System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) is often used for Software distribution. When creating new applications in ConfigMgr 2007 or 2012, create "Package from Definition" can be selected. In this blog I will explain what's the advantage when using this instead of creating a normal software package.
In ConfigMgr 2007 their was no default possibility to request new software. When users wanted additional applications, an e-mail or phone call was needed to get it. Some customers were using "Run Advertised Programs" then, to build a kind of Software Catalog. This was working also, but not that user friendly. In ConfigMgr 2012 this is changed with a new Software Center and Application Catalog. In this blog I will describe what functionality comes with these new programs.
Remote Control functionality is much better in ConfigMgr 2012. In ConfigMgr 2007 it was already a widely used feature, but it will be more used now! This because Remote Control functionality has more options available, which are very good.
In ConfigMgr 2007 it was already possible to configure Maintenance Windows on collections. With Maintenance Windows a Service Window can be set, for installation and/or rebooting functionality. In ConfigMgr 2012 this functionality is still available, which is very handy for Patch Management on production systems. That way you are sure about installation and/or rebooting times, which are usually not during working hours.
In this blog I will explain how to update the Windows Image with "Offline Image Servicing" functionality.
Now Patch Management is configured right, Software Updates will be deployed to all devices with the ConfigMgr client installed. You may want to see what's the difference in this new release. I have some screenshots created for you then.
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