System Center Configuration Manager Joins the Servicing Push

Last week, Microsoft delivered Technical Preview 3 for System Center Configuration Manager. Included in the update were new features for combined end user portals and client piloting. But, even more than the updates, the latest preview release is the first to bring ConfigMgr into the realm of Microsoft’s push into the servicing model for product updates.

A product that is strictly considered on-premises comes with drawbacks into today’s fast-paced, Cloud-infused, constant updating world. With ConfigMgr 2016, Microsoft wants to better align the product to match Microsoft Intune’s updating capabilities. The company is seeking to do this through the new Updates and Servicing component in the ConfigMgr console.

Using this component, ConfigMgr administrators will be able to keep the management environment current with new features, product updates, and bug fixes. And, while this is a valuable solution to make updates to the massive and complex product less painful, it does further tie a product considered an on-premises management solution to the Microsoft Cloud.

ConfigMgr already has a thin thread of the Cloud provided through the connector to Microsoft Intune, but this new function builds a lifeline to the Cloud for updates.