Express Metrix focuses on IT asset management of Windows clients and LAN environments, and competes with the likes of Centennial Software, Scalable, and (we didn't make up the name) Gasp. These tools are typically used to assert control over your environment and help keep you out of trouble from the Business Software Alliance license police.

So the new application control feature of the 8.0 version could come in pretty handy if you have software with a limited number of concurrent user licenses. Typically, that's not the case with desktop office software, but for enterprise or specialized premium applications, such as CADCAM systems, making best use of your licenses has clear bottom line implications.

Specifically, Express Metrix has added the ability to identify applications that are sitting idle. That is, a user has opened AutoCAD but hasn't bothered to shut it down before leaving for lunch. The new capability allows admins to terminate application sessions that have sat idle over a specific period (the admin sets the threshold determining how long the period should be before alerts go out).

Additionally, the new version tightens policies so admins can prohibit entire classes of apps, such as IM or video downloading programs, from tying up your network.

Express Metrix typically adopts a “rolling thunder” approach to new releases, with the new features initially made available to existing customers. The 8.0 version was made available to customers a month ahead of the late November release.

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