N-central 24.3 Release Roundup | New Features & Enhancements for MSPs

Summary

In the 24.3 release video, Jason Murphy highlights security enhancements, updates to Device Manager for Apple, OS update monitor, and integrations with third-party vendors like Hudu, DeskDay, and Pixm. Performance improvements, PME updates, and expanded REST API endpoints are also discussed, along with usability enhancements in N-Central and advancements in analytics.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The 24.3 release for June is packed with updates, focusing on security enhancements, analytics, PME (Patch Management Engine), and DMA (Device Manager for Apple).
• 🔒 Security enhancements include addressing specific CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) such as CVE 2024-28200 and CVE 2024-5322, urging users to upgrade to mitigate risks.
• 📱 Device Manager for Apple has been updated with UI improvements and usability enhancements, integrating Apple Business Manager for better management of Apple devices.
• 💼 DMA is now available at the customer level, marking a significant architectural change and improvement in the system.
• 🌐 The Enable Technology Alliance Program (TAP) is highlighted, showcasing collaborations with third-party vendors like Hudu, DeskDay, and Pixm for integrations and enhanced solutions.
• 🚀 Performance improvements in 24.3 address issues from previous builds, with benchmark testing showing decreased CPU utilization and load.
• 🛠️ Patch Management Engine (PME) updates include Windows 11 upgrade improvements and changes in the handling of offline patching.
• 🌐 REST API endpoints have been expanded from 39 to 61 in 24.3, enhancing existing functions and adding new ones for better integration and automation.
• 🖥️ Usability improvements in N-Central include added columns in the all device view and active issues view, enhancing the user experience and device management.
• 📊 Analytics receives special attention with new data domains and use cases, offering direct data access and integrated analytics through PowerBI for deeper insights.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 24.3 release video?

The 24.3 release video focuses on the new updates and features in the June release of N-Central. It covers security enhancements, device manager for Apple, OS update monitor, enable technology alliance program (TAP), performance improvements, patch management engine (PME), REST API endpoint editions, Sentinel One EDR console update, usability improvements, and analytics.

What are the two CVEs addressed in the 24.3 release?

The two CVEs addressed in the 24.3 release are CVE 2024-28200 and CVE 2024-5322.

What is the significance of the updates to the Device Manager for Apple?

The updates to the Device Manager for Apple include UI and usability improvements, making the management of Apple devices more fluid. It also introduces the new and modern Apple Business Manager integrated into N-Central, enhancing the integration and management of Apple devices.

What is the Enable Technology Alliance Program (TAP) and how does it benefit users?

The Enable Technology Alliance Program (TAP) is a collaboration between Enable and third-party vendors or technology providers. It aims to enhance Enable's portfolio of solutions through integrations, allowing for more efficient and effective service delivery and management.

What are some of the key vendors mentioned in the TAP section?

Key vendors mentioned in the TAP section include Hudu, a knowledge management platform; DeskDay, a workspace management platform; and Pixm, a cybersecurity solution focused on preventing phishing attacks.

What performance improvements have been made in the 24.3 release?

In the 24.3 release, performance improvements include reduced CPU utilization and load, improvements in submit Q processing, and API response times. These enhancements are aimed at providing a smoother and more efficient user experience.

What changes have been made to the Patch Management Engine (PME) in the 24.3 release?

The Patch Management Engine (PME) in the 24.3 release includes improvements to the Windows 11 upgrade process, updating from 21 H2 to 23 H2, and enhancements to the cumulative update install. It also introduces the use of the MSU file for offline patching.

What are the new REST API endpoint editions in the 24.3 release?

In the 24.3 release, the number of REST API endpoints has increased from 39 to 61, with enhancements to existing functions and the addition of 22 new endpoints. This expansion allows for more flexibility and integration capabilities within N-Central.

What usability improvements have been made in the 24.3 release?

Usability improvements in the 24.3 release include the addition of serial number, make, and model columns to the all device view, the addition of the serial number field to the active issues view, the ability to run AMP-based automation against Linux devices, enhancements to domain user management, and the addition of a filter option in dashboards.

What is the significance of the analytics updates in the 24.3 release?

The analytics updates in the 24.3 release introduce new data domains and use cases, enhancing the integrated analytics through PowerBI and direct data access. This allows users to access and analyze more detailed and structured data, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.