With the Common Desktop Environment (CDE), you can access networked devices and tools without having to be aware of their location. You can exchange data across applications by simply dragging and dropping objects.
System administrators will find many tasks that previously required complex command line syntax can now be done more easily and similarly from platform to platform. They can also maximize their investment in existing hardware and software by configuring centrally and distributing applications to users. They can centrally manage the security, availability, and interoperability of applications for the users they support.
For additional information and procedures for using CDE, see Chapter 18, The Common Desktop Environment in the AIX 5L Version 5.1 System Management Guide: Operating System and Devices.