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Software Deployment

The following plugins are used to simplify, manage, and automate software deployment in SCCM:

Example: Software Deployment Process Using SCCM Manager

  1. User Requests Software

    This is a standard process in which the user requests software for installation from the help desk or their assigned administrator.

  2. Software Assignment Using SCCM Manager

    IT staff with access to SCCM Manager select the computer name and assign it to an installation collection (e.g., via the Software Assignment Plugin). Installation collections are fully configured units in SCCM that are linked to an automated process for installing software. Only approved software can be distributed. Accordingly, pre-filtering is configured in the respective plugin.

  3. SCCM Manager Web Service Processing

    The web service processes this request and communicates directly with the SCCM server. The server then processes the information in the background. Since SCCM is a policy-based and queue-oriented system, processing takes a few minutes.

  4. SCCM Agent Request

    The SCCM Agent is configured to send a request to the assigned SCCM Site Server (Primary Site) at regular intervals (e.g., every 60 minutes). The server responds and, depending on the current status, sends the client a new set of instructions on what to do. This involves processing inventory tasks, performing software installations, or handling software updates (patch management).

  5. SCCM Agent Evaluation

    When the interval occurs, the “policy set” received from the site server is evaluated and processed. In this case, the system would detect that new software is available and download it from the distribution point.

  6. Software from the “Distribution Point” (DP)

    Depending on the configuration, there may be one or more “Distribution Points” at each site. The assignment of which server is responsible for a client is determined exclusively through an “IP network” to “DP mapping.” The client requests this information, and the site server then reports which DP the software can be downloaded from. If the client changes its location (roaming), the software is downloaded from a different DP. This request is always made before executing any software installation. The SCCM agent stores all downloaded files in the directory: “C:\Windows\ccmcache”. This cache can be cleared as needed or adjusted per computer via SCCM Manager if storage space is insufficient. After a successful download, the software installation is executed. Failed installations are retried after one day.

  7. Feedback to the System

    After an installation (whether successful or failed), this information is reported back to the SCCM Site Server. The server processes this data and writes it to the database. Shortly thereafter, the information can be retrieved via SCCM Manager.

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