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Chapter 1: Overview

Overview

Welcome to the newly engineered version of Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003. This book gives you the insight and tools necessary to successfully administer SMS 2003. We'll explore the fundamental components and features of SMS, such as package distribution, hardware and software inventory, remote diagnostics and software metering, as well as new features such as management points, reporting points, and server locator points, enhanced console functionality, and-finally-real support for Advanced Clients. We'll discuss the installation procedures for site systems and clients, as well as examine the implementation of an SMS site hierarchy. We'll also look at relevant SMS 2.0 migration and update readiness issues, as well as disaster recovery and database maintenance recommendations.

SMS has gone through many generations and enhancements since its initial 1.0 release. Noting the shortcomings of the SMS 1.x family-unabashedly reported to Microsoft by all of you SMS administrators-Microsoft released SMS 2.0. This was a complete renovation of the product that addressed many of the issues that SMS administrators raised. That version dropped some functionality (most notably the clunky Program Group Control), enhanced existing functionality (package distribution, inventory, and remote control), and added functionality (logon points, client access points, distribution points, and software metering).

Through the application of five service packs, these components of SMS 2.0 were further enhanced and various 'undocumented user features' were addressed and resolved. SMS 2.0 finally became compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000-based networks, although it was never fully integrated with Windows 2000 Active Directory directory service. SMS 2003 represents the next generation of this product and reconfirms Microsoft's commitment to addressing your client management needs.

To those of you who purchased the previous edition of this book, Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 Administrator's Companion, let me assure you that this book isn't a repetition of the previous edition. I have rethought the order and flow of the original book and have made adjustments-many suggested by my alert readers. Also, Microsoft has 'touched' every component in SMS 2.0 as it generated SMS 2003, so there is new material throughout. Nevertheless, there will be new SMS administrators among you, so we begin in this chapter by introducing SMS 2003 and describing what SMS 2003 is all about.



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