The Best of MMS

Best Management Product by a Microsoft Partner
NetIQ AppManager
http://www.netiq.com
With a history of managing Windows environments that dates back to 1996, AppManager extends enterprise management capabilities into heterogeneous environments. Guided by customer feedback provided through customer advisory boards and user groups. NetIQ AppManager addresses task automation and performance monitoring across not only Windows, UNIX, and Linux environments but also VMware ESX Server, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Oracle Grid Computing, and Cisco or Nortel VoIP solutions.

1st Runner-up
Special Operations Software SpecOps Deploy
http://www.specopssoft.com/products/specopsdeploy/
A direct and uncomplicated solution for an often complex task, SpecOps Deploy builds on existing AD infrastructure and Group Policy to allow software deployment without requiring new skill sets and additional infrastructure. This impressive approach to software deployment provides such features as real-time feedback on progress of deployments; support for Windows installer packages, legacy installs (e.g., setup.exe), and Microsoft patches; scheduling; and the ability to publish applications to either a user or a computer.

2nd Runner-up
Emulex VMPilot
http://www.emulex.com/products/hba/vmpilot/ds.jsp
Streamlining the deployment of data center virtualization, VMPilot optimizes SAN-attached storage for Microsoft Virtual Server by using virtual HBA ports that work like physical HBAs to create virtual machines (VMs) with SAN connectivity. VMPilot migrates VMs to and between physical servers while maintaining SAN attachment. The virtualized HBAs can be zoned in the fabric to isolate each VM and its storage and can be migrated without reconfiguring storage or copying files.

Most Innovative Product
KACE Networks KBOX 1000 Series Systems Management Appliance
http://software.dell.com/products/kace-k1000-systems-management-appliance/​
Offering a comprehensive and affordable solution to the complexities of systems management, KACE's KBOX 1000 Series appliances provide end-to-end IT automation through an integrated bundle of operating environment and application software within a server appliance. The KBOX 1000 Series delivers hardware and software inventory, software distribution, patch management, remote control, and custom reporting capability in a secure, pretuned, and self-healing solution.

Special Achievement Award
Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/opsmgr/default.mspx
System Center Operations Manager 2007 represents a fundamental shift in Microsoft's management products to a model-based approach. Key features include end-to-end service management, client monitoring, collective health monitoring, Audit Collection Services, and secure role-based administration. Ops Manager is differentiated by breadth of capability combined with Microsoft's unique understanding of the Windows environment.