Deploying a Managed Software Environment Overview

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Software administrators face ongoing challenges for deploying and maintaining software. They must ensure that users have reliable access to necessary software while preventing unknown or dangerous software from being installed or run. Users can, for example, unintentionally turn a desktop environment into an administrator’s nightmare by deleting files and programs or by downloading unsupported software from the Internet or from removable media such as a CD-ROM.

The software installation extension of Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Group Policy enables you to create a controlled environment, providing on-demand software installation and automatic repair of applications. Users benefit from reliable access to the applications that they need to perform their jobs on any computer they use on their network.

For worksheets to assist you with the deployment processes discussed in this book, see Additional Resources for Deploying a Managed Software Environment, later in this chapter.