System Center Configuration Manager 2007

Microsoft System Center is a suite of products designed to make day-to-day management of your IT infrastructure both easier and more cost-effective.

In the August issue of TechNet Magazine, we introduce a few components of the System Center suite, starting with System Center Configuration Manager 2007, the next version of the Systems Management Server (SMS) enterprise management solution.

SMS Evolved: A Powerful New Solution to Manage Your Systems

First, John Orefice will walk you through several of the new and enhanced features planned for Configuration Manager 2007, based on the most recent beta release. John explains what you can expect in this upcoming release including a new administrative interface, new server roles and distribution points, and support for mobile devices (including Windows Mobile smartphones). You'll also get an overview of the deployment, update management, and desired configuration management features planned for Configuration Manager 2007.

Deploy Apps and Updates to Your Branch Offices

Next up, Steve Rachui shows you how to put Configuration Manager 2007 to work. Using  branch distribution points (BDP), a new type of distribution point that is specifically designed to meet the needs of small or distributed office settings, Steve demonstrates how you can provide deployment and update services to branch offices that lack local servers and communicate via slower WAN links.

Don't forget to check out the rest of our SMS coverage in TechNet Magazine.

Terrence Dorsey