Additional Resources: Tools and Technologies
The following table lists the recommended tools, technologies, and services for moving from Standardized to Rationalized level.
Name |
Description |
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A central component of the Windows platform, Active Directory directory service provides the means to manage the identities and relationships that make up network environments. |
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Microsoft ActiveSync provides support synchronization with Windows-based desktop computers and Microsoft Exchange Server. |
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Antivirus software is specifically designed to detect and prevent viruses. |
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The Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) is a life-cycle management tool that assists in identifying and managing your overall application portfolio and help resolve application compatibility issues. |
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A solution accelerator from Microsoft that provides comprehensive guidance and tools to manage large-scale desktop deployment projects, ongoing image management, and new-user desktop provisioning. |
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Firewalls are software- or hardware-based devices that can be deployed between networks to protect an organization from external or internal network attacks. |
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Group Policy is an infrastructure used to deliver and apply one or more desired configurations or policy settings to a set of targeted users and computers within an Active Directory environment. |
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Internet Authentication Service (IAS) and Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) |
IAS in Windows Server 2003 or Network Policy Server (NPS) in the future with Windows Server “Longhorn” are Microsoft implementations of a RADIUS server and proxy. RADIUS is a client/server protocol where RADIUS clients send authentication and accounting requests to a RADIUS server. The RADIUS server checks the remote access authentication credentials on the user accounts and logs remote access accounting events. |
Messaging and collaboration software that enables users to send and receive e-mail and other forms of interactive communication through computer networks. |
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Microsoft Office is a set of desktop productivity programs—including applications for word processing, e-mail, and spreadsheets—that integrate with servers, services, and solutions in the Microsoft Office system. |
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Provides comprehensive event and performance management, proactive monitoring and alerting, reporting and trend analysis, and system and application-specific knowledge and tasks to improve the manageability of Windows-based servers and applications. |
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Networking services are comprised of Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS). |
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SMS is a comprehensive solution for change and configuration management for the Microsoft platform, enabling organizations to quickly and cost-effectively provide relevant software and updates to users from Microsoft and non-Microsoft vendors. |
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SMS 2003 Desired Configuration Monitoring enables you to define customized configuration standards for desktops and servers and then perform automated compliance audits against defined configuration standards. |
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System Center Configuration Manager 2007 provides a comprehensive solution for change and configuration management for the Microsoft platform, enabling organizations to provide relevant software and updates to users quickly and cost-effectively. |
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System Center Operations Manager 2007 is the next version of Microsoft’s event and performance monitoring solution, Microsoft Operations Manager. Operations Manager 2007 improves on the functionality of its predecessor by extending monitoring to IT Services and desktop clients. |
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The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) is designed to help Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), system builders, and IT professionals deploy Windows onto new hardware. |
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Windows Mobile is software for mobile devices to enable sending and receiving e-mail, browsing the Internet, and mobile use of Office productivity software. |
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Windows Server 2003 |
Windows Server 2003 is an infrastructure platform for powering connected applications, networks, and Web services from the workgroup to the data center. |
Enables IT administrators to deploy many of the latest Microsoft product updates published to the Microsoft Update site. |
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Windows Vista is the latest desktop operating system from Microsoft. Feature improvements have been made to deployment and management, desktop search, mobility, and security. |
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Windows Vista Hardware Assessment is an agentless tool that makes it easier for customers and consultants to inventory and assess their PCs' hardware and device driver compatibility network-wide in preparation for Windows Vista migration. |