Automation Opportunities with SCCM for Managing Windows Servers

Question

My customer is using SCCM version 2403 to manage Windows servers as destination clients, primarily for patching purposes. They are interested in implementing automation tasks using various SCCM features for better management of these servers.

What features of SCCM can be automated to effectively manage Windows servers?

Answer 1

I'm going to give the classic non-answer. "It depends".

What do they WANT to automate? Possibilities include but are not limited to:

• Add a feature, with your configurations (i.e., add an IIS role), probably with an application or could even be done with a Task Sequence deployment, depends what and how they want to do that.
• "Make sure that if the <wonderful app> is installed, that <these settings> are set. (Configuration baseline)
• Install <This Application> of <this latest version> if it is missing or is an older version; and confirm it is there every xx days.
• I've even done some fun things where if SQL is installed, and presuming rights are granted the "right way" for SQL, checking SQL configuration, and changing it if it doesn't fit "the required settings based on what someone said once". (Configuration Baseline)

Answer 2

Hi,

primarily for patching purposes.

ADRs can be configured to automatically deploy software updates based on specific criteria, such as update classifications, product categories, and deployment schedules

ADR is a valuable tool for automating the management of software updates, ensuring that your Windows servers are always up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates. If you need more detailed information or assistance with setting up ADR, feel free to ask!