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Device Management

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Device Management is one of the key requirements for deploying embedded devices in an Enterprise scenario. A wide variety of enterprises can benefit from having devices that are manageable off-the-shelf. Managing devices involves being able to distribute software, keep track of software and hardware, manage inventory, and configure devices remotely.

Current methods of installing files or applications on Microsoft® Windows® CE-based devices require user interaction and offer no way of keeping a device updated over time, nor do they offer an administrator an easy way to centrally distribute software, and manage hardware and software.

A download/install engine that allows consumer users to receive software and notifications when there are new applications or operating system (OS) updates is the basis for a device management client. To enable configuration and customized management, the device management system also allows the downloading and running of scripts. The Device Management Client works with Microsoft Systems Management Server, or any alternate server that can support the protocol requirements of the Device Management Client.

The current design approach provides the following advantages:

  • Simplicity. The Device Management Client uses an open and simple XML-based protocol. The product is designed to work out of the box with the Systems Management Server and the Windows CE client proxy. By configuring the client, an administrator or OEM can deliver updates to a device on an ongoing basis.
  • Versatility. The application download engine provides a way to deliver bits to a device. An administrator or OEM is able to deploy any files they wish. An OEM has a reliable way of delivering updates because the scheduler handles polling and download.
  • Fast development time. The scheduler and download engine are already implemented. Therefore, adding additional features to make the technology suitable for custom management servers and OEMs is much simpler.

For more information about the device management design and functionality, see the following topics:

For more information about the device management server, administrators should refer to the server documentation for their device management server. Users should contact their administrators for questions about the device management server.

See Also

Device Management Security | Device Management Registry Settings

 Last updated on Thursday, April 08, 2004

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