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SMS 2003 Beta 2 Released

Systems Management Server 2003 hit the beta 2 phase, moving the management server further along the track for its planned September release, Microsoft announced this week.

SMS 2003 is the long-awaited and frequently delayed successor to SMS 2.0, which is four years old this month. SMS enables distribution, asset management and remote troubleshooting of Windows-based desktop and server systems.

The key enhancements in SMS 2003 are mobile support for laptop users; Active Directory integration; more scalable software metering and reporting; and a Trustworthy Computing-related security review of the code.

Noteworthy changes to SMS 2003 since the beta 1 release in October include full integration of the SMS 2.0 Software Update Services and administration feature packs, implementation of the overhauled software usage metering service on the standard and advanced client and the removal of a requirement to use MSMQ.

Organizations interested in participating in the beta 2 program can apply on Microsoft's Web site.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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