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Mobile client support
Two types of client 'Desktop' and 'Mobile'. Win2k or
above clients only. Will use BITS (see below)
so that being connected for short periods of time allows transfer of
major packages for local install execution. Client is streamlined
(circa 2MB) msi file which can be preinstalled or downloaded.
Reduced functionality e.g. currently no Topaz Software Metering or
Remote Control [Correction - 08-01-01: RC now supported in Mobile
Clients]. Can send as SMS package to existing 2.0 or Topaz
desktop clients and convert them to mobile clients but cannot do the
reverse i.e. mobile client reg settings deliberately prevent it being
overwritten by desktop client to help prevent roaming
problems. Mobile clients not assigned by IP subnet but by
manual admin defined process. Will need to install a Management
Point therefore mobile client only available in Primary
Sites. Remains assigned to its original site no
matter where it roams. All adverts and policy ( hinv, sinv etc
settings) only come from original site. For soft distrib
will read original advert, query MP re boundaries, query local MP for
available DPs and connect and use local DP. 'Regional roaming' is
where the client is moved to a site lower in the same SMS
hierarchy. The original site is higher up and can 'see' all the
DPs etc in the site where the client has moved to. 'Global
roaming' is moving to location above existing site or outside
hierarchy so no knowledge of new site. Administrator can define
whether mobile client is treated as local or remote depending on sub
net. Then advertisements can be configured so if a local DP is
available the client can use install from DP or 'download and
execute'. If client is remote then choice is 'download and
execute' or don't install. No CCIM type automatic client
maintenance every 23 hours. For any form of upgrade the
administrator must install the new msi client package. Client
will check every 15 minutes for policy changes and advertisements.
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Active Directory™/Windows 2000
integration
Active Directory discovery methods
Heartbeat Discovery
Integrating Add/Remove Programs with software distribution
Integrate Active Directory site boundaries with SMS site boundaries
Active Directory targeting - Global, universal, nested, and
nonsecurity groups are supported
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New Software Metering feature
Complete re-write, now pure Microsoft product. Based on WMI providers
running locally and used only to log software usage as per previous
passive mode. No license limit enforcement and only works
locally. Rules set site wide and can be exported to child sites.
Reporting this data to a Parent is optional. Each client
collects information and dumps this to the CAP at (currently) 7 day
intervals.
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Integrated Web-based reporting
Replaces Crystal reports, offers per report security and is more
closely integrated with the Admin Console. Can be used with
Windows based SQL security and not SQL security as per the current
download.
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Delta Replication
File level synchronisation of Distribution Point software at child
sites. Notice not available intrasite.
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Elimination of logon points
No logon points - replaced with Server Location Point (SLP),
a new SMS site system. A Desktop client uses the SLP to learn
what site it belongs to, what CAPs are available so it can receive
the client software for installation. Domain controllers don't have
to be SMS Site systems. This requires more administrator manual
intervention particularly if using SMS login scripts which are no longer
automatically created and distributed to Domain Controllers.
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Usability and performance improvements
MMC
administrator console performance improvements e.g. resource explorer
enumeration, collection enumeration.
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Download and execute installs (BITS)
Rather than run a setup process across the network from a Distribution
Point, download the whole source locally and then disconnect from the
DP. Run the setup locally without lengthy use of open network
connection. Byte level checkpoint re-start lets client pick up from
where they left off if download from DP interrupted. BITS is
Background Intelligent Transfer Service the process (codenamed
Drizzle) currently available in XP and .Net Server. Allows
'bandwidth aware' , sensitive use of the network, checkpoint recovery
and download and execute.
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Management Point
New site system role on IIS based Win2k/.Net server
specifically to support Mobile clients. Probably only need one
per Primary site but you can use multiple servers with Load
Balancing. Clients communicate using http and
transfer larger files using MSMQ process. Does role of CAP for
desktops. Can only exist in Primary sites as they need access to
SQL.
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Drizzle Point
A Distribution Point with IIS configured to support the new BITS
technology.
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Software Inventory
New WMI provider to report products listed in registry Add/remove
programs, and state of Windows Installer installed products. Can
specify wild card search.
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Desktop client install
Initiated using CAPINST.EXE /SLP name which connects to SLP, retrieves
CAPs list and installs.
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Remote Control
Same Remote Control tool available but with some performance
enhancements.
Can launch Terminal Services on client listed in a Collection.
XP clients can use Remote Assist.
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Not supported any more
Netware
Windows 95 clients (must be '98 or above)
SMS NT4 servers (Topaz servers must be Win2k or .Net.)