SCCM, otherwise known as System Center Configuration Manager, is a powerful tool for IT administrators. MS SCCM helps IT departments to manage and deploy software across their entire network, it also extends to offer remote desktop and device management. The latest technical preview of SCCM gives organizations the chance to experiment and become familiar with the product. In this article, we will discuss the steps to building and working with an SCCM Technical Preview lab.
What Is SCCM?
At the most basic level, SCCM is a systems management software that helps organizations to control the devices on their network. It is an all in one system that provides users with tooling applications to manage and deploy software, devices, patches, and other updates. It helps provide security across the network and enhances user experience. It is a robust product that provides automation in administering devices on the network.
Why Use An SCCM Technical Preview Lab?
The latest version of SCCM provides users with the ability to test and experiment with all of the features that the platform offers. Using a technical preview allows users to become familiar and up to date with the features, as well as the added options that the latest version has to offer. It also allows IT departments to experiment and become familiar with the features for larger scale deployments.
What Are The Benefits of Using an SCCM Technical Preview Lab?
There are several benefits to using an SCCM Technical Preview lab that make it a great option for organizations. Here are some of the benefits:
• Knowledgeable and Up-to-Date: Through a technical preview lab, IT departments stay ahead of the curve and become knowledgeable in the latest SCCM version. This helps the organization stay up-to-date with the latest advances in IT solutions.
• Cost Effective: Technical preview labs are very cost effective. By investing in a technical preview lab, organizations will save money in costs associated with deploying an SCCM system as they can experiment and become familiar with the platform before deploying it.
• Stress Test: Technical preview labs also allows organizations to stress test their system to ensure it is capable of handling the demands of a large-scale deployment.
• Test New Features: Technical preview labs also provide IT departments the opportunity to experiment and test the new features that the latest version of SCCM has to offer.
What Is Required For A Technical Preview Lab?
In order to set up an SCCM Technical Preview lab, there are several pieces of hardware and software that need to be in place. Here is a list of the pieces required:
• Dedicated Lab Machine: Organizations will need to setup a dedicated lab machine for testing the SCCM technical previews. This should not be the same machine used for production networks.
• SCCM Server: A SCCM server will be needed, this is the core piece of hardware that the functionalities of SCCM Technical Preview will run on.
• Clients: A few client machines will be needed to test the various functionalities and features.
• Network Infrastructure: An adequate network infrastructure with good switches and routers must be in place for the SCCM technical preview lab to work.
How To Setup An SCCM Technical Preview Lab
Setting up an SCCM Technical Preview lab can be a complex process, depending on the size and scope of the project. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up an SCCM Technical Preview lab:
Step 1: Plan
Before setting up an SCCM Technical Preview lab, it is important to plan out the project. Planning includes mapping out the server, clients, and other hardware piece by piece. Additionally, the roles and responsibilities of those on the IT team should be well defined before starting.
Step 2: Install SCCM Server
Once the plan has been mapped out, IT can begin the installation of the SCCM Server. To do this, users will need to create a virtual machine and download the installation files. The installation can then be executed by following the guidelines set by Microsoft.
Step 3: Install Clients
Once the SCCM server has been installed, users can then install the client machines. This process involves installing the client operating system and then installing the SCCM client on the machine.
Step 4: Setup Network Infrastructure
Once the clients have been installed, the network infrastructure must be setup. This involves installing switches, routers, and connecting the lab devices to the main network.
Step 5: Install Software
Once the clients and the server are connected to the main network, users can then begin to install software. This process should include installing a basic set of software such as web browsers, office applications, and other applications.
Step 6: Install Updates
Once the basic software has been installed, users can then move on to installing updates. This process should include updating the clients and server to the latest security patches and updates.
Step 7: Test
Once the clients and server have been setup, users can then begin to test the SCCM technical preview lab. This should include testing the basic functions and features, as well as stress testing the system to ensure it is capable of handling the demands of a larger deployment.
SCCM Technical Previews are an excellent resource for IT departments that want to become knowledgeable in the latest version of SCCM and excel in their deploying and managing devices on the network. After following the steps outlined above, organizations will have a fully functional SCCM Technical Preview lab and have the ability to stress test and experiment with all of the features offered in the platform.
