The Microsoft Solutions Framework is a valuable yet often overlooked tool when working with System Center products. The MSF process model can be used as a roadmap for an Operations Manager or Configuration Manager project.
As Microsoft states at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc785993.aspx,
the MSF process model divides the process of creating and deploying a solution into five distinct phases. These phases are:
To illustrate this, look at several of the phases in the context of a System Center project:
During the envisioning phase, the project team identifies the high-level requirements and business goals, which leads to a Vision/Scope document. For a project as far reaching as an OpsMgr or ConfigMgr deployment to be successful, business goals must definitely be mapped out and agreed upon. In this sense, these deployments are no different from developing and deploying an application.
The planning phase includes identifying the features that will be implemented and determining how that will be done. Again, this needs to be done for a systems management project, not just with application development. The planning phase includes developing a project plan and schedule.
Developing includes developing the architecture that will be used for the implementation.
Each of these five phases may be repeated ... that is, you may need to go back through the phases and adjust your plan based on the results during your testing ... and then test again.
Think about the phases of the MSF and how using them can help you organize your next System Center deployment or major upgrade. While System Center activities encompass the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF), using the MSF can help you achieve a successful implementation.
For information about the MOF and System Center, refer to my earlier posting at http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/28760, which discusses how Operations Manager and Configuration Manager include activities that support the Microsoft Operations Framework.
Kerrie Meyler, MVP, MCSE, MCTS, CNA, MA, BA, is an independent consultant and trainer with over fifteen years of experience in IT. While at Microsoft in Field Technical Sales for four years she focused on infrastructure and mangement, presenting at numerous product launches. Kerrie has presented Operations Manager 2007 at TechEd 2007 and MMS 2009 and at internal Microsoft conferences, receiving company recognition and awards including a SPAR MGS award. Kerrie worked with Microsoft Learning to develop functional specifications for the original Operations Manager Microsoft courseware, 2550: Implementing Microsoft Operations Manager 2000 and did the beta teach for that course.She also participated in the alpha walkthrough for the 70-400: Configuring Microsoft System Center Operations Manager certification exam.
She is the lead author of Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 Unleashed, Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 Unleashed, and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007 Unleashed. Kerrie is currently developing an eBook on Operations Manager 2007 R2.
Check out an excerpt from System Center Operations Manager 2007 Unleashed, Chapter 3: Looking Inside OpsMgr.
Kerrie's latest book, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007 Unleashed by Kerrie Meyler, Byron Holt, and Greg Ramsey has been selected as the August, 2009, Microsoft Subnet book giveaway (a $59.99 value). Check out an excerpt from System Center Configuration (SCCM) Manager 2007 Unleashed, Chapter 3: Looking Inside ConfigMgr.
Visit the Microsoft Subnet home page for giveaway details and entry forms.
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