Microsoft's Systems Management Server: A Centralized Network Management Tool

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft's soon-to-be-released Systems Management Server (SMS) aims to bridge the gap in the company's networking strategy by providing enterprise-wide network management solutions. SMS will compete with offerings from Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun, and will allow network administrators to manage all servers and workstations from a central site. The product is structured into two parts: a database and server code running on Windows NT, and "agents" running on the computers to be managed. SMS will provide software distribution, inventory, and remote PC management tools, giving system administrators the ability to troubleshoot and manage network-connected PCs.

Key Takeaways:

  • SMS is structured into two parts: a database and server code running on Windows NT, and "agents" running on the computers to be managed.
  • The SMS server maintains configuration information in an SQL Server database, giving network managers access to software revision levels, upgrade requirements, and troubleshooting information.
  • Administrators can remotely control DOS and Windows PCs from the server console to distribute new software to PCs.
  • SMS can install itself and its client agents automatically across an entire wide area network from a single Windows NT workstation.
  • The product supports NetWare and Windows NT servers, and DOS, Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, and Macintosh System 7 clients, as well as SNA, TCP/IP, X.25, ISDN, and async network protocols.
  • SMS is expected to be released 30 days after Windows NT 3.5, with the product available in Australia four to six weeks after that.

Statistics:

  • SMS supports 5 different network protocols: SNA, TCP/IP, X.25, ISDN, and async.
  • The product will be available in Australia 4 to 6 weeks after the initial release.
  • SMS will require Windows NT 3.5 to function.
  • The initial release of SMS will support 7 client operating systems: DOS, Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, Macintosh System 7, NetWare, and Windows NT.

Sources:

  • Terry Clancy, Microsoft's network product manager
  • Microsoft officials
  • Windows NT 3.5 operating system
  • Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun network management solutions
  • Novell Netware Distributed Management Services