Endpoint Services, MECM, Managed Applications Overview
Overview
This article describes the lifecycle of MECM managed applications offered by Endpoint Services.
Systems
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM)
Intended Audience
University of Illinois IT Pros leveraging MECM, hosted by Technology Services' Endpoint Services team
General Information
Endpoint Services provides a number of managed applications that have been packaged and tested, and are available for consumption by the community. IT Pros may distribute and deploy these applications at will, or request that Endpoint Services manage their deployment.
In order to provide flexibility for IT Pros and minimize disruption to deployments, new updates are packaged either as unique, iterative applications, or persistent "(Application) - Latest" package that changes with each release. Whenever possible, Endpoint Services strongly recommends the use of -Latest apps, as well as the latest version of major suites (Adobe, Ansys, Autodesk, Matlab, Solidworks, etc). This greatly simplifies audit-related responsibilities for your unit when older applications are retired.
Endpoint Services notifies the MECM listserv when new applications either become available or are retired. To mitigate the clutter that results from hosting so many unique applications, Endpoint Services requests that IT Pros keep their deployments up to date so that outdated applications may be retired and removed from the system. To assist in this process, Endpoint Services will periodically contact unit contacts with a list of outdated applications that are still being leveraged by that unit.
Before requesting a new licensed campus-wide application (e.g. not free software) to be packaged in MECM, ensure there is an existing WebStore offer. If the offer does not exist, contact WebStore (webstore@illinois.edu) to create an offer.