sccm

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a systems management software product from Microsoft designed to manage large numbers of Windows-based computers within an enterprise. It provides software distribution, patch management, operating system deployment, hardware and software inventory, remote control, and extensive reporting, typically in on-premises or hybrid environments. In Microsoft’s current branding, the product is marketed as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, reflecting its integration with cloud-based management through Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

SCCM uses a site-based architecture that relies on a SQL Server database, an SMS Provider, and management roles such as the Management Point and Distribution Point. Clients are Windows devices that install the Configuration Manager client agent to receive policies, software deployments, and updates. The infrastructure uses boundaries and boundary groups to define network locations for client assignment and content delivery, helping optimize bandwidth usage in large deployments.

Core capabilities include software deployment and application management, operating system deployment via task sequences, and patch management using the Software Update Point (WSUS-based). It also provides hardware and software inventory, remote assistance, compliance settings, power management, and robust reporting. Content is deployed to Distribution Points and then to collections of devices, enabling targeted software and update rollouts across the organization.

Lifecycle and management considerations: SCCM runs on Windows Server with a back-end SQL Server database and is part of the System Center suite, now marketed under Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Updates are delivered as new versions or cumulative updates. It supports on-premises management with optional cloud integration and can be used in co-management with Microsoft Intune or cloud-attach scenarios to extend management to devices beyond the corporate network.