SMS 2003 Windows Management Services Integration
To enable the reduction in costs on Microsoft Windows-based systems, the optimal solution is a management tool that takes advantage of the built-in management capabilities already present in the Windows platform. Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 reduces overall operational costs of managing software by integrating with Windows and using the native Windows management services.
Windows Management Services Integration Datasheet
Read how SMS 2003 takes advantage of Windows management features to offer integrated administration, standards-based hardware inventory, ease of use, and reduced operational costs.
Windows Management Services Integration Demo
Watch how Windows Management Services Integration works in SMS 2003. Note: if you have a popup blocker installed, you will need to disable it to allow the demo to run.
SMS 2003 Product Overview
Get a review of the new features and capabilities included in SMS 2003.
Integrated Administration
To enable administration based not only on IT needs, but business needs as well, it is important to utilize the Active Directory-embedded business organizational information. SMS 2003 has been extended to take advantage of the components of Active Directory wherever possible. For instance:
| • | Aligning with the Active Directory® site design to simplify enterprise design and reduce operational costs. |
| • | Integrating with the Active Directory security model to allow SMS 2003 to utilize existing user accounts, eliminating the need for separate accounts and security settings, thereby reducing exposure to security attacks while minimizing the time and effort required for managing security. |
| • | Using Active Directory as a locator service for mobile clients to allow SMS 2003 to help locate critical resources and provide access to available software from the closest location. |
| • | Targeting software deployments based on the business logic contained within Active Directory including organizational units, distribution lists, and security groups. |
Standards-based Hardware Inventory
SMS 2003 enables hardware identification and tracking to ease the management of the enterprise. SMS 2003 has been designed to use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), which is built into the Windows operating system for collecting inventory data. By using WMI, SMS 2003 is able to provide a consistent and richly descriptive model of the configuration, status, and operational aspects of a Windows-based system enabling a reduction of maintenance and life-cycle costs.
Ease of Use
Enabling users to easily install software is an extremely important factor for reducing training and support costs. SMS 2003 integrates with the Add/Remove Programs user interface included in Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional, enabling users to manage business applications through a familiar interface while increasing the success rate and timeliness of installation of business applications on corporate desktops.
Reduced Operational Costs
SMS 2003 utilizes Windows Installer Service, greatly reducing the operational costs associated with preparing and deploying applications. Packages can be created directly from Windows Installer (.msi) files—which are able to self-heal installations—reducing efforts and potential support requirements for corrupted packages and failed installations. The combination of SMS 2003 and the Windows Installer Service enables users' security levels to be maintained for regular activities, while applying and utilizing elevated rights to enable automatic deployment of software, maintaining a high security configuration at all times.