Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (ConfigMgr) provides a comprehensive solution for change and configuration management for the Microsoft platform, enabling organizations to provide relevant software and updates to users quickly and cost-effectively.
Configuration Manager 2007 provides the following features:
- Collecting hardware and software
inventory.
- Distributing and installing software
applications.
- Distributing and installing updates to
software, for example security fixes.
- Works with Windows Server 2008 operating
system Network Policy Server to restrict computers from accessing
the network if they do not meet specified requirements, for example
having certain security updates installed.
- Deploying operating systems.
- Specifying what a desired configuration would
be for one or more computers and then monitoring adherence to that
configuration.
- Metering software usage.
- Remotely controlling computers to provide
troubleshooting support.
All of these features require some Configuration Manager 2007 client software to be installed on the Windows-based computers you want to manage. Configuration Manager 2007 client software can be installed on regular desktop computers, servers, portable computers like laptops, mobile devices running Windows Mobile or Windows CE, and devices running Windows XP Embedded like automated teller machines. Microsoft partners can write additional client software to manage computers running non-Windows operating systems.
Configuration Manager 2007 sites provide a way to group clients into manageable units with similar requirements for feature sets, bandwidth, connectivity, language, and security. Configuration Manager 2007 sites can match your Active Directory sites or be totally independent of them. Clients can move between sites or even be managed from remote locations like home offices.
Before deploying or administering Configuration Manager 2007, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts that apply to all Configuration Manager 2007 features.
In This Section
Introducing System Center Configuration Manager 2007
Understanding Configuration Manager Sites
Understanding Configuration Manager Clients
Understanding Configuration Manager Features
Understanding Configuration Manager Security
Understanding Configuration Manager Operations