14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released the first Beta development milestone of the next major iteration of System Center Configuration Manager for testing. Early adopters can now grab the System Center Configuration Manager v.Next Beta 1 from the Microsoft Download Center and start test-driving the solution immediately. However, in order to actually be a part of the Beta, customers will need to join the testing program set up on Microsoft Connect. In this regard, Connect is also the best place to provide feedback to Microsoft and influence the evolution of the Redmond company’s next generation of Client Management.
“System Center Configuration Manager v.Next is uniquely positioned to provide for powerful and flexible user-centric client management, allowing users to be able to seamlessly access their data from virtually anywhere, across multiple device types while providing IT with unified management tools and centralized control,” Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. technical product manager System Center, revealed.
Microsoft built System Center Configuration Manager v.Next focusing on three core aspects. Essentially, the software giant aims to deliver a Configuration Manager release that is user-centric, that is capable of simplifying infrastructure management, and that also streamlines client administration. The best way for customers to get an idea of what the next iteration of Configuration Manager brings to the table is to download and test the Beta. Of course, some testers have already been hard at work hammering away at System Center Configuration Manager vNext through the Technology Adoption Program (TAP) that went live in January 2010.
Wettlaufer enumerated some of the new features of System Center Configuration Manager v.Next Beta 1:
“•Allow the administrator to think users first; •Application management model to capture admin intent; •End user self-service software portal; •Unified management across PCs and devices; •New role based administration and end-user experiences; •Automated content distribution and troubleshooting; •Redesigned core infrastructure and improved scalability; •Automated compliance remediation; •Client health and auto remediation; •Remote control enhancements; •Offline servicing of OS images.”
System Center Configuration Manager v.Next Beta 1 is available for download here.