Microsoft has rolled out a set of architectural guidelines to help
IT managers build and manage datacentres made up of Windows and
non-Windows technologies.
Specifically, the goal of the Microsoft Solutions for Management
(MSM) is intended as a service that helps IT executives achieve
operational efficiencies - improve the manageability of their shops
to reduce its overall cost of ownership.
MSM, which uses the Microsoft Operations Framework in concert with
the company's Systems Management Server and Operations Manager, is
intended to allow IT departments to implement and automate proven
industry best practices faster.
Such practices can address common problems such as patch management
and software updates, installation of new applications, and
monitoring and controlling a range of services.
"We are trying to create a prescriptive architectural guidance for
a range of scenarios, starting with the core infrastructure on up
through how to build a working datacentre, how to manage it," said
David Hamilton, director of the Management Business Group at
Microsoft.
"It can even help in creating specific vertical applications that
might conform to something like HIPPA or address a B2B
relationship."
In a survey conducted by Microsoft, CIOs said that about only 25%
of projects they rolled out successfully delivered everything they
were originally intended to deliver, Hamilton said. They said that
about half of the time spent on projects is "churn" or
non-productive, largely because they are stymied by decided on
which approach or direction to take.
Some of the capabilities in the first launch of MSM include
guidelines for critical patch deployment, new applications
installation, monitoring, and control of Windows 2000 services and
applications.
It also contains an operations management service that helps
identify important issues, process gaps, and the operational
maturity of an IT shop's operating environment.
"There are a series of pain points that exist for many users in the
operations space. They are either not as proactive as they want to
be in terms of identifying problems, or it is too hard to roll out
apps or when you need to patch systems. These sorts of guidelines
can help point out what areas of your operation you need to
improve," said Chris Burry, technology infrastructure fellow at
Avanade.
Avanade,, which works with Microsoft on integrating
enterprise-class solutions, became the first independent provider
to offer the MSM service along with Microsoft Consulting
Services.
Users and developers wanting more information about Microsoft
Solutions Management can find it on the Microsoft Web site at
www.microsoft.com/solutions/msm.