Architecture and Back Office Group

SMS is a comprehensive solution for managing networked computers in a domain. It is an administrative package that enables BOG to support the UTD computers in the campus domain more efficiently. SMS can be used to help manage and troubleshoot problems with your computer and to identify and manage the systems management components installed on it.

Hardware and software inventory. SMS automatically collects detailed configuration information about computers on the campus domain. This capability allows us to determine information about computers in use at UTD. For example, we are able to gather data about how many copies of a software application are installed on computers throughout the organization, which computers need hardware upgrades, or the specific network address for a computer.

Software distribution and installation. These capabilities make it easy to distribute and install applications, upgrades, or any other type of software electronically to computers throughout our campus domain. It allows us to offer standardized software packages in a more timely and efficient manner. With the emergence of client-server computing, it has become necessary to upgrade software on hundreds of client computers literally over night when new software versions are released. It has become unmanageable and expensive to do this manually.

Software metering. This capability allows us to verify that our software use falls within our software licensing agreements. We are also be able to use data from software metering to project our future software needs and balance software use throughout UTD so that software programs can be accessed as needed.

Remote Tools. This feature gives us access to critical diagnostic information about networked computers. When there is a problems with a computer, it will allow a computer technician to remotely work on your computer across the network to diagnose and solve software problems. These features improve the speed and quality of our support.