What is SCCM? System Center Configuration Manage vs Microsoft System Center Config Manager (MECM)

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now part of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), is a comprehensive management platform for system administrators to manage large groups of computers running Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices. SCCM is widely used in enterprises to deploy software, manage updates, monitor device compliance, and enforce security policies across a distributed network of devices.

Core Concepts of SCCM:
1. Centralized Management:
SCCM provides a centralized management interface for system administrators to control and automate various tasks such as software deployment, patch management, operating system deployment, and device compliance. This is especially useful for organizations with hundreds or thousands of devices spread across multiple locations.

2. Hierarchical Architecture:
SCCM’s architecture is hierarchical, typically consisting of the following components:

Primary Site: The core site for managing all clients and devices in the network. It is the central management point for administering all other sites.
Secondary Sites: These are optional, and used in environments where bandwidth constraints exist, often in remote locations. Secondary sites offload traffic by managing local clients, but still report to the primary site.
Management Points: These are servers that act as intermediaries between the SCCM site server and the client devices. Clients communicate with management points for policy requests and reporting.
Distribution Points: Servers that store content such as software packages, updates, and operating system images. Clients download the required content from these distribution points to reduce the load on the central server.
3. Client-Server Communication:
SCCM uses an agent-based model where a client agent (SCCM client) is installed on every managed device. This client communicates with SCCM servers to receive policies, retrieve content, and report status back to the central server. The client can run scheduled tasks, report on hardware and software inventory, and enforce security policies.

SCCM Key Features:
1. Software Deployment:
SCCM automates the deployment of software packages and applications to clients across the network. This can include commercial software, internally developed applications, or system updates. The deployment can be scheduled or triggered based on predefined policies.

Application Deployment: SCCM allows administrators to deploy applications in a controlled and automated manner. This includes handling application dependencies, ensuring that installations only occur on compatible devices, and providing deployment status reports.
Task Sequences: Administrators can define task sequences that automate complex processes, such as installing multiple applications in a particular order or configuring settings post-installation.
2. Patch Management:
SCCM provides powerful capabilities for automating patch management. It integrates with Microsoft Update to distribute patches for Microsoft products and can also deploy third-party patches.

Automated Patch Deployment: Administrators can set up automatic rules for downloading and deploying patches based on the severity of the updates or compliance requirements.
Compliance Reporting: SCCM offers detailed reports on patch deployment and the compliance status of devices, ensuring that all machines in the network are up to date.
3. Operating System Deployment (OSD):
SCCM streamlines the deployment of operating systems across an organization, whether it's new device provisioning or upgrading existing systems to a new OS version.

Zero Touch Deployment: SCCM supports zero-touch OS deployment, where no user interaction is required to install an operating system on a device.
Windows Imaging: SCCM integrates with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) to create, deploy, and manage operating system images.
4. Inventory and Asset Management:
SCCM can collect and report hardware and software inventory from all managed devices. This information is used to track assets, ensure license compliance, and optimize hardware usage.

Hardware Inventory: SCCM collects detailed information about the hardware components of managed devices, including CPU, memory, disk space, and peripheral devices.
Software Inventory: SCCM tracks installed software, software usage, and helps to ensure that licenses are being utilized effectively.
5. Remote Control:
SCCM provides remote control capabilities for troubleshooting and support. Administrators can remotely connect to client devices to resolve issues, perform diagnostics, or configure settings without needing physical access to the device.