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. The next major wave of releases for the entire System Center line was planned for late 2011 but has been delayed: the products will now be updated in the first half of 2012, and two new products will be added. Most are now in beta or release candidate stage. (See the sidebar “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. An update to Windows Intune, Microsoft’s online PC management product, was released in Oct. 2011.

The Forefront line of security products protects Windows PCs, servers, and the network edge from viruses, spyware, and other malware. Endpoint Protection 2010 and the first service pack for the Unified Access Gateway remote access product were released in Dec. 2010, and updates to two edge protection products appeared in Oct. 2011.