Comparing Systems Management Solutions SMS and Altiris Presented

Comparing Systems Management Solutions: SMS and Altiris Presented by Larry A. Duncan, MVP/MCSE/MCSA Exclusively for:

Agenda • • • Page 2 Introductions Defining Systems Management Major Vendors – Microsoft / Altiris Primary Vendor Solutions for Systems Management Feature Comparison Variances in Features Competitive Strengths and Weaknesses Summary Q&A

Introductions • Larry A. Duncan – – – Page 3 Microsoft Recognized MVP – Systems Management Annual Presenter Microsoft Management Summit Member of Various IT-Related Boards Published Author of Over 80 Technical Articles Profiled in Nashville Business Journal 9 Years Experience in Systems Management

Defining Systems Management • Systems Management maintains the health and availability of operating systems and infrastructure • Common aspects of Systems Management include: Page 4 – – – – Software Distribution Patch Management Remote Control Software Metering Hardware and Software Inventory Operating System Upgrades and New Installations Server Management

Major Systems Management Vendors • Microsoft • Altiris • ON Technology (now Symantec) – ON Command • Mobile Automation – Mobile Lifecycle Management Suite • Xcelle. Net – Afaria • Miramar – Desktop DNA Page 5

Microsoft Solutions • Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 – Comprehensive application deployment, asset management, and security update management solution • Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005 – Comprehensive operations management to improve Windows Server System service availability • Systems Center 2005 – Integrated data repository and reporting service to support and provide insight for your business and IT decisions • Active Directory Group Policy – Enable IT administrators to automate one-to-many management of users and computers—simplifying administrative tasks and reducing IT costs • Remote Installation Services (RIS) – Remotely install Windows-based operating systems using a Pre. Boot Execution environment Page 6

Altiris Solutions • Asset Management Suite – Single web-based architecture, repository, and console helping unite disparate departments and processes. • Client Management Suite – Enables administrators to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot systems from virtually anywhere • Server Management Suite – Decreases the cost and complexity of deploying and configuring servers • Handheld Management Suite – Discover, manage, and secure Windows Mobile* based Pocket PCs, Palm OS*, and Black. Berry* handheld assets • 24 Individual Components Page 7

SMS & CMS Product Comparison SMS CMS Software & Hardware Inventory Yes Remote Control Yes Software Distribution Yes Patch Management Yes Software Metering Yes No* Operating System Deployments Yes* Yes Software Packaging Application Yes Web-based Reporting Yes Web Admin Console No Yes* Active Directory Integration Yes Multi-platform Support Yes* Page 8

Feature Variances • Both are extensible by varied methods – SMS uses MOF extensions through WMI providers – Altiris uses Ae. XCust. Inv. exe (INVWR 088600) • Zero-Footprint Inventory vs Data Discovery • Altiris Carbon Copy & Proprietary RC for DS • SMS Remote Tools, RDP Support and Remote Assistance Management • One-off installations via Altiris Software Portal • SMS manages Windows Installer Source Location for roaming clients • Both support importing from MSI file – SMS also supports Package Definition Files • SMS Offers Protected Distribution Points Page 9

Altiris Strengths • Ease-of-use • Imaging and Personality Migration • Product Line Supports Full Lifecycle Management • Sales Organization 100% Focused on Systems Management • Strong Vendor Partnerships (HP, Dell, & Fujitsu) • Cross-Platform Support (Linux, UNIX, Pocket. PC) Page 10

Altiris Challenges • Confusing Licensing Model – Component licensing (24 separate or bundled products) – Each suite has 3 levels • Limited Active Directory Integration – Connector imports users, groups, computers and OUs, but cannot target users for software distribution • Limited Integration Between Modules – Web front-end, but not for Deployment Solution • Still Has Scalability Issues – No hierarchical architecture. Many Altiris customers still use SMS for SWD for this reason. • Software Delivery Targeting is Limited – Removed ability to target users from 6. 0 release • HP Partnership in Question – HP purchased another competitor, Novadigm, this year Page 11

Microsoft SMS Strengths • Simple Pricing – MSRP, Enterprise Agreement, SQL Technology, FREE Secondary Sites • Scalability – Efficiently manages tens of thousands of distributed clients – Fault tolerant, geographically tiered architecture – Minimal management related network overhead • Security – Automatic detection and distribution of security updates – Strong integration with Active Directory, if available – Very granular security model for access/administration • COMMUNITY! – Unlike any other. Very supportive. Page 12

SMS Challenges • Complexity of Deployment Options • Dependency of other Microsoft Solutions for Lifecycle Management (ADMT, RIS, GPMC) • Steep Learning Curve – Not an Easy Solution to Master • Legacy Behavior in Non-Active Directory Environments or With Down-Level Clients • Cross-Platform Support Requires 3 rd Party Solutions Page 13

Case Studies • Altiris and CNA Insurance – Joint CMS/SMS Solution for 18, 000 Clients – http: //www. altiris. com/docs/sales/customerwins/SSCNA. pdf • Microsoft and Dell – Global SMS 2003 Deployment for 40, 000 Clients and 8, 000 Servers – http: //www. dell. com/downloads/global/casestudies/20 04_dell_sms. pdf Page 14

Summary • Both Products Have Strengths and Weaknesses • Your Environment is Unique and Would Require Further Study to Choose the Right Solution or Combination of Solutions • Dell Professional Services Has Created Strong Industry Alliances to be Able to Offer the Best Solution for Your Organization Page 15

THANK YOU! • QUESTIONS? • More Info: – – Altiris: www. altiris. com Microsoft: www. microsoft. com/smserver Dell: www. dell. com Community: • www. myitforum. com • www. appdeploy. com • www. faqshop. com – Presenter: www. msmvps. org/lduncan Page 16

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