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Bravo 7555Flag for United States of America

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Best way to deploy exe and msi packages easily

Can some folks offer me advice on what they use that permits  them to EASILY deploy .exe and .msi packages? We have KACE but its quite cumbersome and complicated to use for installs.

I am aware of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) but im not sure of the costs when it comes to this and this is a very large factor.
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Avatar of Nagendra Pratap Singh
Nagendra Pratap Singh
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I am a windows environment (servers and desktops), so all SCCM would be free to use?
99% yes

=========================

    Licensing a Managed Server
        for SCCM = 1x System Center 2012 Standard. SCEP rights are included in this license, so you do not need to buy an extra license.
    Licensing a Managed Client (e.g. laptop, computer …)
        for SCCM = 1x System Center 2012 Configuration Manager for clients. SCEP is NOT included in this licenses.
        for SCEP = 1x System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection for clients.
        REMARK 1: Both licenses are included in the Core CAL.
        REMARK 2: System Center 2012 Client Management Suite includes beside SCCM and SCEP also the licenses for SCOM, SCDPM, SCSM and SCORCH.


https://wegh.wordpress.com/2012/08/30/how-to-license-sccm-2012/
Hi,

Configuration Manager itself is only *Free* in as much as Word is free if you buy Office. You need to buy a license for System Center 2012 (or better 2016 if starting from scratch).

For 2012 the cost is outlined here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/Licensing/product-licensing/system-center-2012-r2.aspx#tab_1
For 2016 see here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/cloud-platform/system-center-pricing

As MS say, call them to figure it out. Relying on a wordpress blog or indeed advice here on EE is not going to help when MS come knocking to survey your license coverage. Note you get a SQL license at no additional cost (aka free) but you can ONLY use that instance to support ConfigMgr (or SCOM or another System Center product).

What I can tell you though is that most companies get the best deal through taking out "Software Assurance". It's cheaper somehow but don't ask me how. Speak to MS directly and they will give you the options.

Mike
PS: ConfigMgr is indeed the best way to deploy software in an enterprise sized company and probably down to smallish firms.
I can confirm that for USA, UK, Switzerland and Australia, the terms I have listed apply. For other places, please contact Microsoft representatives.

I am a technical expert, I am not that much of an expert when it comes to licensing. Having said that, 99.999 %, if you have windows 7 licensed properly, then you are good to go.
Hi Nagendra,

Please explain how having a license for Windows 7 gives your System Center for free, and provide links/evidence.

The links from Microsoft themselves that I gave give a cost and a licensing calculator too.  The best explanation I have found is here:
http://windowsitpro.com/system-center-2012/understanding-microsoft-system-center-2012-licensing
( a respected magazine)
and here:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/B/4/A/B4A98A4E-2F43-489D-8761-5362C8C2C328/System_Center_2012_R2_Licensing_Datasheet.pdf
(Microsoft)
and here
http://www.greymatter.com/product/Microsoft/System-Center-Configuration-Manager/676411
(a site selling it)

Summary: You need to license CM for the servers you install CM on (per every 2 CPUs) and that license costs money; it's not free
I will agree, if you already have Client licenses (aka core CALs) then it seems, yes, you don't need *more* licenses for them, but that still does
not make it free.

Note, from the website you posted:
"Licensing a Managed Server - SCEP rights are included in this license, so you do not need to buy an extra license". is  TRUE but that just means you do not have to fork out another license for Endpoint Protection, it's just part of Config Manager now.

Mike
My mistake that I did not use the word core CAL suite  licensing in my two line answer. The question wanted the name of software. I am sure you also agree that SCCM is the best choice here.

OP has enough information now and should call MS sales team for an exact quote
=========================================================================
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/system-center-2012-r2.aspx

Licensing overview

System Center 2012 R2 licensing summary:

   License required only for endpoints being managed. No additional licenses are needed for management servers or SQL Server technology.

    Consistent licensing model across editions. Processor-based license, covering up to two processors, for server management. User-based or operating system environment (OSE)–based license for client management.

The endpoint license is included in core CAL suite
SCCM fits this case.