Configuration Manager (next Version) and TP4

In case you missed the new ConfigMgr will no longer have a year marker on it.  It will simply be called  (Configuration Manager)  this aligns the product with the Windows 10 release in which it will simply be build code difference as the application slowly evolves.  And as the change is set to evolve, MS should still be on target to release the newest version/changes by the end of the year. 


Just a few days ago another Technical Preview was released with some fixes and new features.


Most notable are some MDM solution and more Windows 10 changes:


New features in this technical preview include:

• Mobile Device management (MDM): enhanced feature parity with Intune standalone – With this technical preview, many of the MDM features that are supported via Intune standalone (cloud only) are also enabled for Configuration Manager integrated with Intune (hybrid). We will publish additional information later this year about the specific capabilities which will be supported with a hybrid deployment. 
• Integration with Windows Update for Business – With Technical Preview 4, you have the ability to view the list of devices that are controlled by Windows Update for Business.  
• Certificate provisioning for Windows 10 devices managed via on-premises mobile device management

More information can be found here:
http://blogs.technet.com/b/configmgrteam/archive/2015/11/19/now-available-system-center-configuration-manager-technical-preview-4.aspx


With all the changes that are due to come quickly, it is recommended that the enterprise users upgrade their environment as soon as the update is released so they can properly manage Windows 10 environments.


Today Gartner released a statement, "Windows 10 is poised to become the most widely installed version of Windows ever, following on the path of Windows XP and Windows 7 before it, according to Gartner, Inc. Gartner predicts that 50 percent of enterprises will have started Windows 10 deployments by January 2017"


http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3170917


I think with this latest TP we see the end of the preview in sight and the realm of Windows 10 deployments set to happen. Hopefully, many companies have been testing with the 90 Trial Version with simply OSD deployments or using MDT.  Either way.  I expect to see a slow uptake in the next 6 months of Windows 10 deployments as more users are use to seeing the technology at home and then later in the office.


Start your application compatibility testing now as to not lose ground when the CIO asks when it can be deployed.

Now Available: October Update for System Center Configuration Manager Technical Preview 3

Many people are asking, "why so many updates and Previews for the next Configmgr release" 
Well you have to understand the speed at which Microsoft is now moving. Look at the updates made to Intune and the new Windows Servicing Model. 


In line with that change we have a the more Windows 10 management coming to the next update, Windows 10 Services. 






More information can be found here:


http://blogs.technet.com/b/configmgrteam/archive/2015/10/14/now-available-october-update-for-system-center-configuration-manager-tp3-.aspx




Windows 10 Servicing works of a what is referred to as "branches" These branches determine how fast the update is applied to your machine.  Branches are NOT security or stability updates, these come to all machines.  The branches are the features or a major jump in the OS. Like a 10.1 to 10.2.










This will allow you to see what branch is running and the progress. 


I think a good article about the branches and servicing can be found here: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-servicing-branches


A link to the TechNet article can be found in the Team blog mentioned above.


Why do we need to be concerned with Servicing with ConfigMgr?
Well put simply, you need to know what you have in your environment so you can properly prepare the machines and keep them moving forward.


Do you have an MRI machine running from a Windows 10 device. These devices are typically kept in a steady state and don't want much change per the manufacture of the external devices.  For this reason you would use the LTSB Long Term Servicing Branch because you don't want OS change every few months.  This change in years.  No exact length is known because Microsoft is now just releasing 10.  But this allows these special machines to be maintained without much change.


What is cool about this update is that it uses the "Updates and Servicing" node in the Preview.


Please remember to add your "voice" to the changes and features via the User Voice feed back page:
http://configurationmanager.uservoice.com/forums/300492-ideas

Windows Intune and Windows 10

Look what's coming to Intune this month!!!
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn292747.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396


IO9 and Win 10 management upgrades.


As Win 10 slowly ramps up across the world look for new updates.


Don't forget the on-prem solution major updates that is expected in Q4 of this year.


http://blogs.technet.com/b/configmgrteam/archive/2015/08/19/now-available-system-center-configuration-manager-technical-preview-3.aspx


Remember as a community member you have a voice in changes or issues that you think should be addressed in the products.


ConfigMgr
http://configurationmanager.uservoice.com/forums/300492-ideas


Intune:
https://microsoftintune.uservoice.com/


the product team looks at these and the community drives it.  Don't like something, let's change it or improve it!!