Numara Software has released the latest version of its popular Track-It! asset management and helpdesk suite, adding a revamped user interface and a new architecture based on smart client technology.

Track-It! 8, available immediately, is aimed at firms looking for cost-effective inventory tracking and helpdesk tools, rather than an all-encompassing suite. Previous versions are the most widely installed product of this kind worldwide, the firm said.

"A lot of work in Track-It! 8 was to decide what customers want. Many don't wish to spend tens of thousands on a full system, they just want something that will manage assets better than they can now," said Numara's international director Andy White.

Track-It! 8 has been completely re-written using Microsoft .Net 2.0 as a smart client, meaning the console is deployed and updated from a central server, according to Numara.

The new version also focuses on usability, personalisation and productivity, White said. It boasts an improved 'Outlook-like' user interface designed to help users to find the relevant information, and the suite's discovery function has had a great deal of work put into auto-categorisation of assets found on the network.

A new management dashboard lets firms create various overviews relevant to different users. These are created using Crystal Reports, which is typically hidden from the user unless they want to see it, according to White. Templates can also reduce the effort needed to perform everyday tasks, such as automating a password reset request from workers.

Other features include an improved Numara Remote that lets it staff take control of user systems, plus a Google-like search tool to pull out information relating to queries from the Track-It! knowledge base.

Track-It! 8 is available in Standard, Professional and Enterprise versions, based on the size of company. Standard editions starts at £295 for a single technician licence and up to 25 managed assets. The Enterprise Edition starts at £4,750 for 5 technician licences and up to 100 managed assets.

While the discovery, asset management and helpdesk tools are standard in each edition, Remote, Patch Manager, Deploy and Network Monitor modules are optional extras.