This post has been republished via RSS; it originally appeared at: Configuration Manager Blog articles.
Update 2009 for the Technical Preview Branch of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager has been released. This release continues to improve the functionality of remote control as first introduced in technical preview version 1906. You can now connect to any Configuration Manager client with an online status.
When you start a remote control session, select the option to Connect via CMG or HTTPS MP for any of the following scenarios:
- CMG
- HTTPS management point
- Enhanced HTTP site
Learn more about the improvements to remote control.
This preview release also includes:
Deploy an OS over CMG using boot media - Starting in current branch version 2006, the cloud management gateway (CMG) supports running a task sequence with a boot image when you start it from Software Center. With this release, you can now use boot media to reimage internet-based devices that connect through a CMG. This scenario helps you better support remote workers. If Windows won't start so that the user can access Software Center, you can now send them a USB drive to reinstall Windows.
Cloud management gateway with virtual machine scale set - Based on your UserVoice feedback, cloud management gateway (CMG) deployments now use virtual machine scale sets in Azure. This change introduces support for Azure Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscriptions. If you already have an existing CMG deployment using Azure Resource Manager, you don't have to redeploy the service. This change introduces support for Azure Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscriptions.
Wake machine at deployment deadline using peer clients on the same remote subnet - In version 1810, the introduction of peer wake up allowed an administrator to wake a device or collection of devices, on demand using the client notification channel. Overcoming the need for the server to be in the same broadcast domain as the client.
This latest improvement allows the Configuration Manager site to wake devices at the deadline of a deployment, using that same client notification channel. Instead of the site server issuing the magic packet directly, the site uses the client notification channel to find an online machine in the last known subnet of the target device(s) and instructs the online client to issue the WoL packet for the target device.
Improvements to in-console notifications - You now have an updated look and feel for in-console notifications. Notifications are more readable, and the action link is easier to find. Additionally, the age of the notification is displayed to help you find the latest information. If you dismiss or snooze a notification, that action is now persistent for your user across consoles.
Notifications for devices no longer receiving updates - To help you manage security risk in your environment, you'll be notified in-console about devices with operating systems that are past the end of support date and that are no longer eligible to receive security updates. Additionally, a new Management Insights rule was added to detect Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 without Extended Security Updates (ESU).
Improved Windows Server restart experience for non-administrator accounts - For a low-rights user on a device that runs Windows Server, by default they aren't assigned the user rights to restart Windows. When you target a deployment to this device, this user can't manually restart. For example, they can't restart Windows to install software updates.
Starting in this release, you can now control this behavior as needed. In the Computer Restart group of client settings, enable the following setting: When a deployment requires a restart, allow low-rights users to restart a device running Windows Server.
Update 2009 for Technical Preview Branch is available in the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager Technical Preview console. For new installations, the 2007 baseline version of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager Technical Preview Branch is available on the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Technical Preview Branch releases give you an opportunity to try out new Configuration Manager features in a test environment before they are made generally available.
We would love to hear your thoughts about the latest Technical Preview! Send us Feedback about product issues directly from the console and our UserVoice page for ideas about new features.
Thanks,
The Configuration Manager team
Configuration Manager Resources:
Documentation for Configuration Manager Technical Previews
Try the Configuration Manager Technical Preview Branch
Documentation for Configuration Manager
Microsoft Endpoint Manager announcement