Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Software Distribution simplifies the complex task of distributing physical and virtual applications and updates to desktops, servers, laptops, and mobile devices across enterprise networks. By automating software distribution, Configuration Manager helps to eliminate the inefficient and error-prone process of manually installing applications and software updates.
IT administrators can centrally define and configure how and when applications run on client computers, eliminating the need for user intervention. Explicit targeting, scheduling, and reporting allow for more effective and automated software deployments. Configuration Manager uses packages to deploy software applications, and within those packages, commands called programs that tell the client what executable file to run.
A single package can contain multiple programs, each configured to run differently. Packages can also contain command lines to run files already present on the client, without actually containing additional source files. Advertisements are used to specify which collections receive the program and the package. A dashboard for software distribution gives IT administrators visibility into the status of compliance with software advertisements enterprise-wide or on a machine-level basis.
Configuration Manager 2007 efficiently delivers applications and updates to computers across the entire distributed enterprise. IT administrators have higher control of package distribution and run behavior for offline and low-bandwidth connectivity to improve delivery success. For branch offices, Configuration Manager 2007 makes intelligent use of bandwidth-aware distribution points leveraging existing workstations for effective centralized management of global, disparate locations. Configuration Manager 2007 also securely delivers applications and software updates to geographically dispersed users that rarely connect to the network through Internet Based Client Management (IBCM). Further, IT administrators can control when distributions happen in their managed environment through the use of Maintenance Windows—and Wake On LAN capabilities enable those scheduled distributions to take place even when the targeted computers have been powered off.
Integration with Microsoft Softgrid application virtualization extends Configuration Manager 2007 Software Distribution functionality to include virtual applications. IT administrators can seamlessly deploy, upgrade, and track usage of both physical and virtual applications, ensuring all IT systems are up-to-date and secure.
