Two free feature packs will be available in mid-2004: one that allows SMS 2003 to manage Pocket PC 2003 devices, and one that can push out full system images.

Device Management Feature Pack

The Device Management Feature Pack will contain an SMS 2003 agent that can run on Pocket PC 2003 devices (earlier Pocket PC OSs and Smartphones will not be supported).

This agent (which requires a separate SMS Client Access License) will allow SMS to inventory the hardware and software installed on these devices and also enable SMS to install software on them. The agent will be able to communicate with SMS servers using either a docking cradle or over-the-air wireless connectivity. Microsoft has stated that it will support connecting over 802.11 wireless LANs and wireless WANs (in the case of Pocket PC Phone Edition devices).

OS Deployment Feature Pack

When a previously healthy PC workstation begins having a software problem, many organizations simply re-image the computer back to a known good configuration rather than troubleshoot it. These organizations either store or replicate all user data to a server, so no user data is lost in the process of re-imaging. However, this normally requires a technician to have physical access to the device.

Two free feature packs supplement SMS’ capabilities: one that allows SMS 2003 to manage Pocket PC 2003 devices, and one that can push out full system images.

Device Management Feature Pack

The Device Management Feature Pack will contain an SMS 2003 agent that can run on Pocket PC 2003 devices and Smartphone 2003 devices (earlier Pocket PC OSs and Smartphones will not be supported).

This agent (which requires a separate SMS Client Access License) allows SMS to inventory the hardware and software installed on these devices and also enables SMS to install software on them. The agent can communicate with SMS servers using either a docking cradle or over-the-air wireless connectivity. Microsoft has stated that it will support connecting over 802.11 wireless LANs and wireless WANs (in the case of Smartphones and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices).

OS Deployment Feature Pack

When a previously healthy PC workstation begins having a software problem, many organizations simply re-image the computer back to a known good configuration rather than troubleshoot it. These organizations either store or replicate all user data to a server, so no user data is lost in the process of re-imaging. However, this normally requires a technician to have physical access to the device.