Endpoint Services, What is MECM?
Introduction to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM).
Systems
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM)
Intended Audience
University of Illinois IT Pros leveraging MECM, hosted by Technology Services' Endpoint Services team
General Information
MECM stands for "Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager", Microsoft's enterprise-ready software for allowing IT Pros to manage computers (known as "endpoints") running Microsoft Windows in their units & colleges. MECM manages endpoints with an installed client running with administrative privileges, a central server, and a per-unit caching server called a "distribution point" where the client obtains content from.
Typical MECM tasks include:
- managing software on endpoints (optional or mandatory installs, or software removal)
- allowing end-users to install or remove software using Software Center, a self-service interface on each endpoint
- collecting statistics and metadata from endpoints
- using gathered information to compile reports summarizing endpoint activity
- deploying and managing compliance policy for devices and users
- imaging and migrating endpoints
- deploying and managing endpoint protection
- remotely controlling the endpoint for one-on-one desktop support
It is important to note that MECM is designed primarily for use with Microsoft Windows endpoints.
MECM is available at a cost to University IT Pros and their units & colleges; view costs for using the MECM service. MECM works on physical and virtual Windows systems, and MECM services are designed to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The University MECM deployment also comes with support services and a community of IT Pros already using the University SCCM deployment.