Change control: content preview

The next revision of the Operations Guide for Ops Manager will include an expanded section on management packs. We've added some procedures (both GUI and script) and some conceptual information. Here's a preview from the management pack lifecycle topic:

Best Practices for Change Control

The following are some best practices to follow when managing Operations Manager management packs:

• Maintain an archive of management pack versions to enable you to roll back changes when necessary. An efficient method for maintaining the archive is by using version control software, such as Microsoft SourceSafe or Windows SharePoint Services. Another method is to use a file share on the network with individual folders for each management pack version.
• When you set overrides for a management pack, save them to a management pack that is named ManagementPack_Override, where ManagementPack is the name of the sealed management pack to which the overrides apply. For example, overrides to the management pack Microsoft.InformationWorker.Office.XP.mp would be saved to Microsoft.InformationWorker.Office.XP_Overrides.xml.
• When a management pack is updated, update the corresponding _Overrides.xml file with the new version number. You must use an XML editor to update the version number of the _Overrides.xml file. If you make changes to an _Overrides.xml file but do not change the version attribute, you can import the file but the settings in the file will not be applied.
• Document the overrides that you make to management packs. When you set an override, add an explanation of the action you are taking and the reason for it to the description field by clicking Edit in the Details pane of the Override Properties dialog box. You may also want to maintain a spreadsheet or other form to document changes that you make to management packs.