Software Deployment

Well since the status information is written to the eventlog you have some fun to consolidate the information. You can either have your MSIs write out custom MIFs that SMS can load into the inventory or you can deal with the fun solution. Without spending lots of $$$ you could write a VBScript to export eventlog entries for MSIEXEC and then put them in a central SQL server so that you can track your deployment.

I know, it's easier said than done but that's pretty much the only way you are going to see the status of deployment. AD Deployment is generally a hands off method where you sacrifice control and reporting in order to simplify your depoyment management.

Yep, the only way I monitor progress is by remotely connecting to each PC and checking the event log. That's why I only do 10-20 installs at a time, because I spend an hour or two looking at those machines the next day. That's the only way. It does suck, and I hope MS does something about it.

They have, it is called Microsoft Operations Manager.

And SMS

Isn't MOM a little expensive for the desktop? I remember it being $800 per CPU a few years ago.


Commenting on AD shortcommings: The thing is Microsoft assumes you will install SMS to complete the puzzle. Both products are meant to complement each other but at the same time they are not bundled together. Also they would like you to use MOM as well but I have not been on a site where MOM is being ultilized. Maybe it's the pricing?

MOM is cheaper than SMS, both are expensive, but these are both great solutions, and it makes our jobs easier and more effective. If the company you work for can afford it, then why not use it.

I beleive that MS offers SMS client for free as part of the MOM purchase for Enterprise customers so you dont pay per seat twice.