Please note that the purpose of this document is to briefly touch on key CSAV Workstation and Server related technology changes. Also note, that for a more comprehensive list of all enhancements please review the "readme.txt" file in your product.

CSAV Version 4.70.0 Technology Overview:

Workstation/Server Features and Benefits:

  • A unified Microsoft� Installer (MSI) installation for all Microsoft Windows� platforms resulting in a CSAV graphical user interface (GUI) which will now look and behave the same on all 32-bit Windows platforms.
  • It is now possible to configure all settings for CSAV and upcoming products that will run on Windows 32-bit platforms using a single method (which is simple and secure). This simplified update model for both enterprise and end users mean that you will no longer need to get separate updates for each platform. A single directory can contain the latest product, component, and definition files. *Please note that for this release we will continue to populate and support the current distribution directory structure for non-CentralCOMMAND legacy users.
  • The UPDATE DEFFILES button has been changed to UPDATE NOW. This feature has been redesigned for use by the single user only. Single users can now update virus definition files, components, and full product by clicking the UPDATE NOW button.
  • CSAV now includes a plugin for Microsoft(r) Outlook(r). This plugin scans messages and attachments of incoming and outgoing mail for viruses.
  • The Dynamic Virus Protection (DVP) report program now has an improved interface and support for Windows XP fast user switching.
  • We have improved support for Unicode and other languages which has resulted in a newly released Chinese (Mandarin) version of CSAV.

Centralized Management - CentralCOMMAND - Overview and Flowchart

There are essentially four steps in an Enterprise deployment of CSAV:

  1. Create a centralized Software Distribution Point or Administrative Image from which your users will get full products, your customized preferences, components, and other updates. This can be any single (or multiple) location you decide.
  2. Configure your policies (decide who can do what and when).
  3. Customize your installation (set your preferences).
  4. Deploy to your users.

Here is a flowchart that outlines the steps involved:


Centralized Management - CentralCOMMAND - Features and Benefits:

  • CSS Central has been replaced by our new and improved centralized management package called CentralCOMMAND. CentralCOMMAND contains the administrative tools that allow you to download Command AntiVirus updates and to customize features and settings prior to deploying these updates throughout the network.
  • CentralCOMMAND utilizes Microsoft System and Group Policy facilities to permit all users, including those without administrative privileges, to install and update CSAV in a unified and secure fashion.
  • CentralCOMMAND contains the following administrative tools:
    1. System Policy Template for Windows Installer - Allows you to configure the settings for the Windows Installer.
    2. System Policy Template for CSAV - Allows you to configure the settings for CSAV.
    3. Custom Installation Wizard for CSAV - Allows you to customize the Command AntiVirus installation by adding or removing features, create customized scan tasks, and add configured CSAV settings.
    4. Command Download Manager - Allows you to download Command AntiVirus updates and apply them to administrative images.

To become familiar with Group and System Policy and the technology involved review the following links:

  • Introduction to Windows 2000 Group Policy: www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/howitworks/management/grouppolicyintro.asp
  • Implementing Profiles and Policies for Windows NT 4.0: www.microsoft.com/ntserver/techresources/management/prof_policies.asp
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding the Group Policy Feature Set: www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/planning/management/groupsteps.asp
  • Using Group Policy Scenarios: www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/howitworks/management/grouppolicy.asp
  • Active Directory: www.microsoft.com/windows2000/technologies/directory/default.asp
  • Software Installation and Maintenance: www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/administration/management/siamwp.asp
  • User Settings and User Data: www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/administration/management/settings.asp
  • Windows Resource Kits: www.microsoft.com/windows/reskits/default.asp

    Overview of System Requirements, and Pre-Requisites for a successful CSAV v4.70 installation:

    The System Requirements for running CSAV for Windows on Windows NT and Windows 95 have changed:

  • Windows NT - to operate Command AntiVirus for Windows Workstation, you must have at least Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 installed.
  • Windows 95 - if you are currently running Windows 95, you MUST have Windows 95 OSR2 installed for the system components to be updated correctly.
      Pre-installation Requirements:

    • Windows 95/98/Me and Windows NT - you MUST have Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (IE5) or higher installed. This is the simplest and recommended strategy to meet the new minimum requirements.
    • As an alternative to installing IE5, you can install Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (IE4), Microsoft Active Desktop, and our CSAV Pre-installation Convenience Pack. This package is contained in a self-installing file and can be distributed via email or login script. Just double-click the file to begin the installation. You can download the CSAV Pre-installation Convenience Pack from our web site at: www.commandsoftware.com/downloads/comdownloads/commercial.cfm
    • CentralCOMMAND 9x or NT workstations require IE5 or higher.
    • One of the common questions we are asked is "why IE5"? The simple fact is that we do not actually require the IE browser functions but certain controls which Microsoft employs within a typical IE installation. We are using IE as a minimum requirement as this is the simplest way to assure those components are in place. Secondly, if you have an installation of a Microsoft OS later than Windows 98 you will already have IE installed by default. This makes it very likely that most of our customers will not have to do anything special to have a pleasant upgrade experience. As a company we consciously chose to adopt the most widespread technology (Microsoft Installer and IE) to ensure the simplest yet most powerful upgrade path for our customers. If you have any concerns about installing the IE browser feel free to take advantage of the aforementioned convenience pack.

    Planned technology improvements for CSAV v4.71:

    CSAV v4.71 will focus on building on the solid foundation v4.70 including:
    • Automated product updates for single users via the Internet.
    • Enterprise-Wide Centralized Authentication for Product Downloads and Updates.
    • MSI based installation for Microsoft Exchange and Command Interceptor products.

    Future versions will include:
    • Enhancements to Centralized Reporting, Logging and Quarantine.
    • Centralized Management of additional Operating Systems platforms including Novell and Unix.
    • New GUI with support for both traditional desktop and browser technologies resulting in a melding of our COD and CSAV products.

    All Command Software Systems, Inc. brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Command Software Systems, Inc. Other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of the party using such names. This release contains forward-looking statements. All statements that are not historical are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Command�s future financial performance, capital expenditures, revenues, acquisitions, earnings, costs, product development plans, global expansion plans, estimated size of potential customer markets, demand for our products, the projected acceptance by existing or potential customers of new technologies and the potential features of, or benefits to be derived from, the products developed, marketed or sold by Command, market and technological trends in the software industry and various economic and business trends. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve a number of uncertainties and risks that may cause actual events or results to differ materially. Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially include, among others, the following: general economic factors and capital market conditions, general industry trends and the potential effects on us of competition in computer software product and services markets, growth rates in the software and professional services markets that we participate in, rapid technological change that can adversely affect the demand for our products, shifts in customer demand, market acceptance of new or enhanced products or services developed, marketed or sold by us, delays in scheduled product availability dates, actions or announcements by our competitors, software errors, reduction in sales to or loss of any significant customers, our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, any failure by us to protect our intellectual property rights, the dependence of certain of our business units on licenses from third parties, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, and other factors. Command undertakes no obligation to update any information contained in this release.

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