SCCM 2012 - Before I get started...

[pantscat]

Calling SCCM gurus...

 

 

I'm keen to test out SCCM 2012 (mainly to see if I can use it to replace FOG as a zero-touch deployment tool), but I'm aware that it's not best practice to keep WSUS separate.

 

I'm already using WSUS... so am I ok to install SCCM in my live environment or will it cause issues?

 

Am I better off setting up a lab environment?

 

Cheers,

 

Ant

[sonofsanta]

I suspect that, if nothing is told about it on your live network, it won't matter; the issue is that once the SCCM client is installed on a machine it points the machine back to the SCCM server for updates. If you're not pushing out the client yet, I think it will be ok.

 

Lab environment may still be safer, mind.

[Norphy]

It might not be "best practice" but SCCM will not take over update duties until you install a software update point and a SUP is not compulsory. You're free to use WSUS to manage updates and SCCM for everything else if you so desire.

[pantscat]

Thanks Chaps.

 

I'll proceed...

[free780]

You can deploy the client in a gpo giving you more control. Be careful with required deployments.

[TheScarfedOne]

As others have said, you don't have to install the software update component straight away. In fact, under 2007 I didn't as it was horrid compared to wsus. Only recently have I started using it for the system now I've moved up to 2010 last summer. Even when you do install it, I'm expecting you have gpos for windows updates which over ride the sccm client anyway. One other thing...I put in 2007 to replace fog originally. Now use 2012, and soon it will be doing scheduled rebuilds over weekends when needed during the holidays. Saves us time! Need any help, shout

[pantscat]

Thanks @TheScarfedOne - I'll fire up a new VM shortly and go slowly. I'll omit the update components until I need them, and yep GPOs are in place for WSUS.

 

I suspect I may need to take you up on your kind offer as I get further along with SCCM!

 

Thanks,

 

A

[TheScarfedOne]

Thanks @TheScarfedOne - I'll fire up a new VM shortly and go slowly. I'll omit the update components until I need them, and yep GPOs are in place for WSUS.

 

I suspect I may need to take you up on your kind offer as I get further along with SCCM!

 

Thanks,

 

A

 

No worries, gimme a shout if you need

[pantscat]

I notice that it's recommended to extend the AD schema before I install SCCM... but as I'm only evaluating it, will I miss out on much if I don't do it?

[Norphy]

Extending the schema improves the ability of the clients to detect the ConfigMgr site code. That's pretty much it. You can put other detection methods in (DNS, WINS) but extending the schema is the best way of doing it.

[pantscat]

Ok - that's no great shakes. I'll probably start from scratch again anyway once I've evaluated it.