“We’re Gaining Control”

Moving from a Standardized to Rationalized Infrastructure

Perhaps you've introduced standards and policies to manage desktops and servers but want greater efficiencies. The Standardized infrastructure introduces controls through the use of standards and policies to manage desktops and servers; how machines are introduced to the network; and the use of Active Directory directory services to manage resources, security policies, and access control. By moving to a Rationalized IT infrastructure, you can improve your organization’s infrastructure and take control with automated systems management and automated identity and access management. At this level, your IT staff is in a position to efficiently access tools and information they need, service-level agreements are linked to business objectives, and your organization can benefit from clearly defined and enforced images, heightened security, and reliable best practices.

According to our Infrastructure Optimization Model, your organization can benefit by moving from this so-called “Standardized” type of infrastructure to a Rationalized infrastructure. Start today by following the steps below.

Next Steps

• Implement a directory-based tool to centrally administrate configurations and security on desktops
• Automate identity life-cycle management with Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) 2003
  
  

• Implement compatibility and application certification testing solutions for desktops
• Use business desktop deployment (BDD) tools and methods for desktop deployment projects
• Implement Zero Touch deployments using SMS 2003
• Deploy a virtual test environment to ensure application and software update compatibility
• Monitor infrastructure health and deployments using MOM 2005 and Management Packs
  
  

• Deploy Windows XP SP2 for updated security features as the standard desktop operating system
• Implement MOM 2005 for managing health and security settings on your servers
• Deploy a VPN solution by enabling Virtual Private Network (VPN) technologies in Windows Server 2003
• Use Internet Authentication Service (IAS) for wireless networking security
  
  

• Deploy Data Protection Manager (DPM)
• Implement DPM Management Pack for MOM 2005
• Consider NAS/SAN solutions
• Consider backup and recovery options which rely on the disc medium