Microsoft has announced the availability of its System Center Configuration Manager and Endpoint Protection software, now optimized for Windows 10. The latest version identifies itself as version 1511—sharing its version number with the latest major update for Windows 10—and introduces several new features and improvements.
Some of the improvements in Configuration Manager version 1511 include more efficient methods to deploy Windows 10 and to upgrade computers running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, the ability to deploy Universal apps, new mobile device management features, and improvements to usage data collection features that are similar to those that are part of Windows 10. Microsoft previously stated that telemetry had played a significant part in the development of previous Configuration Manager technical previews that would eventually result in version 1511.
However, the most significant change is the product's transition to a Software as a Service model. In October Microsoft had indicated that it would eventually deliver the Configuration Manager as a service—in a manner similar to Windows 10 itself—and these plans have come to fruition with the release of the latest version.
While it introduces a number of new features, Configuration Manner version 1511 also removes support for previous features including native support for Intel Active Management Technology, Network Access Protection, Out of Band Management, and the following operating systems:
- Windows XP
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows Server 2003 R2
- Windows Vista
- Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) - 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
- Windows Mobile 6.0 - 6.5
- Nokia Symbian Belle
- Windows CE 5.0 - 6.0
The latest version is now available for download at the Microsoft Evaluation Center, MSDN, and the Volume Licensing Service Center.
Source: Microsoft | Image: Microsoft
20 Comments - Add comment