Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 R2 RTM-ed on Friday, June 9th, and the launch on the Web for the announcement occurred on Monday, June 12th (just in time for TechEd 2006).  SMS 2003 R2 provides an organization a comprehensive change and configuration management solution. It delivers relevant software and updates to users of Microsoft and third-party software applications efficiently and cost-effectively.

Some important takeaways of R2:

• Builds upon the base of the SMS 2003 Service Pack 2 foundation to provide a comprehensive solution for change and configuration management for the Microsoft platform.
• Inventory Tool for Custom Updates (ITCU) -- Building a more secure and reliable infrastructure while lowering operating costs relies on the ability to update independent software vendor (ISV) and in-house applications as well as updates provided by Microsoft. With SMS 2003 R2 and the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates (ITCU), organizations can achieve this goal quickly and efficiently.
• Scan Tool for Vulnerability Assessment (STVA) -- Software installation errors and misconfigurations compromise security and stability, resulting in escalated support costs. STVA can help prevent errors, increasing your organizational uptime and helping you build a more secure infrastructure (by providing vulnerability assessment reporting for common software misconfigurations using the MBSA 2.0 engine).

Evaluate it for youself for 120-days today!