Microsoft Releases Beta Version of Systems Management Server 2003 R2
Microsoft has extended its commitment to its enterprise management customers by releasing a public beta of updates that significantly expands SMS 2003’s tools and capabilities. The new SMS 2003 R2 helps businesses install and manage software updates for third-party and line-of-business (LOB) applications via SMS in the same format used by SMS, rather than the numerous different formats and mechanism used by other vendors. In addition, IT administrators can now rely on SMS 2003 to check for configuration errors and security vulnerabilities on their system’s desktops and servers.
Microsoft has extended its commitment to its enterprise management customers by releasing a public beta of updates that significantly expands SMS 2003’s tools and capabilities. The new SMS 2003 R2 helps businesses install and manage software updates for third-party and line-of-business (LOB) applications via SMS in the same format used by SMS, rather than the numerous different formats and mechanism used by other vendors. In addition, IT administrators can now rely on SMS 2003 to check for configuration errors and security vulnerabilities on their system’s desktops and servers.
SMS 2003 R2 provides the following key capabilities:
Inventory Tool for Custom Updates
Building a more secure and reliable infrastructure while lowering operating costs relies on the ability to update independent software vendor (ISV) and in-house applications as well as updates provided by Microsoft. With SMS 2003 R2 and the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates (ITCU), organizations can achieve this goal quickly and efficiently.
ITCU consists of two components:
• Integrated Scanner. Designed for evaluating target clients for software update compliance.
• Publishing Tool. Designed to allow the ISV or line-of business (LOB) application developer to create software update catalogs that can be imported into SMS. The native SMS 2003 Software Updates Management (SUM) functionality can then use these catalogs to determine applicability and automatically remediate as necessary.
• Publishing Tool. Designed to allow the ISV or line-of business (LOB) application developer to create software update catalogs that can be imported into SMS. The native SMS 2003 Software Updates Management (SUM) functionality can then use these catalogs to determine applicability and automatically remediate as necessary.
Scan Tool for Vulnerability Assessment
Software installation errors and misconfigurations compromise security and stability, resulting in escalated support costs. Scan Tool for Vulnerability Assessment (STVA) can help prevent errors, increasing your organizational uptime and helping you build a more secure infrastructure. The tool provides vulnerability assessment reporting for common software misconfigurations using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) 2.0 engine.
Download the Beta Software
To download the SMS 2003 R2 beta software (a Passport account is required):
1. Go to the Microsoft Connect site.
2. Select Invitations.
3. Log into Microsoft Passport.
4. Enter the invitation ID – SMSR-X6JX-YP6W.
5. Go to My Participation and select the SMS 2003 R2 – Open Beta program.
2. Select Invitations.
3. Log into Microsoft Passport.
4. Enter the invitation ID – SMSR-X6JX-YP6W.
5. Go to My Participation and select the SMS 2003 R2 – Open Beta program.
For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/smserver
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