Express Software Manager includes several integrated components for data collection, consolidation, administration, and reporting. Express Software Manager uses Microsoft .NET technologies to improve scalability, performance and management, and to improve usability. To help you understand the product architecture, here is a brief description of the product components and functionality.

Administrative Console — The interface for configuring and using Express Software Manager. The console can be installed on Windows 2000 workstation/server and above.

Express Reports Console — The user-interface that allows you to view Crystal Reports-based reports. Reports are generated from data in the Express Database and the Reports Console allows you to select filters to report only on the data you want.

Express Web Reports — Reports generated from data in the Express Database and viewed from a web browser. And you can apply filters created in the Express Reports Console to Express Web Reports.

Express Server — A server-resident component that manages data between the Administrative Console and the Express Database. The Express Server also handles scheduled maintenance tasks.

Express Database — The SQL Server database that stores inventory, usage and control information from client workstations, application and machine configuration information and the Express Software Identification Database used to identify applications. The Express Database runs on Microsoft SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005, or SQL Server Express Edition (which is included with the product).

Express Access Point — A Web service that manages communication of data between Express Clients and the Express Database including inventory, usage, control and configuration information. The Express Access Point runs under Microsoft Internet Information Server. Multiple access points may be utilized to handle scaling and domain access issues.

Express Client — The Express Client gathers PC inventory and software usage data from client machines. The client passes this data to the Express Access Point, which writes the data to the Express Database. The client also prevents the launch of unauthorized and unlicensed applications.

For additional information, please review the system requirements for these product components.