SCCM Features and Benefits

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is the systems manager by Microsoft that allows administrators to regulate the deployment and security of applications as well as devices throughout the company. 
Administrators might grant end-users accessibility to the devices and applications they need without security compromisation with SCCM. In this post, we have highlighted some of the useful features and benefits of SCCM.

SCCM Features and Benefits

• What is SCCM?
• Why SCCM?
• How does SCCM Work?
• SCCM Version History
• Features of SCCM
• Benefits of SCCM

What is SCCM?

Coming from the basket of Microsoft, SCCM is a paid lifecycle management solution that helps you keep track of the inventory of a network, helps in application installation, and deployment of updates as well as security patches across a network. 

While using the WSUS patching system of Microsoft to eye on and install updates, SCCM offers additional patch management control whenever and however patches are applied. Furthermore, this management system comprises plenty of additional features, making it an attractive option for larger enterprise networks.

Why SCCM?

This manager software relies on one single infrastructure, with the objective of unifying virtual and physical clients under one umbrella. SCCM also adds tools to help IT administrators get access control.

Moreover, it discovers desktops, servers and mobile devices that have been connected to a network through Active Directory. And then, it installs client software on every node. Then, it manages application deployments and updates on a group or device basis, allowing for policy enforcement with Network Access Protection and automated patching with Windows Server Update Services.

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How does SCCM Work?

When admins talk about an SCCM server, usually, they mean an environment that comprises software modules and server hardware. And, together, they create an SCCM architecture. Based on the organization, the SCCM architecture could be more or less complex.

The architectural appearance of the SCCM environment can differ with the number of locations within the company. However, one aspect never changes. There should be an SCCM Primary Site Server situated on the hierarchy’s top. This means that the primary SCCM-server is deployed on-premise, which is, within the corporate network. 

The software runs under Windows Server 2012 as an application. And, it contains a variety of modules. Along with the Primary Site Server, SCCM also requires a database server to operate the SQL database of the system.

The SMS Provider Server is liable for distributing the images of Windows to clients with the help of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kits (ADK). Software, as well as setups, are distributed to clients out of the corporate application pool through the Distribution Points.

These distinct SCCM modules don’t lead to SCCM always requiring multiple physical servers to function. It is feasible to set up SCCM as a single server solution. The console that is used to administrate the environment of SCCM and visualize it for admins can be executed either directly on the server or on the client.

SCCM Version History

So far, there have been three significant iterations of SMS. The 1.x versions defined the scope of control of the management server when it came to the NT domain that was being handled. 

With the 2.x versions, the site paradigm switched to a subnets group that would be managed together. Since the launch of SMS 2003, the site could be defined as one more multiple active directory site.  

The most prevalently used feature is inventory management, which offers both software and hardware inventory across a business enterprise. 

However, the significant difference between the 2.x product and the SMS 2003 is the commencement of the advanced client. 

The company announced the next version of the product (V4) back in 2005 at the Microsoft Management Summit. This version was then released in August 2007 and was available for public use in November 2007.

Who Uses SCCM?

Amongst other possible users, administrators are the ones who commonly use SCCM for patch management, endpoint protection, and software distribution. 

Features of SCCM:

Here are some of the widely acknowledged features of SCCM:

• The Management and Deployment of Updates

With SCCM, it has become easy to maintain the computer system’s integrity as it lets you discover software vulnerabilities, distribute the latest security updates, and regulate the installation without consuming much time. 

• Centralized Management of the IT Infrastructure

This management system provides adequate control of IT infrastructure as well as activities via a scalable and distributed architecture. This way, you get to manage the changes and configurations with ease. 

• Application Deployment and Management

Regardless of the growing nature of the IT industry, businesses get to access relevant and accurate information pertaining to their infrastructure. This lets them make informed decisions in terms of fixed asset savings and profitability.

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Benefits of SCCM

Jotted down below are some of the useful benefits of SCCM to consider:

• Boosted User Productivity

This configuration manager offers access to the apps that employees need to stay productive. Simultaneously, it also offers the required tools to administrators to protect sensitive business data.

• Safeguarding Endpoints

Endpoint protection regulates anti-malware definitions with the help of an inbuilt engine for windows updates. It also allows you to keep the client PCs updated while ensuring that they are safeguarded always with the latest protection version.

• Intelligence on Assets

The licensing administrator can use asset intelligence to track the programs that have been set up and where they were installed. Also, the numbers of installations and the applications that are used also get tracked. Furthermore, with the help of software metering, you can track licenses across the environment; thus, assuring that the counts are precise in the audit event.

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Conclusion

By now, you would be familiar with SCCM features and benefits that an organization can relish. If you have been thinking of integrating this software into your company, you can rest assured of plenty of benefits, including endpoints, productivity, IT infrastructure management, asset intelligence, and more.