By Mark Burnett
I am currently in the process of planning a Systems Center Configuration Manager deployment, so I was excited to find a new TechNet Webcast Deploying and Upgrading to System Center Configuration Manager. It is a level 300 webcast so it provides a great level of depth. If you already have experience with products such as SMS 2003, and are considering an upgrade to System Center Configuration Manger, this webcast is an excellent way to get started.
Although I did have some basic understanding of Systems Center Configuration Manager features, this webcast gives a very detailed description of the differences between SMS 2003 and SCCM and describes the upgrade process with detailed demos.
The first part of the webcast covers many of the new performance and security features and how they differ from SMS 2003.
The webcast goes into detail on the upgrade paths, requirements, and interoperability with SMS 2003, which is all important as you plan your upgrade strategy.
Of course planning an upgrade strategy is crucial for a Systems Center Configuration Manager deployment, and the presenter walks through and explains the different strategies needed for different configurations and server roles.
Like all webcasts, this one is full of live demos and goes through the entire process of installing and upgrading to System Center Configuration Manager.
One thing I found particularly useful is that the presenter went through the actual setup process and talks about the choices you must make as you go through the installation process. This is very useful because he gives you the information you need to make the best choices up front so you don’t discover configuration mistakes and problems down the road.
TIP: When you watch the webcast, be sure to use the Live Meeting Replay Format (which requires IE6) rather than just the wmv because you will want to jump back and refer to the setup process when it comes time to do your own upgrade.
You can view the webcast at Deploying and Upgrading to System Center Configuration Manager.