There are actually five packages in total that make up this ambitious offering:

Let's Focus on System Center Configuration Manager.
SMS has been replaced by System Configuration Manager 2007. It's a completely redone application—don't think of it as an upgrade. Not only have they addressed the major flaws of SMS 2003, they've upgraded many of its core features. It's best to compare it to Altiris and ZENworks products (vs. the old SMS).

Minimum Requirements.
At a minimum, implementing SMS requires four servers (or virtual servers) in order to get base functionality. You also need SQL server, a primary site server, a management server, and if PXE booting, you need a server as well.

SMS Upgrading & Implementation Considerations.
The process of upgrading and rolling out Configuration Manager should not be taken lightly however. Companies need to do a full needs analysis: everything from inventory to patch management to imaging to system snapshots. Also, as you add more options, implementation gets exponentially more complicated. As such, it's important to assess what you have and explore your options well ahead of time.

Who Should Upgrade.
If your staff is already fairly familiar with SMS then there won't be a major learning curve. Likewise if you are using a competitive package like Altiris—your staff has a tremendous advantage as it relates to the time and skills required to implement and use the system.

If your staff has little or no experience with desktop and server management products, implementing will be a little more time consuming.

Look Before You Leap.
But no matter your IT staff knowledge level, it's a good idea to do a pilot or a proof of concept since there are so many functions and features; You can decide which features you need immediately and which ones you can wait to implement. Also, once you extend the schema, it's there and in place—you can't just pop it back out. System Center is a network-wide change. Better to carefully consider what's going to be that right first step for your environment before jumping in headfirst.

System Center Bottom Line.
For companies who need integrated systems management, System Center has a lot going for it—especially for basic Windows maintenance and updating. There are several new features that organizations should review closely, including a great feature that lets remote users receive updates without being logged into the local LAN.

If you're looking to use the full set—everything from asset tracking to custom application patch management, you should also review System Center's main competitors (such as Altiris, LanDesk, etc.) The most exciting part of this development is that Microsoft now has the features and functionality that only existed in third party products in the past.

Webcast:
System Center 2008. Did Microsoft Get Network Management Right?
Join GreenPages' CTO Mike Healey as he reviews the overall product set and strategy, what's working now and what's still in development.

For more informtion on System Center 2008 please call GreenPages 1-800-989-2989.