Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (Distribute Software)

Use the Task Distribute Software with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager to deploy software distribution packages on Agents on which a Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager client is running. Using packages, you can deliver, install, and configure software to meet the individual needs of your clients.

You can also use this Task to delegate control over the deployment of Configuration Manager packages, for example in scenario's in which helpdesk employees are allowed to deploy packages, but are not allowed to access the Configuration Manager Console itself.

Configuration

  • Use the Management Server field to specify the Configuration Manager server that should be used. If the computer on which you are running the Console also has a Configuration Manager client installed, Ivanti Automation will automatically detect the Configuration Manager server in your network.
  • The option Autodetect management server on client is selected by default. When selected, the Agent will automatically use the configured Configuration Manager server for that client in your network. Clear this option if you want to override the client-configured management server with the value of the Management Server field.
  • Use the Security context field to specify the required credentials to access the Configuration Manager server. At least an administrator account with the "Application Administrator role" is needed.
  • Use the Version field to specify the Configuration Manager. When access is possible, Ivanti Automation automatically detects the version of the server (pre-2012 or 2012 and higher). Although it is possible to specify a different version than the one that was automatically detected, this is not recommended.
  • Use the Deployment field to select whether to deploy Packages or Applications. This option will only be active when Version is set to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. It will be grayed out and set to Package when Version is set to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (pre 2012), because deployment of applications is not supported on those versions.
    • Packages:
      • Use the Package field to select the software distribution package that should be advertised to the target computer.
      • Use the Program field to select the command that tells the client what action to execute once the package is received. For example, install or uninstall software, perform upgrades, or apply hotfixes.
    • Applications:
      • Use the Application field to select the application that should be deployed on the target computer.
      • Use the Action field to select the action that should be performed by the client once the application is received.
  • Use the Distribute to field to select the collection of clients to which the software distribution package or application should be made available.
    • Select Distribute to local Agent only (faster) to make the software distribution package or application only available to the Agent that executes the Task. If a collection for this Agent does not yet exist, Ivanti Automation will create it automatically.
      • Choose whether Ivanti Automation should Wait for the software distribution to finish before continuing with a subsequent Task or Job on the Agent, including:
        • the option Timeout for checking the "SMS Agent Host" service to be started to delay the start of the "SMS Agent Host" service. By default, the timeout period is set to 5 minutes and can be changed to a number in the range of 1 - 99 minutes. When the "SMS Host Agent" service is started within the defined timeout period, the Task will continue. Otherwise the Task will fail.
      • If Distribute to local Agent only (faster) is selected for deployment of an application, the application will not be found when executing a Task Query Microsoft Configuration Manager Client.
  • This Task requires Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager client to be installed on the target computer.
  • Do not execute this Task on more than one Ivanti Automation Agent unless the option Distribute to local Agent only (faster) has been selected.
  • For more information, see the Microsoft documentation.