Transcript Slide 1

Comparing Systems Management Solutions:
SMS and Altiris
Presented by
Larry A. Duncan, MVP/MCSE/MCSA
Exclusively for:
Agenda
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Introductions
Defining Systems Management
Major Vendors – Microsoft / Altiris
Primary Vendor Solutions for Systems
Management
Feature Comparison
Variances in Features
Competitive Strengths and Weaknesses
Summary
Q&A
Introductions
• Larry A. Duncan
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Microsoft Recognized MVP – Systems Management
Annual Presenter Microsoft Management Summit
Member of Various IT-Related Boards
Published Author of Over 80 Technical Articles
Profiled in Nashville Business Journal
9 Years Experience in Systems Management
Defining Systems Management
• Systems Management maintains the health
and availability of operating systems and
infrastructure
• Common aspects of Systems Management
include:
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Software Distribution
Patch Management
Remote Control
Software Metering
Hardware and Software Inventory
Operating System Upgrades and New Installations
Server Management
Major Systems Management Vendors
• Microsoft
• Altiris
• ON Technology (now Symantec)
– ON Command
• Mobile Automation
– Mobile Lifecycle Management Suite
• XcelleNet
– Afaria
• Miramar
– Desktop DNA
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Microsoft Solutions
• Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003
– Comprehensive application deployment, asset management,
and security update management solution
• Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005
– Comprehensive operations management to improve Windows
Server System service availability
• Systems Center 2005
– Integrated data repository and reporting service to support and
provide insight for your business and IT decisions
• Active Directory Group Policy
– Enable IT administrators to automate one-to-many management
of users and computers—simplifying administrative tasks and
reducing IT costs
• Remote Installation Services (RIS)
– Remotely install Windows-based operating systems using a PreBoot Execution environment
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Altiris Solutions
• Asset Management Suite
– Single web-based architecture, repository, and console helping
unite disparate departments and processes.
• Client Management Suite
– Enables administrators to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot
systems from virtually anywhere
• Server Management Suite
– Decreases the cost and complexity of deploying and configuring
servers
• Handheld Management Suite
– Discover, manage, and secure Windows Mobile* based Pocket
PCs, Palm OS*, and BlackBerry* handheld assets
• 24 Individual Components
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SMS & CMS Product Comparison
Product Comparison
SMS
CMS
Software & Hardware Inventory
Yes
Yes
Remote Control
Yes
Yes
Software Distribution
Yes
Yes
Patch Management
Yes
Yes
Software Metering
Yes
No*
Operating System Deployments
Yes*
Yes
Software Packaging Application
Yes
Yes
Web-based Reporting
Yes
Yes
Web Admin Console
No
Yes*
Active Directory Integration
Yes
Yes
Multi-platform Support
Yes*
Yes*
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Feature Variances
• Both are extensible by varied methods
– SMS uses MOF extensions through WMI providers
– Altiris uses AeXCustInv.exe (INVWR088600)
• Zero-Footprint Inventory vs Data Discovery
• Altiris Carbon Copy & Proprietary RC for DS
• SMS Remote Tools, RDP Support and Remote
Assistance Management
• One-off installations via Altiris Software Portal
• SMS manages Windows Installer Source Location for
roaming clients
• Both support importing from MSI file – SMS also
supports Package Definition Files
• SMS Offers Protected Distribution Points
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Altiris Strengths
• Ease-of-use
• Imaging and Personality Migration
• Product Line Supports Full Lifecycle
Management
• Sales Organization 100% Focused on Systems
Management
• Strong Vendor Partnerships (HP, Dell, & Fujitsu)
• Cross-Platform Support (Linux, UNIX,
PocketPC)
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Altiris Challenges
• Confusing Licensing Model
– Component licensing (24 separate or bundled products)
– Each suite has 3 levels
• Limited Active Directory Integration
– Connector imports users, groups, computers and OUs, but
cannot target users for software distribution
• Limited Integration Between Modules
– Web front-end, but not for Deployment Solution
• Still Has Scalability Issues
– No hierarchical architecture. Many Altiris customers still use
SMS for SWD for this reason.
• Software Delivery Targeting is Limited
– Removed ability to target users from 6.0 release
• HP Partnership in Question
– HP purchased another competitor, Novadigm, this year
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Microsoft SMS Strengths
• Simple Pricing
– MSRP, Enterprise Agreement, SQL Technology, FREE
Secondary Sites
• Scalability
– Efficiently manages tens of thousands of distributed clients
– Fault tolerant, geographically tiered architecture
– Minimal management related network overhead
• Security
– Automatic detection and distribution of security updates
– Strong integration with Active Directory, if available
– Very granular security model for access/administration
• COMMUNITY!
– Unlike any other. Very supportive.
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SMS Challenges
• Complexity of Deployment Options
• Dependency of other Microsoft Solutions for
Lifecycle Management (ADMT, RIS, GPMC)
• Steep Learning Curve – Not an Easy Solution to
Master
• Legacy Behavior in Non-Active Directory
Environments or With Down-Level Clients
• Cross-Platform Support Requires 3rd Party
Solutions
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Case Studies
• Altiris and CNA Insurance
– Joint CMS/SMS Solution for 18,000 Clients
– http://www.altiris.com/docs/sales/customerwins/SSCNA.pdf
• Microsoft and Dell
– Global SMS 2003 Deployment for 40,000 Clients and
8,000 Servers
– http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/casestudies/20
04_dell_sms.pdf
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Summary
• Both Products Have Strengths and Weaknesses
• Your Environment is Unique and Would Require
Further Study to Choose the Right Solution or
Combination of Solutions
• Dell Professional Services Has Created Strong
Industry Alliances to be Able to Offer the Best
Solution for Your Organization
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THANK YOU!
• QUESTIONS?
• More Info:
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Altiris: www.altiris.com
Microsoft: www.microsoft.com/smserver
Dell: www.dell.com
Community:
• www.myitforum.com
• www.appdeploy.com
• www.faqshop.com
– Presenter: www.msmvps.org/lduncan
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