The included Automator actions for common repetitive tasks are a welcome addition to ARD 3, as are the pre-populated UNIX commands.

Using a SQL database to store all the machine information makes reporting much simpler and allows Web-enabled access to that data. In effect, an administrator can automate or offload reporting to other parts of the organization. I love the fact that you can transfer the clipboard back and forth using two designated buttons.

The ability to remote drag-and-drop files to a remote machine graphically rather than needing to specify the copy path, will make support easier for many sysadmins. I don't see any difference between curtain mode and locking the screen as ARD 1 and 2 did -- except that in curtain mode you can put a message up along with the lock screen. Both modes allow for a custom picture to be used, a handy feature for those admins who want to present a friendlier face than the large metal lock image.

The status indicators add additional visual feedback to the monitoring console, allowing an administrator at a glance to check that hundreds of machines are within accepted operating parameters

Also welcome is the added AES-128 bit encryption. For sysadmins, it puts a task server in the demilitarized zone between their inner and outer firewalls and the Internet so that remote users can do updates securely. This ensures that custom settings and remote commands cannot be intercepted over an internal or external network.