Systems Management Server 2003 Frequently Asked Questions

Article
08/03/2011

Service Pack

What is Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS)?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 delivers enterprise-class software distribution and asset management through comprehensive inventory analysis, operating system and software distribution, and software usage tracking, and reporting. By integrating these core disciplines into a single solution, customers are able to reduce the day-to-day operational costs of managing Windows, as well as enable their business to move more quickly.

What fixes are included in SMS 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)?

A. SMS 2003 SP1 is a culmination of a variety of hotfixes and other fixes requested by customers who have evaluated and deployed SMS 2003. The primary focus for SMS 2003 SP1 is to further enhance the security, usability, and performance of SMS 2003 while broadening the supported configurations. For more information about SMS 2003 SP1, see the SMS 2003 SP1 Product Overview page.

Q. Which hotfixes are included in SMS 2003 SP1?

A. Please refer to Knowledge Base Article 885644 for a list of fixes that were rolled up into SMS 2003 SP1.

Q. Which hotfixes are not included in SMS 2003 SP1?

A. Please refer to Knowledge Base Article 884060 for a list of fixes that were not rolled up into SMS 2003 SP1.

Q. Why were certain hotfixes not included in SMS 2003 SP1?

A. Hotfixes from Microsoft are developed on an ongoing basis as a result of customer requests. Certain hotfixes were released after the time in which they could be included with SMS 2003 SP1. These hotfixes can be implemented on top of your SMS 2003 SP1 installation as needed.

Q. What are the benefits of deploying SMS 2003 SP1?

A. SMS 2003 SP1 broadens the supported configurations for SMS 2003 and includes incremental improvements to security, usability, and performance. It also provides key infrastructure for the upcoming Device Management Feature Pack and Operating System Deployment Feature Pack, which will extend SMS management to mobile devices and allow SMS users to deploy new operating system images.

Q. What configuration support changes were made?

A. The primary change on supported platforms was the removal of support for the Legacy Clients for systems running Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.

Q. Why did Microsoft change the supported client operating systems for the Legacy Client?

A. Microsoft is committed to supporting configurations that provide a higher level of security. For systems running Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003, a higher level of security is provided by the Advanced Client. The goal of the Legacy Client is to allow customers to manage Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 SP6a systems. Support for these operating systems continues with SMS 2003 SP1; however, for all later versions of operating systems, the Advanced Client allows customers to benefit from a more secure solution available for SMS clients by default.

Q. Does this mean that the Legacy Client is insecure? Should you not install this?

A. Security is about the binaries themselves, as well as the overall configuration. To the best of Microsoft's knowledge, there are no vulnerabilities in the SMS 2003 Legacy Client code. However, the Advanced Client provides opportunities for security that the Legacy Client does not. This includes Advanced Security mode to eliminate the need for high rights user accounts, the ability to do client-side and server-side authentication, encryption of inventory from client to server, the ability to configure the HTTP ports the client communicates on, and so on. For this reason, the Advanced Client provides even tighter overall security configurations. Microsoft strongly recommends that you install the Advanced Client to benefit from this improved security levels and capabilities whenever possible.

Q. Is SMS 2003 SP1 a prerequisite for the Device Management and OS Deployment feature packs being released later this year?

A. Yes. Some of the infrastructure required to support these feature packs is included in SMS 2003 SP1. Microsoft recommends customers evaluate and implement SMS 2003 SP1 now to be ready to take advantage of these feature packs upon release.

Q. What is needed for upgrading SMS 2003 to SP1?

A. SMS 2003 SP1 can be downloaded from the SMS 2003 SP1 page. Upgrades to SMS 2003 SP1 do not require product keys.

Q. Where can a valid Product Key be obtained for implementing SP1?

A. A valid Product Key was supplied to customers on the CD Jewel Case in which the SMS 2003 media was shipped. For volume licensing customers, SMS 2003 SP1 Product Key is embedded in the volume licensing CD.

Q. Rather than upgrading to SMS 2003 SP1, is there a slipstreamed version available for installing SMS 2003 and SP1 together from scratch?

A. Yes. SMS 2003 SP1 will be available as both an upgrade to existing SMS 2003 installations, as well as a single slipstreamed install. To download the slipstreamed version, see the SMS 2003 SP1 download page.

Q. Is there any technical guidance on how to upgrade my SMS 2.0 or 2003 infrastructure to SMS 2003 SP1?

A. For information on deploying SMS 2003 SP1, download the Scenarios and Procedures for Systems Management Server 2003: Planning and Deployment guide.

Q. How do I provide comments and suggestions on SMS 2003 SP1?

A. Send comments and suggestions to SMSwish@microsoft.com. Microsoft appreciates the feedback.

Pricing and Licensing

Q: How does Systems Management Server 2003 relate to the long term Microsoft management strategy?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 is Microsoft strategic solution for software management of Windows-based desktops, laptops, and servers and is an intrinsic part of the Windows Server System™.

Q: Can I try Systems Management Server 2003 before I buy it?

A. Yes. You can order a free 120-day evaluation version of Systems Management Server 2003 from the Evaluation Software page. Standard shipping and handling fees apply.

Q: How much does Systems Management Server 2003 cost?

A. For pricing information, see the How to Buy page or the Microsoft Product and Technology Catalog.

Q: When do I need a Systems Management Server 2003 server license?

A. If you install Systems Management Server 2003 on a primary site, a Systems Management Server 2003 license is required. Starting with Systems Management Server 2003, you are no longer required to purchase a server license for Systems Management Server secondary site servers. Systems Management Server 2003 secondary site server functionality is now included as a supporting component of the primary site servers. For more information, see the Server and Client Access Licenses section on the How to Buy page.

Q: Do I have to pay Systems Management Server license fees for a secondary site server?

A. No. There is no longer a requirement to obtain a Systems Management Server 2003 server license for secondary site servers. If you install component servers, such as distribution points, client access points (CAPs), and software metering servers, you also do not need a Systems Management Server server license; however, you are strongly encouraged to purchase Systems Management Server 2003 CALs for these and the secondary site servers for the following two reasons:

In the absence of Systems Management Server CAL, a secondary site server can only act in its capacity of a supporting server and can not be managed. By obtaining a CAL for these servers, you can ensure they have up-to-date and correct software and patches implemented to optimize the servers' ability to perform their supporting server roles.
To obtain PSS support (and all other Software Assurance (SA) maintenance and support benefits) for secondary site servers, you must have a valid CAL under SA for these servers.

You may transfer existing licenses deployed on secondary site servers to new primary site servers internally. For more information, contact your sales representative.

Q: When do I need a Systems Management Server 2003 Client Access License (CAL)?

A. You must have a Systems Management Server 2003 CAL for any computer or device, including servers, that installs any of the client components, such as hardware inventory, software inventory, software metering, software distribution, or remote control, as well as for any client that runs packages created with the Systems Management Server Installer software repackaging tool. You do not need a CAL for server-to-server communications. For more information, see the End User License Agreement included with Systems Management Server 2003.

Q: Do all Systems Management Server 2003 supporting server components need to be installed on the same machine?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 has a number of supporting server components that may be installed on the same machine or distributed across a number of machines as appropriate. These components provide the following functions: Secondary Site Server, Network Monitor, Administrator Console, Systems Management Server Provider, Recovery Point, Reporting Point, Server Locator Point, Distribution Point, Management Point, Client Access Point, and Sender Server. For descriptions of these components, see the product documentation for Systems Management Server 2003.

Q. When does SMS 2003 require a Microsoft SQL Server™ CAL?

A. The following table describes when SMS 2003 requires SQL Server CALs.

SMS license type	SQL Server license type	SQL Server CAL for SMS 2003 required
Standalone	Standalone per processor	No
Standalone	Standalone server/CAL	Yes. An SMS 2003 server and every device managed by SMS, including desktops, laptops, servers, secondary site servers, and hand-helds, require a SQL Server CAL license.
SMS 2003 with SQL Server 2000 Technology	SMS 2003 with SQL Server 2000 Technology or MOM 2000 with SQL Server 2000 Technology	No

Evaluation

Q: Will the settings I created when using the evaluation software remain in effect if I install the retail version within the 120-day trial period?

A. No. Unfortunately upgrading your evaluation software to the full version of Systems Management Server 2003 is not supported. However, you will be able to migrate your site settings by using the Site Properties tool in the Administration Feature Pack if you choose to.

Q: Can I upgrade the evaluation software after the 120-day trial period?

A. No. You will have to reinstall Systems Management Server 2003.

Application Deployment

Q: What is application deployment and how does Systems Management Server 2003 help?

A. While new applications often offer valuable business capabilities, large-scale deployment projects have become less feasible given the difficulty and cost associated with such a project—resulting in potentially placing businesses at a competitive disadvantage. By providing a comprehensive solution for planning, testing, deploying, analyzing, and optimizing software applications, Systems Management Server 2003 delivers end-to-end capabilities to help enable the seamless deployment of the latest business productivity application to every device—from servers to handheld computers. For more information, see the Application Deployment page.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 help me deploy Windows?

A. Yes. Today, Systems Management Systems 2003 is an excellent planning tool when deploying Windows. The extended and improved inventory gives you a better idea of the hardware in your enterprise and helps you identify if hardware upgrades will be necessary to support the version of Windows you are deploying. Once you begin deploying Windows, Systems Management Server 2003 allows for robust targeting and distribution options, as well as robust reporting on the success of your deployment.

Furthermore, in the upcoming Operating System Deployment Feature Pack, Systems Management Server 2003 will be able to deliver a Windows upgrade in place or deploy a Windows operating system disk image, with the same processes to do both.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 help me deploy my business productivity applications, such as Microsoft Office?

A. Yes. By using the familiar Windows interface, Systems Management Server 2003 provides the end-to-end ability to ensure that every device, from laptop to handheld, has the latest business productivity applications seamlessly deployed and ready for users when they need it. Some of the capabilities provided by Systems Management Server 2003 include:

Detailed application deployment planning: Detailed reports ease application deployment. For a planned deployment, it is easy to obtain the target group's current hardware base, existing applications and version information, and the current service pack and hotfix levels of the system.
Rich distribution targeting: Software distribution and other management tasks can be finely targeted to machines and users using a wide variety of properties, including network and hardware configuration, Active Directory® organizational unit, or group membership and software installation status.
Delta distribution between site servers and distribution points: Because Systems Management Server 2003 supports the Windows Installer service (.msi), it is able to switch user account contexts during a package installation, allowing for self-healing application installation on "locked-down" systems.
Elevated rights Windows Installer Service: When alterations are made to previously deployed software package sources, only the source changes are propagated between Systems Management Server 2003 site servers and distribution points, rather than the entire application image.
Add/Remove Programs support: Applications can be easily published to the Add/Remove Programs interface to provide users with a consistent way of installing applications.
Installation repackaging: Administrators can combine one or more existing application installations into a single self-extracting package, suitable for automated distribution by Systems Management Server 2003. As Systems Management Server 2003 deploys this package, it automatically detects and uses local computer configuration settings. Built-in intelligence also ensures that only required files are deployed on each machine.

For more information, see the application deployment section at What's New in Systems Management Server 2003.

Q: With Windows offering some software distribution capabilities, do I still need Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Microsoft Windows together with the Windows Server™ Active Directory service makes it possible to use Group Policy to manage desktops. Group Policy gives organizations better control over user and computer settings, making it easier to standardize desktop operating environments. Group Policy can also be used to install software on certain machines. Although Group Policy can scale to meet the needs of organizations of any size, its software distribution features are very limited in their functionality, and intended primarily for smaller organizations. Medium-sized and large organizations will find the advanced software distribution features of Systems Management Server 2003 meet their needs better than Group Policy, providing benefits such as:

Complete hardware and software inventory for effective planning of software rollouts.
Rich targeting based upon this inventory to ensure the right software pieces get to the right users and machines.
A complete status system for tracking success and failure of distributions.
A full scheduling system for determining when and how the software should be installed.
A simple, Web-based reporting tool for extracting information.
Automated, WAN-aware distribution components for ensuring that software can flow easily throughout your enterprise without adversely affecting your network.

Asset Management

Q: What is asset management and how does Systems Management Server 2003 help?

A. As corporations are becoming more focused on reducing costs, the ability to accurately track corporate software throughout the lifecycle and stay compliant with vendors' licensing policies has become a necessity. Systems Management Server 2003 provides an integrated way to not only determine what applications are installed, but to track application usage as well. It can track which users are running applications, for how long, and how many instances concurrently. This functionality is fully integrated with the enterprise scalable inventory of Systems Management Server 2003, and will allow you to save money on potential new application purchases, stay compliant on existing products, and effectively phase out unused applications, resulting in enterprises using what is paid for and paying only for what is used. For more information, see the Asset Management page.

Q: Should I use Systems Management Server 2003 to manage my Windows-based servers?

A. Yes. By using Systems Management Server 2003 to manage your Windows-based servers, you can be sure that your servers have up-to-date and correct software and patches implemented to help maintain security and enhance performance.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 use the same software metering infrastructure from Systems Management Server 2.0?

A. Although software metering in Systems Management Server 2.0 was adequate, Systems Management Server 2003 has completely revamped its software metering capabilities. Systems Management Server 2003 provides an integrated way to not only know what applications are installed, but to track the applications' individual and concurrent usage. This functionality is fully integrated with the enterprise scalable inventory of Systems Management Server 2003, and will allow you to save money on potential new application purchases, stay compliant on existing products, and effectively phase out unused applications to reduce complexity and increase the agility quotient of your business. For more information, see the asset management section on the What's New in Systems Management Server 2003 page.

Security Patch Management

Q: What is security patch management?

A. Failing to implement a comprehensive patch management strategy could have severe consequences for enterprises - critical business production systems may fail, or security-sensitive systems could be maliciously exploited - all leading to a potential loss in productivity, time, access to business applications, and subsequent revenue. Systems Management Server 2003 delivers an enterprise proven solution for managing patch deployment, providing a set of tools and processes that enables quick and easy determination of Windows-based systems in need of critical updates, and the ability to test and reliably deploy these updates throughout their environment, allowing enterprises to proactively maintain the integrity of their Windows environment. For more information, see the Security Patch Management page.

Q: Systems Management Server 2.0 had a Software Update Services Feature Pack. Will there be one for Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 includes the capabilities of the Software Update Services Feature Pack. These capabilities include:

Integrated patch management. Microsoft Security Update Inventory Tool and Office Inventory Tool for Updates are fully integrated into Systems Management Server 2003 to provide patch installation and compliance information.
Download Center hosted for easily adding content and changing technology.
Status and compliance reporting. Deployment status displayed as patches are attempted.
Standard and customized reports through read-only SQL queries.
Actual baseline determination in the environment before changing the environment.
SLA measurement and rate-of-spread for "what's my ETA for this patch?".

For more information about changes to Software Update Services in SMS 2003, see Improvements to Software Update Management in SMS 2003.

Q: With both Software Update Services offering some patch management capabilities, do I still need Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Both Systems Management Server 2003 and Software Update Services can:

Automatically download fixes.
Target specific machines.
Work in geographically distributed environments.

However, Software Update Services focuses only on security updates and only supports clients running Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional. Conversely, Systems Management Server 2003 offers the following patch management capabilities:

More granular targeting based on definable criteria (inventory, groups, subnets)
Scheduled site-site distribution to accommodate WAN utilization
Detailed Web reporting
Security and office updates
Support for client computers running:
- Windows 98
- Windows NT® Workstation 4.0, Windows NT Server 4.0, or Windows NT Server 4.0 Enterprise Edition with Service Pack 6 or later
- Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, or Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
- Windows XP Professional
- Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1 or later
- Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition, or Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition

Q: Can I use both Systems Management Server 2003 and Software Update Services in my enterprise?

A. Yes. Although in the long-term, Systems Management Server 2003 is Microsoft's enterprise-level management solution, we understand that your business will have outlying groups that can only be secured through Software Update Services. However, because Systems Management Server 2003 offers advanced scheduling, granular targeting, mobile support, Web reporting and complete patch management, we highly recommend the complete rollout of Systems Management Server 2003.

Q: Systems Management Server 2.0 had an Administration Feature Pack. Will there be one for Systems Management Server 2003?

A. There will be a release of the Administration Feature Pack for SMS 2003 that includes the site property replication tool and other tools from the System Management Server 2.0 Administration Feature Pack shortly after Systems Management Server 2003 releases. Some of the Administration Feature Pack pieces, such as add/remove programs inventory gathering and new reports, are included in Systems Management Server 2003 at release.

Mobility

Q: What is mobility and how does Systems Management Server 2003 help?

A. As corporate workforces evolve from cubicle dwellers to road warriors, this increased degree of mobility introduces additional challenges for managing computers and devices. By using the rich manageability infrastructure in the Windows operating system, industry standard Internet technologies, such as HTTP, and the technology and best practices from Windows Update—used today to implement hundreds of millions of software updates per month—Systems Management Server 2003 has extended its enterprise scalable asset management and software distribution solution to the mobile client. Software can be distributed to machines over slow link connections without interrupting the core business functions and as users move from location to location, Systems Management Server 2003 determines their physical location and enables the download of critical software from the closest source. For more information, see the Mobility page.!

Q: Which clients are supported by Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 includes native clients for:

Microsoft Windows 98
Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows NT Server 4.0, or Windows NT Server 4.0 Enterprise Edition with Service Pack 6 or later
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, or Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
Windows XP Professional
Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1 or later
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition, or Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition

Q: How do the Advanced Client and the Legacy Client compare to each other?

A. Both clients include the following features:

Software inventory
Hardware inventory
Software distribution
Remote control sessions

In addition, the Advanced Client offers these additional features:

Bandwidth-awareness: The new Advanced Client uses the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) technology to automatically detect the capacity of the client network connection and adjust transfer rates efficiently. The download rate is dynamically tuned to drop Systems Management Server 2003 traffic into the background as other services start using the shared link. This is supported on Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP-based clients only. Software can now be distributed to machines over slow connections without interrupting core user business functions.
Checkpoint/restart: Upon reconnection, any partial downloads to clients will continue where they left off; there is no need to restart transmissions because of a disconnected session. Checkpoint/restart works at a byte level, requiring only the download of those bytes in a package that haven't already been transferred.
Download and execute: After a new software package has been successfully downloaded to a client, it remains in cache on the client system until the prescheduled install time, at which time it is executed. Administrators also may elect to have clients execute packages directly from a Systems Management Server 2003 distribution point.
Location awareness: As mobile users move through geographic locations, flexible site boundaries ensure that they always receive software packages and updates from the nearest appropriate installation source, and are not required to install software across the enterprise WAN.
Windows XP Remote Assistance support: The high-performance Windows XP Remote Assistance feature is now an option for remotely troubleshooting clients directly from the Systems Management Server Administrator Console when a user is present at the remote machine by integrating with the manageability features already in Windows XP.
Group Policy client installation: Both client platforms can be installed manually, through administrator controlled and configured logon scripts, pre-staging in the operating system, and through Systems Management Server 2003 discovery and push installation. However the Advanced Client, being Windows Installer-based, can also be deployed using group policies and IntelliMirror® technology.

The operating systems supported by the Legacy Client and the Advanced Client vary as follows:

The Legacy Client supports: Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Server 2003.
The Advanced Client supports: Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro, and Windows Server 2003.

Q: Can I use the Legacy Client for clients on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, or Windows XP?

A. Yes. Although the Legacy Client can be installed and used on clients running Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP, we highly recommend Legacy Client for migratory purposes only. By not using the Advanced Client you will not have the ability to take advantage of the bandwidth awareness, mobile software delivery support, and advanced security features of the Advanced Client. For more information on the differences between the clients, please see the previous question.

Q: Since Systems Management Server 2003 uses HTTP protocols to communicate with clients, can I use any Web server?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 is an intrinsic part of the Windows Server System and uses many of the infrastructure capabilities of Internet Information Services (IIS). Therefore, to utilize Systems Management Server 2003, customers are required to use IIS as the Web server.

Q: Will Systems Management Server 2003 support Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and other devices?

A. Yes. Support for Pocket PCs, Windows CE-based devices, Windows XP Embedded and Windows-based terminals will be delivered through the Device Management Feature Pack that will ship shortly after release of Systems Management Server 2003.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 manage non-Windows based devices?

A. Systems Management Server 2003 does not manage non-Windows based devices. However, Systems Management Server 2003 has a great partner channel of providers that do manage non-Windows based devices.

Windows Management Services Integration

Q: What is Windows Management Services Integration and how does Systems Management Server 2003 help?

A. Taking advantage of the built-in management capabilities within Windows systems, management solutions can reduce operational costs by not duplicating infrastructure and functionalities already available. By integrating with the Windows platform, and then investing in the backend technologies, such as Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), Active Directory, and Windows Installer Services, Systems Management Server 2003 provides an increased level of manageability for Windows-based clients. For more information, see the Windows Management Services Integration page.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 only manage Microsoft applications?

A. No. Systems Management Server 2003 provides comprehensive asset management and application deployment for all Windows-based applications. For more information, see the Systems Management Server 2003 Features page.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 require Windows Server Active Directory to run?

A. No. However, Windows Server Active Directory greatly enhances Systems Management Server 2003.

For more information, see the Windows Management Services Integration section on the What's New in Systems Management Server 2003 page.

Q: I have Active Directory deployed. Can I use Active Directory in Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Yes. In the mission to help you work better with your current IT investments, Systems Management Server 2003 takes advantage of the components of Active Directory wherever possible. For example, Systems Management Server 2003:

Aligns with Active Directory site design to simplify enterprise design and reduce operational costs.
Integrates with Active Directory security model to allow Systems Management Server 2003 to run without separate accounts, reducing exposure to security attacks while minimizing the time and effort required for managing security.
Uses Active Directory as a locator service so it can use Active Directory to help locate critical resources to get available software from the closest location. For more information, see the Windows Management Services Integration section on the What's New in Systems Management Server 2003 page.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 support Windows Terminal Server?

A. Yes, Systems Management Server 2003 does support Windows Terminal Server for inventory tracking, application deployment, and software metering.

For more information about Windows Terminal Server, see the Systems Management Server 2003 Release Notes on the Product Documentation page.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 support Remote Assistance in Windows?

A. Yes. By default, Systems Management Server 2003 utilizes the built-in Remote Assistance functionality in Windows to allow IT administrators an easy way to help users manage their desktops, while maintaining the highest security configuration possible.

System Requirements

Q: What are the system requirements for Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Requirements vary depending on your system configuration and the features you install. For more information, see Systems Requirements.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 require Windows 2000 Server to run?

A. Yes, each systems role within Systems Management Server 2003 requires Windows 2000 Server or later. Although Systems Management Server 2003 can provide change and configuration management of Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98, and Windows XP environments, the server portion of Systems Management Server 2003 does require Windows 2000 Server or later. For more information, see Systems Requirements.

Upgrading

Q: How can I upgrade from Systems Management Server 1.2 to 2003?

A. You have two choices. You can first upgrade to version 2.0, or you can remove your 1.2 version of Systems Management Server and install version 2003 without upgrading. To upgrade to version 2003, you must have version 2.0.

Q: Do I need to upgrade to Systems Management Server 2003 to manage Window XP and Windows Server 2003?

A. No. Systems Management Server 2003 will provide advanced features for these clients, such as remote client support and Windows Server Active Directory integration; however, Systems Management Server 2.0 will continue to support both Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Q: Does Systems Management Server 2003 work with Systems Management Server 2.0?

A. Yes. Systems Management Server 2003 supports Systems Management Server 2.0 primary or secondary child sites and can distribute software to Systems Management Server 2.0 clients plus collect inventory from Systems Management Server 2.0 clients.

Q: How can I get more information about upgrading from SMS 2.0 to SMS 2003?

A. The Upgrading from SMS 2.0 to SMS 2003 page provides a collection of links to upgrading-related webcasts, FAQs, and technical instructions.

Localization

Q: Will Microsoft localize Systems Management Server 2003?

A. Yes, as with Systems Management Server 2.0, Systems Management Server 2003 will be fully localized.

AdminStudio SMS Edition

Q: Who is Macrovision?

A. Macrovision is an ISV who acquired InstallShield on July 1, 2004. The acquisition expands Macrovision's product portfolio in the Software Value Management category and enables Macrovision to reach InstallShield's large software developer and system administrator customer bases. Macrovision expects that InstallShield's established market leadership and strong brand equity will help to accelerate incremental sales of Macrovision's FLEXnet electronic license management products. The solutions of both companies help software publishers and enterprise IT departments maximize the value of their software throughout the lifecycle from packaging and pricing through deployment, administration, and updating.

Q: Who is InstallShield?

A. InstallShield, widely recognized as the standard in software installation, is used by more than 500 million computers around the world. Their flagship product is AdminStudio 6.0, which helps businesses with packaging applications for distribution.

Q: What is the arrangement Microsoft made with Macrovision?

A. Macrovision is providing a custom edition of AdminStudio 6.0 that provides basic functionality for packaging, tuning (creating transforms), and preparing the resulting MSI (plus MSTs, if included) package for distribution using SMS. A basic Web console for SMS is also included. This product will be a subset of the full suite of tools in AdminStudio Professional Edition and can be easily upgraded to the full edition.

Q: What is AdminStudio?

A. AdminStudio provides systems administrators with the fastest solution for preparing reliable applications and patches for enterprise deployment, offering a complete suite of automated packaging, customization, conflict resolution, and quality assurance tools. AdminStudio provides enterprises with a structured, repeatable application preparation process that provides consistent, trouble-free software deployment. Whether your organization is migrating its legacy software to the Windows Installer format or looking to standardize desktop configurations and enforce corporate standards enterprise-wide, AdminStudio is the solution you need. With AdminStudio, you get a network of reliable and manageable applications that increase employee productivity and decrease management costs.

Q: Do you need SMS 2003 SP1 to use the package?

A. It is not required to have SMS 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) to use AdminStudio SMS Edition, but it is always recommended to upgrade to the latest service pack to take advantage of the enhancements found in the service pack.

Q: How can my customer obtain the product when it ships?

A. AdminStudio SMS Edition is available on the AdminStudio SMS Edition download page.

Q: Will this tool be supported directly by Microsoft?

A. No, Microsoft does not provide support for this tool. Customers should contact https://support.installshield.com/.

Q: What is happening with the SMS Installer that was previously available with SMS?

A. Microsoft will continue to support the SMS Installer for customers who have been using it as a repackaging tool but have no current plans to update the functionality beyond what the SMS Installer currently provides. For advanced repackaging tools, customers should look to the AdminStudio 6.0 SMS Edition, or the full AdminStudio 6.0 Professional Edition.

Q: What will be included in the AdminStudio SMS Edition?

A. The AdminStudio SMS Edition download page describes the tool in detail.

Q: Is there an upgrade path available if my customer chooses to use the full version of AdminStudio?

A. Direct upgrades are possible from the AdminStudio SMS Edition to the full version of AdminStudio Professional Edition. By purchasing a key from Macrovision, customers will be able to immediately upgrade to the full functionality.

Q: Is the full version of AdminStudio integrated with SMS?

A. AdminStudio has a history of integration and package preparation for SMS 1.x, 2.x, and 2003. With the release of version 6.0 on September 8, 2004, AdminStudio Professional Edition will offer the tightest integration to date between an application packaging and preparation tool suite and SMS 2003. Specifically, AdminStudio Professional Edition builds upon the capabilities available in the SMS Edition and offers a more full featured Web console.

Q: Does the customer have to register to use AdminStudio SMS Edition?

A. Yes, they must register with Macrovision when using AdminStudio SMS Edition the first time. This enables Macrovision to provide support to them if necessary and it also provides a method to prove ownership should the customer choose to upgrade to the full version.

Q: Where can I get more information on Macrovision and AdminStudio?

A. Complete information, including a full product comparison, feature descriptions, screenshots, and documentation can be found on Macrovision's InstallShield Web site.

Q: Will updates to AdminStudio be made available for the SMS Edition as well?

A. Yes, AdminStudio SMS Edition will continue to be enhanced, although it is expected to remain a subset of the full AdminStudio Professional Edition. New features are likely to be reserved for AdminStudio Professional Edition.

Q: Can we expect similar offerings from other partners?

A. Microsoft is always interested in people integrating with our solutions. However, with the close relationship that SMS and InstallShield (now Macrovision) have had over the years, as well as Macrovision's presence in the SMS Alliance, it is a logical choice for Microsoft to lead with this integration.

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