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Microsoft Systems Management Server Implementation at SLAC

Microsoft Systems Management Server Implementation at SLAC. Freddie Chow fchow@slac.stanford.edu Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Contents. Overview SLAC NT Environment Current Status Work-In-Progress Some Recommendations

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Microsoft Systems Management Server Implementation at SLAC

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  1. Microsoft Systems Management Server Implementation at SLAC Freddie Chow fchow@slac.stanford.edu Stanford Linear Accelerator Center

  2. Contents • Overview • SLAC NT Environment • Current Status • Work-In-Progress • Some Recommendations • Summary 1

  3. Overview • Systems management tool set by Microsoft • Require MS SQL Server 6.x or 7.0 • Current SMS Version 2.0 with SP1 • SLAC uses v1.2 and working on upgrading to v2.0

  4. Components of SMS • Software/Hardware Inventory • Remote Tools • Software Distribution • SMS Installer • Shared Network Application • Network Monitor 2

  5. SLAC NT Environment • Single master domain model • 13 Windows NT domains • ~1400 NT machines • Windows NT is supported 3

  6. A Bit of History • ~ 2 1/2 years back searched for a central management software • Looked at NICE/NT, SMS, LANDesk Mgmt, etc. • SMS matched SLAC environment • Collaborated with BSD, project started • SLAC Computing Service and other departments wide collaboration project

  7. SMS Architecture at SLAC • 2 SMS primary sites • 9 NT domains managed by SMS • ~1000 Windows NT machines (~71%) • Business Service Division - One site • To support secured network • 8 other domains - One site 4

  8. Architecture - continued • SLAC-wide Site • Primary site server • Dual PP200, 256MB • 3 Distribution servers • 2 Dual PP200, 256MB, RAID 5, 1 PP200, 128MB • BSD Site • Primary site server, also distribution server • PII 400, 256MB

  9. Security Models • Integrated, Standard, Mixed modes • Standard mode at SLAC on v1.2 • Requires MS SQL server login + NT login • More granular security on v2.0

  10. What have been done? • Standardize on hardware and software configuration (on going) • Software distribution • Use of remote tools • Inventory reports • Shared Network Application (tested) 5

  11. Hardware Standardization • Name brand vendor for hardware • Clone not recommended • Workstations, laptops - Dell • Servers - Compaq, Dell

  12. Desktop Standardization • Scripted install of workstations • Maintain known configuration • Format disk and reinstall as time permits

  13. Software Distribution • Use Package Command Manager service • Unattended install • NT 3.51 to 4.0 upgrade, NT4 SP3, SP4, SP5, Post-SP Hotfixes, IE 4.x, Netscape Communicator 4.x, Meeting Maker, Virus Definition Files, SolidEdge CAD Software, InocuLAN, Software Patches, Uninstall VirusScan, TeraTerm, AFS Client 3.5 (beta), etc.

  14. Use of Remote Tools • User support • Remote trouble-shooting, user education • Servers support • Essential tool for work-from-home admins • Network Monitor - restricted usage

  15. Inventory Reports • Some samples: • Check for NT Service Pack in a domain, in all domains • List IP address of machines in a domain (for network change) • List CPU MHz, RAM, user, office number, etc. • Customized reports - use Crystal Reports

  16. Shared Network Application • Tested, but not in production

  17. Miscellaneous Issues • Locked/powered off machines resulted in failed software distribution • Home connections very slow for software distribution support • Domain administrators need to keep accurate machine lists

  18. Benefits • Shorter response time • Shorter downtime, higher productivity • Reduce TCO • No more house calls for software install/upgrade • Quick response to security vulnerability • Apply NT hotfixes to a domain in one night • Eliminate human errors

  19. In Progress • Upgrade to SMS Version 2.0 - testing • Develop internal training material • Evaluate complementary tools • Evaluate Windows2000 deployment 4

  20. Anticipated Usage with SMS 2.0 • All of the above • Enforcing software licensing requires all NTs on SMS • Turn on software metering • Fine-tune security • Security fixes, Service Packs on Windows2000, etc.

  21. Some Recommendations • Architecture is based on environment • SMS 2.0 with SP1, SQL Server 7.0 • Servers requirement sizing • CPU MHz, RAM, disk space, RAID • How many servers ? • Where to put which server ? • Test, test, test before deployment

  22. Summary • Essential tool set for managing Windows environment • Reduce TCO • Complexity - high • SLAC NT administrators like it 6

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