Chapter 16: System Center and the Dynamic Systems Initiative

Overview

A major challenge for the IT administrators who manage their technology infrastructure is figuring out which tool is best for which job. With MOM, SMS, and WSUS and Microsoft Update, it is important for the administrator to understand the features of each tool and to understand how the tools work together. In addition, where there is some overlap in functionality between the tools the administrator needs to understand the benefits of using one tool over another. Over time, Microsoft is focused on delivering a comprehensive set of solutions for operations under the banner of System Center. In this chapter, we cover the following areas related to System Center and Microsoft's Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI):

• System Center today

• The Dynamic Systems Initiative

• The roadmap for System Center products

In addition to the development of the System Center products, the Dynamic Systems Initiative will continue to be advanced to help IT become more efficient in managing the lifecycle of systems. Through the continued development of solutions that leverage the System Development Model and enable better planning for and management of deployed systems, the vision of Dynamic Systems is starting to be fulfilled.

In this chapter, you get an overview of the products that are part of the System Center solutions. You'll get a description of the products, understand how they fit together, and review criteria to help you decide when to use which of the products in System Center. In addition, you'll gain an understanding of the Dynamic Systems Initiative and Microsoft's direction for improving the IT lifecycle.