Apple announced Apple Remote Desktop 3, the third generation of Apple's desktop management software.

The company's latest software, immediately available for sale, was designed to work with the new Intel-based Macs and carries more than 50 new features that it said would improve software distribution, asset management and remote assistance.

Apple Remote Desktop 3 offers a wide range of desktop management features including fast Spotlight searches across multiple Tiger systems; over 30 Automator actions for automating repetitive system administration tasks; a Dashboard Widget that provides quick observation of remote systems; and AutoInstall for installing software automatically on mobile systems when they return online.

Its suggested retail price would run at $299 for managing up to 10 systems and $499 for managing an unlimited number of systems.