An SMS client computer is any computer in your organization that has SMS client software installed. Computers serving as SMS site servers and site systems can also be installed as SMS client computers, as can any other servers in your organization where you install SMS client software. SMS client software:
The following client components are installed on SMS client computers:
| Windows Management | This service component runs on Microsoft Win32-bit client computers and contains the Microsoft WBEM-layer implementation. Windows Management provides data for hardware inventory and can be used by other management applications. |
| SMS Client User Interface | After software distribution has been enabled at the site, this application installs dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), the Advertised Programs Monitor, and the Advertised Programs Wizard. |
| SMS Client Infrastructure | SMS client infrastructure comprises three important elements: |
| Available Programs Manager (APM) | This component manages the programs that are available to run on the client. If APM determines that a program should be run, APM launches the Program Execution Agent to start the program. APM also installs the Program Execution Agent and the Client Access Point Program Information Provider. |
| Program Execution Agent (PEA) | This component runs programs as specified by APM. It monitors the state of execution and returns status to APM. |
| Client Access Point Program Information Provider (PIP) | This component locates distribution points for any software to be installed on the client computers. It searches CAPs for the program properties and passes the information to APM. |
| Optional Components | The settings you configure in the SMS Administrator console determine which optional client components SMS installs. If you reconfigure your site to add or remove any of these optional components, they are subsequently added or removed from the client computers in your site. These include software inventory, hardware inventory, software distribution, Windows NT Event to SNMP Trap Translator, Remote Control, and software metering. |
Related Topics
Configuring Software Distribution
Client Agents Configuration Overview
Understanding How SMS Functions