System Center Experts

Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2 VHD now available

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:11:55 GMT

Hi everyone, we are really excited to release the Beta 2 VHD of ConfigMgr 2012. You can download this VHD here.

This download comes as a pre-configured Virtual Hard Disk (VHD). It enables you to evaluate System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2 on Windows Server 2008 R2. It is an exported Hyper V Virtual Machine, pre configured as a 1 server site environment. Not all site roles are configured, but all can be added in your testing.

You can download the VHD here.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Beta 1

JeffWettlaufer — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:41:07 GMT

The next version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit—version 2012— is now available for beta download. To participate, register for MDT 2012 Beta 1 at Microsoft Connect.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 Beta 1 rides the next wave of System Center releases with support for System Center Configuration Manager 2012. For Lite Touch installations, MDT 2012 improves the overall client-side user experience, while also providing behind-the-scenes enhancements for partitioning, UEFI, and user state migration. These features, combined with many small enhancements, bug fixes, and a smooth and simple upgrade process, make MDT 2012 Beta 1 more reliable and flexible than ever.

Key Benefits:

Fully leverages the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment.
Improved Lite Touch user experience and functionality.
A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users.

Tell the MDT team what you think! To participate in the MDT 2012 Beta 1 program, download and test the tool in your environment and then provide timely feedback and suggestions to our development team. MDT 2012 Beta 1 runs through August 2011. Please submit your feedback through Connect and direct any support questions you may have to satfdbk@microsoft.com. Thank you for taking the time to help us improve the MDT product feature and functions. Your time and assistance are much appreciated.

Next steps:

Join MDT 2012 Beta 1 and tell the MDT team what you think!
Help spread the word—share the beta invitation link with your friends.
Send your comments to the MDT Team.
Learn more about the MDT.

Get the latest tips from Microsoft Solution Accelerators—in 140 characters or less! Follow us on Twitter: @MSSolutionAccel.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

System Center Updates Publisher 2011

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 24 May 2011 18:59:59 GMT

We have released System Center Updates Publisher 2011 to the web today. This release was primarily driven by customer feedback over the past year. It all started last year at MMS (2010) where we got a lot of great feedback regarding the existing product. Out of that feedback a plan was created to greatly improve the product for both customers and partners. Updates Publisher 2011 is packed full of new features and additions with just a few of them listed below.

New in System Center Updates Publisher 2011

Simpler setup with no database installation
An improved user interface that allows better control of managing software updates
Improved applicability rule authoring experience
Improved performance when importing and managing software updates
The ability to create software update bundles
The ability to define prerequisite and superseded updates as part of a software update definition
A new “Automatic” publication type with which Updates Publisher 2011 can query Configuration Manager to determine whether the selected software updates should be published with full content or only metadata
A new Software Update Cleanup Wizard that you can use to expire software updates that exist on the update server, but are not in the Updates Publisher 2011 repository

To download and learn more about SCUP from TechCenter visit here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/systemcenter/bb741049.aspx

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Configuration Manager Community Evaluation Program

JeffWettlaufer — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:08:47 GMT

Hey everyone, I wanted to let everyone know that the CEP continues for ConfigMgr. We are now over 1000 members!

This program provides IT professionals a structured approach to evaluating the pre-release version of Microsoft® System Center Configuration Manager 2012. Members of this program are able to evaluate the Beta 2 version of Configuration Manager 2012 with guidance from the product team and by sharing of experiences and best practices among a community of peers.

Guided evaluation of Management & Security Products

Access to evaluation bits and VHDs
Access to product group at Virtual Chalk Talks

Community of Participants

Share feedback on product and documentation
Share best practices and experiences

Learn more about programs at

http://msft.it/cep
Email mscep@microsoft.com with your interest
For any programmatic questions, please email cmcep@microsoft.com

Joins us.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Configuration Manager 2012 Evidence, Demonstrations and Early Experiences……

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:48:11 GMT

Hey everyone, we wanted to showcase what some of our Community Evaluation Program participants have been creating around their experiences so far with ConfigMgr 2012. Below is a list of blogs, demos, and videos done by some incredibly talented people on their own time on their own blogs.

Thanks for all the continued support of the ConfigMgr 2012 Beta!

Peter Daalmans
CEP Configuration Manager 2012 Migration (2)
System Center Configuration Manager 2012 beta2 – Install
CEP System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Beta2 overview
System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Beta “How Do I?” Videos

Vitalie Ciobanu
VIDEO: Installing Configuration Manager v.Next

Brandon Linton
VIDEO: Config Mgr v.Next Basic Installation
User -Centric Management in v.Next Whitepaper
VIDEO: Config Mgr v.Next Add Additional Roles
VIDEO: Config Mgr v.Next Site Configuration

Andrew Sallabank
Using Customer Client Agent Settings for Real-World Scenarios in v.Next
VIDEO: Application Deployment in ConfigMgr v.Next
VIDEO: Software Catalog Overview in ConfigMgr v.Next
VIDEO: Migration Feature Overview in ConfigMgr v.Next
VIDEO: Creating a Secondary Site via the Console in ConfigMgr v.Next
VIDEO: Software Updates Automatic Grouping Rules

Paul Schnackenburg
Configuration Manager v.Next Beta Review - Part 1
Configuration Manager v.Next Beta Review - Part 2
Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012 (Beta 1)

Brandon Linton
VIDEO: Create Applications
VIDEO: Setting up Automatic Grouping Rules
VIDEO: Create Build and Capture Task Sequence
VIDEO: Client Status Reporting
VIDEO: Setting up Distribution Point Groups
VIDEO: Setting up Migrations

John Quirk
Client Health Thresholds in CM 2012 Beta 1
VIDEO: Working with DP Groups in ConfigMgr 2012
VIDEO: Creating App-V Deployments in ConfigMgr 2012
VIDEO: Creating Deployment Types in ConfigMgr 2012
ConfigMgr 2012 Detection Methods
About User Device Affinity

Jonathan Robbins
Thoughts on CM 2012 CEP Theme 4 Webcast
Configuration Manager 2012 Hierarchy Deployment
Configuration Manager 2012 Feature Request #1
Prepping for Configuration Manager 2012 Beta Theme 5

Notes from ConfigMgr 2012 CEP Theme 5: Role-Based Administration & Collections
VIDEOS: Role Based Administration Lab Walkthrough Videos
ConfigMgr 2012 Feature Request: Include next version nof SCUP with SCCM 2012
Notes from ConfigMgr 2012 CEP Theme 6: Operating System Deployment
VIDEOS: Client Health Lab Walkthrough Videos
Notes from ConfigMgr 2012 CEP Theme 7: Compliance and Settings Management

Tim De Keukelaere
ConfigMgr 2012 CEP - OSD Key Takeaways

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

New Blog Post : Configuration Manager 2012 Content Monitoring and Validation

JeffWettlaufer — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:28:38 GMT

Hey everyone, the PM’s are blogging again, this is a really solid topic as well. We wanted to make you aware of it over here on this blog.

Their intro: In the last blog we covered Distribution Point Groups and the new ways to distribute and manage content. In this post we are going to cover monitoring the compliance of content and a new feature to validate content in the Configuration Manager 2012 infrastructure. After reading this blog, you will be able to see some new enhancements to Configuration Manager 2012 that will make troubleshooting content a lot easier (for both Software Distribution and Operating System Deployment).

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

TechEd EMEA 2012 Save the Date

JeffWettlaufer — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:52:45 GMT

Based on your feedback, Microsoft is excited to announce we’re shifting Tech·Ed Europe back to the summer timeframe, resuming in 2012. Mark your calendars: the next Tech·Ed Europe will be held the week of June 25, 2012 at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in the historical and picturesque city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands!

To ensure you have the opportunity to experience Tech·Ed in 2011, you are invited to attend Tech∙Ed North America in Atlanta, Georgia from May 16-19, 2011. For the European community, a discount of $200 USD off the conference price of $2,195 USD is available until Friday the 15th of April 2011. Please register on the Tech·Ed North America site using the promotion code ATGNEURO to receive your savings. For anyone with a European residence who already registered at the standard rate of $2,195, you are eligible to receive a refund of $200 USD by emailing the registration team by April 15th and including the special discount code ATGNEURO.
The Tech·Ed Europe 2010 keynote and session recordings are available for online viewing – no registration is required and all content is free to watch, download and share.
We are excited about our return to the capital of the Netherlands, and we look forward to a fabulous training and education event in 2012. Be on the lookout for the Tech·Ed Europe newsletter to get all of the latest and greatest announcements on the conference.

Watch free sessions from Tech·Ed Europe and Tech·Ed North America. View now >
Europeans save $200 on Tech·Ed North America 2011. Use discount code ATGNEURO Register now >

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Simplify Administration

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:14:05 GMT

In this video, Jeff Wettlaufer, a Sr Technical Product Manager for System Center at Microsoft demonstrates Configuration Manager 2012. In this demo, Jeff shows how to improve IT effectiveness through new efficiencies for both the Administrator and the network.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Unifying the Infrastructure

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:59:36 GMT

In this video, Jeff Wettlaufer, a Sr Technical Product Manager for System Center at Microsoft demonstrates Configuration Manager 2012. In this demo, Jeff shows how to reduce costs by unifying IT management infrastructure.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Embracing Users and the Consumerization of IT

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:56:50 GMT

In this video, Jeff Wettlaufer, a Sr Technical Product Manager for System Center at Microsoft demonstrates Configuration Manager 2012. In this demo, Jeff shows how to empower people to be productive from anywhere on whatever device they choose.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

System Center Configuration Manager Support for Windows 7 Service Pack 1

JeffWettlaufer — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:34:29 GMT

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP2, R2 and R3 now supports the Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 operating systems for client installation. The Configuration Manager console and branch distribution point are supported on these platforms. Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 is supported for all core and feature-specific site system roles.

The following software update is required to add Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 to the Supported Platforms list:

KB 2489044 - Update for System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP2 to add Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and Windows 7 SP1 clients as supported platforms
KB 977203 - User state migration is unsuccessful on a SCCM 2007 SP1 client or on a SCCM 2007 SP2 client

Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6 SP1 is now supported on Configuration Manager 2007 R2 with Configuration Manager 2007 SP2
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 with System Center Configuration Manager SP2 now supports Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) 4.6 SP1 Desktop Client and Client for Remote Desktop Services. This client release enables support for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.

The following are the limitations and workaround to import App-V packages using Configuration Manager.
Configuration Manager fails to import App-V packages when there is more than one XML in the package folder. App-V Sequencer 4.6 SP1 creates the file Report.xml when creating an App-V package. Configuration Manager expects to find only one xml file in the package folder and will fail when it identifies more than one XML file in the folder. To work around this problem delete the file report.xml manually from the package folder before you import the App-V package No software updates are required.

Configuration Manager 2007 SP2, R2 and R3 supports WinPE 3.1
System Center Configuration Manager SP2, R2 and R3 now supports WinPE 3.1 as the boot image used with operating system deployment. WinPE 3.1 is shipped with Windows 7 SP1 as a Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) supplement.

Steps to upgrade to WinPE 3.1 within the existing Configuration Manager Environment and known limitations with Win PE 3.1 can be found here http://blogs.technet.com/b/configmgrteam/archive/2011/03/24/configuration-manager-2007-sp2-and-windows-pe-3-1.aspx. No software updates are required.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Survey is now closed

JeffWettlaufer — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:28:19 GMT

Hi everyone, a few weeks back we posted a survey where you could provide feedback on the User Experience research we are working on. This survey has recently closed, but for those who did take the time, THANK YOU, we really appreciate it.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Available for Download - Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2 in German and Chinese Simplified

JeffWettlaufer — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:26:26 GMT

The Configuration Manager team is pleased to announce the release of the German and Chinese Simplified Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2 builds. For German users, the International Client Pack (ICP) with the German (DE-DE) client is also available.

German Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2 Download Page:
https://connect.microsoft.com/ConfigurationManagervnext/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=34852

Chinese Simplified Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2 Download Page:
https://connect.microsoft.com/ConfigurationManagervnext/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=34986

Even if you are planning to evaluate only the English product, if German or Chinese is your native language, please consider installing a remote admin console or the ICP client (German) on machines connected to your English site. We are looking forward to getting feedback on the translation quality as well as any functionality issues you encounter. You may see a few unlocalized strings and this is normal for the Beta release. Before getting started, please reference the English Supported Configuration document and Release Notes files on TechNet.

Please remember to submit your feedback regularly using the Feedback Forms and monitor the Connect Discussion Groups. We look forward to hearing from you!

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

System Center Configuration Manager Beta 2

JeffWettlaufer — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:01:03 GMT

This week we are extremely pleased to release Beta 2 of Configuration Manager 2012. We thought it would be helpful to provide a technical introduction to the product, and share with you some places and programs you can use to get your hands on it.

The main engineering investments for ConfigMgr 2012 are:

User Empowerment – Recognizing the Consumerization of IT for organizations means delivering a platform that enables you to manage your users where/when they want to work, on the devices they choose. This means providing capabilities to support users in new scenarios like mobile, remote and more. Through the power of a new application model ConfigMgr 2012 can deliver the right application format – called a Deployment Type (MSI, AppV, Mobile CAB, and more) based on who the user is, the device they are on, and the connection they have. Through detection methodology, this scenario and resulting application delivery is calculated at run time to ensure the best experience possible, the right requirements are met, and the user gets their app in the best experience possible. This is also presented to users through a web browser based software catalog. Through the new console for ConfigMgr 2012, these global applications can be viewed in their relationships, so Administrators are equipped to be able to think about their users and the different scenarios.
Unify Infrastructure – In order to truly deliver many new features but at the same time reducing infrastructure footprint, and complexity, ConfigMgr 2012 integrates device, virtualization and security management. From treating devices as first class citizens in places like the application model, to integrating true virtualization delivery mechanisms, and aligning Forefront Endpoint Protection in 1 pane of glass, will ensure organizations experience a simpler infrastructure. In addition, new features like Role Based Administration, new Client Agent settings at the Collection level, and investments in SQL will enable organizations to flatten their hierarchy, reduce server footprint, and simplify their architectures. All of this adds up to some significant improvements for the administrator, and the organization.
Simplify Administration – Through the automation of tasks like software update deployment, and the auto remediation of non compliant settings, ConfigMgr 2012 will reduce mouse clicks, and processes that Administrators typically go through. Software Update Management now has a capability called Auto Deployment Rules, that allow automation from the point of update availability to flow through the infrastructure to the target systems. These rules can be defined at any level an update is categorized. Product, Language, Severity are examples of how updates might be categorized. Building on a feature from ConfigMgr 2007 called DCM (Desired Configuration Management) ConfigMgr 2012 will now add the ability to remediate non compliant CI’s, or entire Baselines. Much like how Group Policy behaves, ConfigMgr 2012 Settings Management will enable organizations to define how an OS, App or setting should be configured, and simply allow that 1 time setting to remain in constant compliance. Efficiency is driven at 2 levels. Efficiency for the Administrator, and new efficiencies for the actual network infrastructure. Both of these drive time, cost and other resource savings that are worth checking out.

We hope you can take a look at ConfigMgr 2012. This beta 2 release is full of new features, capabilities and efficiencies. Check out our new console, the cool ribbon 1 click actions, and the new enhancements around our capabilities. Here are some resources for you to get going today:

Introduction to Configuration Manager 2012 - link
What’s New in Configuration Manager 2012 - link
Fundamentals of Configuration Manager 2012 - link
Download the ConfigMgr Beta 2 here
Join our 800 friends in the Community Evaluation Program here
Check out our Virtual Labs on Technet here (currently based on Beta 1, update coming soon)
Download a pre configured Virtual Machine here (currently based on Beta 1, update coming soon)

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Forefront Endpoint Protection at MMS 2011

JeffWettlaufer — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:43:16 GMT

Hi Everyone,

We are very excited to present Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) at MMS- you will see a lot of FEP this year!

Here’s the list of Forefront Endpoint Protection Sessions at MMS, please make sure to check them out. Please stop by at the FEP kiosk and share your feedback with the FEP extended team of engineers and consultants from around the world.

Wed 3/23	10:15a - 11:30a	BI01 Advanced Malware Threat Detection and Removal with Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010
Wed 3/23	4:00p - 5:15p	BI02 Forefront Endpoint Protection Overview: Managing desktop security and antimalware solution with System Center Configuration Manager
Thu 3/24	4:00p - 5:15p	Integrating Management & Security at Microsoft: Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 deployment case study at Microsoft
Wed 3/23 Thu 3/24	11:45a - 1:00p 4:00p - 5:15p	Forefront Endpoint Protection Overview-Instructor Led Lab
Wed 3/23	5:30p - 6:30p	BOF: Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 Setup and Configuration (Birds of Feather-Interactive session)

Looking forward to meeting you in Las Vegas!

Adwait Joshi
Sr. Technical Product Manager
Management and Security Division

Identity and Access coming to MMS 2011

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:14:42 GMT

Looking for Identity and Access content at MMS? Our teammate Brjann posted this over on his blog…..

Microsoft Management Summit in Las Vegas , March 21-25, will host breakout sessions and a ask the experts booth on Identity and Access for the first time. I’m very excited to be able to deliver four different sessions during the week that should give attendees a good overall view into the important role IDA plays in datacenter and cloud management with BI05 where we will focus on System Center and private cloud and BI08 with a bit more focus on public cloud SaaS and PaaS offerings.

The center of our Identity and Access solutions is of course Active Directory so all session will look at extending on that platform with integration into cloud using technologies such as AD Federation Services in BI07 and Forefront Identity Manager in BI06.

BI05 Identity & Access and System Center: Better Together
System Center and IDA are integrated already and leveraging Active Directory but couldn’t you do more? This session talks about roles and identities in System Center products and how we can leverage IDA solutions. Demos of how can we use a tool such as Forefront Identity Manager in conjunction with the roles and access policies in System Center

BI06 Technical Overview of Forefront Identity Manager (FIM)
Join us for a lap around Forefront Identity Manager going through architecture, deployment and business scenarios in a presentation filled with demos. This session should give you a good understanding of what FIM is and what it can do to put you in control of identities across different directories and applications.

BI07 Technical Overview of Active Directory Federation Services 2.0
Join us for a lap around Active Directory Federation Services 2.0 covering architecture, deployment and business scenarios for using AD FS to extend single sign on from on-premises Active Directory to Office 365, Windows Azure and partners.

BI08 Identity & Access and Cloud: Better Together
Organizations have started using services such as Office 365 and Windows Azure but are worried about security and how to manage identities and provide access. This session goes through how Identity and Access from Microsoft with solutions such as Forefront Identity Manager, AD Federation Services, Windows Identity Foundation and Windows Azure AppFabric Access Control Services play together to enable organizations to access cloud applications and also enable access for their customers and partners.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Looking for Configuration Manager 2007 sessions at MMS 2011?

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:14:01 GMT

Hi everyone, we are only a few weeks away from MMS, and we wanted to get you the list of ConfigMgr 2007 Breakout sessions we are running. Next post is the similar list for ConfigMgr 2012. Each session is a link to the session details, speakers etc. This list does not include partner owned sessions, Instructor Led Labs or Hands on Labs,

Thanks for reading

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Looking for Configuration Manager 2012 sessions at MMS 2011?

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:13:19 GMT

Hi everyone, we are only a few weeks away from MMS, and we wanted to get you the list of ConfigMgr 2012 Breakout sessions we are running. Each session is a link to the session details, speakers etc. This list does not include partner owned sessions, Instructor Led Labs or Hands on Labs,

Thanks for reading

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Where is Wally at MMS 2011?

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:12:49 GMT

A common question every year at MMS is ‘Where’s Wally?’ You wont find him at the tables, slots, or the bars, pools, or even the Blue Man Group. As a foundational member of the event, Wally is deep in sessions all week, running no less than 26 sessions this year! He is a major attraction for us, and his workload is worth mentioning, many of you head to MMS to attend his sessions, here is his list this year. All in 1 week. Twenty-Six.

TWENTY-SIX, Wally – Thank you.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Check out our Facebook fan page for MMS

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:05:29 GMT

Hi everyone, in case you haven’t seen our MMS Facebook page yet, its worth checking out. There are regular wall posts, links, and informational tidbits worth catching!

You can join the Facebook page here.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

MMS 2011 is right around the corner

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:48 GMT

Hey everyone, we had a chance to speak with Brad and briefly talk about the MMS 2011 keynotes that he is involved in this year. There are 2 related keynotes this year. Day 1 is focused on the Cloud, and the Day 2 is focused on Consumerization of IT.

We hope you enjoy the video, and see you in Vegas.

Don’t forget MMS 2011 is a month earlier than last year! Also, the event will sell out. So, if you haven't visited the event site, or registered yet, check it out over here.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

eWeek Review of Configuration Manager 2007 R3 now published

JeffWettlaufer — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:40:53 GMT

Hi everyone, recently we had the chance to talk with eWeek’s Cameron Sturdevant about ConfigMgr 2007 R3. Cameron has now published his review here.

Microsoft SCCM 2007 R3 Streamlines User Management

Some key quotes from the article :

“The rejuvenating updates embodied in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R3 make the R3 release a must for enterprise organizations that already use SCCM and are moving to Windows 7.”

“these features are welcome tuning features that should help IT managers stay more up-to-date while not drastically increasing the drain on system CPU and network resources.” Cameron also highlights that organizations using desktop compliance can benefit from SCCM R3, with its “increased policy and enforcement tools.”

Thanks for reading.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Adobe Update Catalog News

JeffWettlaufer — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 06:31:05 GMT

Hey everyone, we have had a lot of feedback about 3rd party patch, Software Update Management and the SC Update Publisher Tool. This week the System Center team in conjunction with Adobe is really excited to release their first SCUP Catalogs. This will enable ConfigMgr Administrators, to use SCUP and Manage their Adobe updates. Jason also just posted a blog about this here.

There are separate SCUP catalogs for Acrobat X and Reader X. You can download them from the following URLs:

http://armmf.adobe.com/arm-manifests/win/SCUP/Acrobat10_Catalog.cab
http://armmf.adobe.com/arm-manifests/win/SCUP/Reader10_Catalog.cab

The guys over at Adobe have also released an Enterprise Administration Guide that includes support for deploying updates using SCUP and ConfigMgr. You can find this here. And if you would like hear more about SCUP and other deployment improvements Chris and Joel will be delivering a webcast on Feb 22nd. More on that is here.

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

New Whitepaper: Bring the Full Power of PC Power Management to System Center Configuration Manager 2007

JeffWettlaufer — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:07:09 GMT

Hi everyone, we wanted to make you aware of a new whitepaper that has just been published. Our partner Verdiem has released a whitepaper that highlights the integration between their Surveyor product and ConfigMgr. An example of a best of breed partner in this space, Verdiem have been delivering Power Management to our joint customers for 10 years. You can download the paper here.

Here is a snip from the introduction.
Verdiem’s Power Management Pack for System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is an integrated solution that enables IT organizations to leverage the capabilities of SURVEYOR from within the System Center Configuration Manager console, and helps them to achieve 100% success rates for PC patching and software updates while reducing PC energy waste and the organization’s carbon footprint.

Some resources for you:

Whitepaper: Manage, Monitor, and Report: Implementing a Power Management Strategy with System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R3 download
Video: Extending System Center with Verdiem - link
Evaluation: Download here
Guest Blog: How to save money with ConfigMgr 2007 R3 and feel good about it - link
Guest Blog: Configuration Manager 2007 R3 - Power management mission and design philosophy - link
Blog: Configuration Manager 2007 R3: Power Management - Traditional Barriers to Power Management - link
Blog: Configuration Manager 2007 R3: Power Management . What is it and why is it important? - link
Additional information: Power Management with Windows 7 – link

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division

Coffee Talk with Brad: What’s in store for MMS2011?

JeffWettlaufer — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:07:40 GMT

Hi everyone, we recently got a chance to sit with Brad again and talk about the upcoming MMS event in Las Vegas, the week of March 21-25. This year is going to be an amazing event for everyone, we really hope you can attend. An unprecedented amount of product news. demonstrations and vision will be available to you, more than any MMS event to date.

We will be communicating more through this blog as MMS draws closer, so keep tuned in for more sneak peaks and highlights of the event…….

Jeff Wettlaufer
Sr Technical Product Manager
System Center, Management and Security Division