Systems Management and Security

In 2009, Microsoft has updated many systems management and security products so that they can manage and run on Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Many of these products have also received updates to support Windows 7, Hyper-V virtualization, and SQL Server 2008. Other updates are expected in 2010, including a new version of the Data Protection Manager backup application and Service Manager (formerly code-named Service Desk), a trouble ticketing and problem resolution product that will integrate the company’s monitoring, system configuration, and reporting products. Microsoft also plans to update the Forefront line of security software and release an integrated suite of security products, Forefront Protection Suite (previously code-named Stirling), in late 2009 and 2010.

Systems Management

The System Center product line supports computer configuration, monitoring, backup, capacity planning, software deployment and installation, and other administrative tasks. Updates for Windows Server 2008 and virtualization arrived in 2008, while 2009 is likely to be a pivotal year as betas for several System Center products have appeared prior to major releases in 2010 or later. System administrators will applaud the addition of PowerShell scripting to all the products, while expanded support for virtualization will bring new focus to Microsoft’s virtualization initiatives.