SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) is a Microsoft application that allows for central management of IT resources and deployment of software, updates and Operating Systems (OS). For more detailed information about SCCM please see this site: SCCM Information
AP-IT has implemented a stand-alone SCCM server that will serve as the main distribution point for software updates and OS deployments. The use of SCCM does not require any interaction from the user. All implementation of the SCCM software on user computers will be completely automated and transparent to the user.
Scheduling
All software deployments and software updates will occur every Thursday morning between 12am-5am. All new software patches will adhere to this schedule for four weeks then will become mandatory. Once an application has become mandatory it will be installed as soon as possible following the next startup whether on or off campus. In the unlikely event that a deployment needs to be made outside the deployment window, AP-IT will do our best to send out an alert to all affected users.
Scheduling Exceptions
Mandatory security updates are configured to be installed as soon as possible following the maintenance window. If your machine was unreachable during the maintenance window (offsite, power unplugged, network issues) the updates will be installed immediately following the next logon. If your machine was able to cache the updates prior to the maintenance window the updates will be installed whether your machine is on or off campus during logon. If your machine was not able to cache the updates prior to the maintenance window your machine will not install the updates until it is able to download the updates from the server by being connected to a university network (including UFW and VPN). Upon completion of the updates installation you will be presented with a persistent popup box in the task bar (bottom right corner) notifying you that updates have been installed and a reboot is required to complete the installation. Your machine will not automatically reboot you will need to perform a manual reboot at your convenience.
Software Deployed
The following list contains software currently being deployed and patched through SCCM.
- Adobe Acrobat Pro/STD
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Flash Player (ActiveX and Plugin)
- Gatorlink VPN
- Java Run Time
- Live Meeting
- McAfee Antivirus
- Microsoft Office
- Mozilla Firefox
- Office Communicator
- WakeUp Agent
Any other software not mentioned in this list (or on the AP-IT website) will be installed and upgraded on an as needed basis.
SCCM and going Green
In conjunction with SCCM, AP-IT is utilizing a 3rd party product from 1E called WakeUp. This application allows us to remotely and automatically turn on sleeping or shutdown machines on a schedule (defined above). By utilizing SCCM as a central distribution point we are able to reduce our deployment windows to a single 4 hour window after hours when users will be least effected while maintaining green IT best pratices.