This is the comprehensive reference and technical guide to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012. A team of expert authors offers step-by-step coverage of related topics in every feature area, organized to help IT professionals rapidly optimize Configuration Manager 2012 for their requirements, and then deploy and use it successfully. The authors begin by introducing Configuration Manager 2012 and its goals, and explaining how it fits into the broader System Center product suite.

Customer focus is becoming more important for IT organizations. The boundaries between work and private life is blurred and people expect a uniform access to enterprise services from anywhere, using any device they use - desktops, laptops, smartphones or tablets.

Installing applications by walking around is so 1990. Automation is the name of today's game, and nothing spells Windows automation like System Center Configuration Manager. Automation has been called the Windows Administrator's force multiplier. With the right tools, it enables a well-prepared administrator to monitor and enact change to exactly the right devices at exactly the right time.