Systems Management, Security, and Identity Management

In 2009 and 2010, Microsoft 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 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.

For client management, updated versions of the App-V and MED-V virtualization software are included in the 2011 version of the Desktop Optimization Pack. A new online PC management product, Windows Intune, was released in Mar. 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.

Systems Management

The System Center product line supports computer configuration, monitoring, backup, capacity planning, software deployment and installation, and other administrative tasks. The product line changed significantly in 2010 as Microsoft acquired an IT process automation firm; developed its new analysis, backup, and reporting products; and entered the arena of trouble ticketing and problem resolution, as well as virtualization of OSs and applications. (See the illustrations “Major Systems Management Products” and “Service and Data Management Products“.) In a major update, all System Center products will be updated to 2012 versions, and new products will be introduced. All releases are expected in the fourth quarter of 2011.