14 DAY TRIAL // The Technology Adoption Program for the next release of System Center Configuration Manager is currently live. However, at this point in time, Microsoft only gave green light to the nominations phase of the program, and only after reviewing all entries will the company invite TAP members to start test-driving the next iteration of Configuration Manager. As it is usually the case with TAP programs for various Microsoft technologies, Microsoft Connect is housing the testing efforts for the System Center Configuration Manager vNext. Early adopters interested in getting a preview of the forthcoming version of Configuration Manager will need to complete the Nomination Survey ConfigMgr vNext on Connect by the end of January 2010.
Jeff Wettlaufer – sr. technical product manager, System Center, promises that the next release of Configuration Manager will improve “client management experiences through enhanced, integrated software distribution models. The next release of Configuration Manager will provide a framework for the right application format to be delivered to the user based on who they are, the device they are using, and their connection.”
ConfigMgr vNext will also bring to the table evolved device management scenarios, as well as model based configuration management and enhanced patch management services, according to Wettlaufer. TAP is the first stage for the testing of ConfigMgr vNext outside of Redmond. However, not all nominations will be accepted, Microsoft warned. Companies that will not get invited to participate in the TAP program for System Center Configuration Manager vNext will have the chance to test the product ahead of release via a public Beta, Wettlaufer said.
“Infrastructure improvements are also a main focus. Optimizing site hierarchy, replication and content distribution on the backend. For the managed client, improving client health and remediation capabilities will ensure that when a system is managed, it remains healthy and secure. Part of this is also improving the Admin experience. In the past we did this by reducing mouse clicks to get through an activity. This is only part of the process. Adding security models to enable role based administration, as well as improving the Admin console experience will ensure that Admins are more efficient everywhere,” Wettlaufer added.