Systems Management, Security, and Identity Management

In 2009, 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. Recent 2010 updates include a new version of the Data Protection Manager backup application, and initial release of 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.

A new online PC management product, Windows Intune, appeared in beta form in 2010; release is expected in 2011. For 2010, Microsoft has changed its plans for the Forefront line of security software, eliminating a planned central management product and merging security into configuration management.

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 is changing significantly in 2010 as Microsoft develops its new analysis, backup, and reporting products and enters the arena of trouble ticketing and problem resolution, as well as virtualization of OSs and applications. (See the illustration “Major Systems Management Products“.)