In response to enterprise customers who said they need help installing Windows, Microsoft Corp. has released a guide designed to make it faster, easier and less expensive for IT managers to install the software.
Through the use of the Microsoft Operations Framework and tools such as Microsoft Systems Management Server and Microsoft Operations Manager, the Microsoft Solution for Management (MSM) is designed to help customers address ongoing challenges such as patch management and software updates, new application installation and monitoring and control services.
“Across the board, companies are faced with increasing IT management and overhead costs, software updates, and management of complex infrastructures,” said David Hamilton, director of the Management Business Group at Microsoft, in a statement. “MSM delivers the prescriptive guidance, training, products and consulting services that customers need to optimize their operation of the Windows platform for mission-critical services, based on proven industry best practices.”
Microsoft said MSM provides a blueprint for addressing key management issues by combining people, processes and technology to help solve problems focused around specific scenarios.
Microsoft said the first release MSM includes the following:
– MSM for Critical Patch Deployment enables organizations to use Microsoft Systems Management Server or Software Update Services to deploy patches, fixes and service packs effectively in Windows 2000 and XP operating environments.
– MSM for New Application Installation, which provides for the deployment of new desktop applications using Systems Management Server. It offers an automated, repeatable method and best practices for quickly implementing Office XP or other Microsoft desktop applications.
– MSM for Monitoring and Control of Windows 2000 Services and Applications provides best practices for operational management and monitoring of Windows 2000 Server with the Active Directory service and Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server by using Microsoft Operations Manager 2000. This also includes the application of best practices for monitoring, controlling and implementing Microsoft Operations Manager for the highest levels of availability and performance, Microsoft said.