Item: Microsoft Intune
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Across all of IT, SCCM is used for deployment of software as well as Windows patching. It is used for both server patches as well as workstation patches—both laptop and desktop—on a monthly basis. It handles the patch process much more efficiently than its predecessor here—WSUS.

Pros and Cons

Pros

It's easy to group machines into separate categories, such as servers and workstations, or more in-depth categories, such as location X workstations and location Y servers, to easily target them for patches.
Sending software to a workstation through SCCM is simple!
Patching can be handled with bandwidth restrictions in mind, letting only X% of the wire be used for patching and even allowing the patches to go to a specific downstream server at a location to let all local workstations leech from there instead of the web or WAN.

Cons

It takes time to implement SCCM. Take advantage of an integration company whenever possible.
Its capabilities are broad and can go so deep that it takes a while to understand just a portion of it. Get training whenever possible.
Reporting is useful but could be expanded to more of a Power BI capability.

Return on Investment

It took longer to get running than initially planned.
Issues with the original setup have come back and groups have needed to be reworked.
It has allowed us to be in compliance with the patching requirements set by the audit.

Alternatives Considered

WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) was the previous way patches were handled, but only for servers. SCCM is a single pane of glass for all Windows machines in our environment.

Other Software Used

ECI FMAudit, KACE Endpoint Systems Management Appliance, SolarWinds Log & Event Manager, MS SharePoint, Skype for Business (formerly Lync), Zscaler Web Security

Performance

The initial load can take some time, but once you're in, it is quick to load from section to section. Reports generate fairly quickly.

Ease of Integration

Unless you've implemented it multiple times, you should really look into an integration company to assist with getting it set up properly the first time.

Likelihood to Recommend

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager is great for companies of all sizes, national or international. Its scalability and pinpoint accuracy can be used in all scenarios. However, use downstream servers as distribution points to save on bandwidth and ensure timely updates and easier deployment of individual software packages.

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