Systems Management, Security, and Identity Management

In 2009 and 2010, Microsoft updated many systems management and security products so they can manage and run on Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Many of these products also received updates to support Windows 7, Hyper-V virtualization, and SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. In late 2011, the entire System Center line of products will be updated and two new products will be added. (See “System Center Product Names“.)

For client management, updated versions of two tools and one new tool are included in the 2011 R2 version of the Desktop Optimization Pack. A new beta of Windows Intune v2, Microsoft’s online PC management product, was released in July 2011; final release is expected in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The Forefront line of security products protects Windows PCs, servers, and the network edge from viruses, spyware, and other malware. Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 and the first service pack for the Unified Access Gateway remote access product were released in Dec. 2010.