ServersNew Software Distribution Features in Topaz (Part 1)

New Software Distribution Features in Topaz (Part 1)

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by Dana Daugherty

While this new version of SMS 2.0 is still
in beta, at this time the new Topaz software distribution
features include:

Currently, there are 8 new software distribution features
included with Topaz, the new beta release of SMS 2.0. This the
first of a two-part article from Dana Daugherty that focuses on
these new features.

X     
Active Directory integration. Topaz can
access the Active Directory to gather information for
distributing software to client machines. For example: A
target collection can be based on the HR organizational unit
(OU) and 128 MB. 

X     
XP operating system targeting. This OS is
now available in the program properties on the
Requirements tab. There is a hotfix available for SMS
2.0 SP3 that will provide the ability to target Windows XP (Q308271).
 

X     
Suppressing notifications. This option
will cause two software distribution messages not to appear on
clients. The Suppress program notifications option can
be configured on per program basis. The configuration setting
for this option is located on the program properties,
Advanced tab. The messages that will be suppressed
include:

o      
A new advertised program is available.
This message appears on clients when they are targeted for
a new optional advertised program.

o      
Countdown timer. If it is configured, the
countdown timer will not appear.  

X     
Integration with Add/Remove Programs.
Prior to Topaz, Windows 2000 group policy advertisements and
SMS 2.0 optional advertised programs were available to users
at 2 locations. SMS 2.0 used the Advertised Programs wizard
located in control Panel.

Part 2 will cover the remaining four
features. Unfortunately, at this point it appears that there
was no consideration given for fixing the SMS client issue
with running Windows Installer packages from SMS distribution
points unless the MSI is called with a UNC path or mapped
drive. I hope to see that changed. I’ve sent an email to SMSWish@microsoft.com
— I hope you will too.

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