When you are looking for awards on one of the M&M integrated airlines (LH, LX, OS, SN) you should use the M&M portal.
Special deals like the mileage bargains are only available there, and availability might be better as well.
If you are looking for flights with one of the *A partner airlines you can use both ANA or the UA website (use the award option). ANA is considered the most reliable.
But you can also call the M&M line.....
Award flights are normally released at 330 days out, but it also depends on the airline. Some release at different points in time or release more closer to the departure date (like 14 days out).