Systems Management Server 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Beta)
Systems Management Server (SMS) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) technologies have been combined to provide SMS customers with a new SMS security update scan tool for enterprise patch management: the Systems Management Server 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Beta).
The SMS Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Beta) enables customers to standardize on the latest Microsoft software update technology. Update Services and the WSUSScan catalog contain patching support for all of the upcoming Microsoft Update/Windows Update products including Windows, Office, SQL Server, and Exchange. The inventory tool enables:
| • | Detection and deployment of the latest security updates, update rollups, and service packs from Microsoft. |
| • | Improved patch management through a more comprehensive and more widely-supported detection technology. |
| • | Broader detection support for more Microsoft products. |
| • | Consistent product support across multiple detection technologies including parity with Automatic Updates. |
The SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Beta) is currently in development and is scheduled for release in the second half of 2005. The beta program is currently open for enrollment.
Please note that:
| • | Enrollment for the SMS Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Beta) is open for a limited time. |
| • | We ask that you only enroll your company for evaluation of SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Beta) if you are willing to provide feedback to Microsoft. We consider customer feedback from Beta programs critical to our ability to successfully deliver a product that meets customer needs. If your interest is just in learning more about this solution, please keep checking the Web site over the coming months for new product information. |
If you would like to participate, visit the Microsoft Betaplace site and follow the nomination instructions below.
To obtain access to the beta:
1. | Go to the Microsoft Betaplace site and sign in with your Microsoft .Net Passport ID. If you don't have a Passport account, you will need to first complete a Passport registration. |
2. | Enter the Guest ID "SMSInvite" (this ID is case-sensitive). |
3. | Click on the Systems Management Server 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates link. |
4. | Fill out and submit the survey form. |
5. | You will receive notification of acceptance within 24 hours. |
