SMS uses distribution points to store the files needed to distribute programs to clients. To run advertised programs that require files that do not reside on the local computer, clients must have access to at least one distribution point. Therefore, you should specify for each package a group of distribution points that can be accessed by all targeted clients. If the target clients use different network operating systems, specify a group of distribution points that allow network access for all targeted clients. For example, if the target collections contain both Windows NT and NetWare clients, the package must be distributed to both Windows NT and NetWare distribution points.
Note If a package does not contain any files, you do not need to specify any distribution points for that package. (Be sure to clear the This package contains source files check box on the Data Source tab in the Package Properties dialog box.)
You can have multiple distribution points in each site. By default, only one server — the site server — is used as a distribution point. To reduce the load on your site servers, you can designate distribution points at each site. You specify and maintain distribution points for a site by using the Site System Properties dialog box in Site Settings.
Related Topics
Send a Package to Distribution Points
Distributing Software to Clients
The New Distribution Points Wizard
The Manage Distribution Points Wizard
About the Common SMS Package Share on Distribution Points
About Space Requirements for Software Distribution
About Package Source Directories
Specifying Distribution Points Overview