SMS: Package Instruction Files Are Distribution Server-Specific, Even Though the Packages Are Not (226900)

SUMMARY

Some organizations choose to modify the Microsoft Systems Management Server software distribution model to lessen the load on their respective wide area networks (WANs). SMS 2.0 includes the courier sender feature to allow package distribution without taxing the WAN. When the courier sender is used, an administrator creates an SMS package by selecting This package contains source files on the Data Source tab of the package properties. The package is created using the procedures outlined in SMS, except that the Source Directory box on the Data Source tab of package properties contains only a small subset of the files required to install the package. The administrator allows the distribution process to create distribution points on distribution servers, and to create and distribute package instruction files. When the package is successfully distributed throughout the organization's WAN, a compact disc image is used to manually copy the rest of the source files to distribution points on the WAN.

This modified distribution model eliminates much of the network usage that otherwise results from having SMS distribute the package.

The key is to allow SMS software distribution mechanisms to create distribution point shares and package instruction files. Package instruction files contain information regarding the distribution servers that the package can be found on, and are read by the Advertised Programs Monitor on client systems. SMS does not require that all package source files be found and distributed from the package Data Source directory.