Comparing Systems Management Solutions: SMS and Altiris

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

2. Agenda • 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

3. Introductions • Larry A. Duncan • 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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 BlackBerry* handheld assets • 24 Individual Components

8. SMS & CMS Product Comparison

9. Feature Variances • Both are extensible by varied methods • SMS uses MOF extensions through WMI providers • Altiris uses AeXCustInv.exe (INVWR088600) • 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

10. 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, PocketPC)

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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 3rd Party Solutions

14. Case Studies • Altiris and CNA Insurance • Joint CMS/SMS Solution for 18,000 Clients • http://www.altiris.com/docs/sales/customerwins/SS-CNA.pdf • Microsoft and Dell • Global SMS 2003 Deployment for 40,000 Clients and 8,000 Servers • http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/casestudies/2004_dell_sms.pdf

15. 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

16. 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