New Server Role in SCCM 2007 - Branch Distribution Point

In SCCM 2007, a new role called branch distribution point (Branch DP) is introduced. Branch distribution point is function in the same manner as standard distribution point. The fantastic for branch dp is, it can be install on a workstation!

If your network got a branch office which only got few machines, branch distribution point will be your option for efficient package distribution to a small office with limited bandwidth by using a workstation.

Below is the steps how to enable Branch DP role on a workstation:

1. In the Configuration Manager console, expand System CenterConfiguration Manager > [site database] > Site Management > [site name] > Site Settings.
2. Right-click Site Systems, point to New, and then click Server.
3. In the New Site System Server Wizard first page, type in the workstation name, click Next. (Ensure the user account have right to install the site system on remote system)
4. On the System Role Selection page, check on Distribution point. Click Next
5. On the Distribution Point page, select option Enable as a branch distribution point. Click Next. (The package files store partition and limitation on target workstation can be specific over here)
6. Verify the settings, click Next and confirm the installation status.

Is done! Pretty straight forward. But in order to setup a workstation as a branch distribution point, make sure the workstation local hard drive got enough disk space to store the package files for deployment.

Manually create System Management Container in Active Directory Domain Services

SMS 2003 and SCCM 2007 does not create the System Management container in Active Directory Domain Services when the schema is extended. The container need to be prepared for each domain that includes SMS 2003 or SCCM 2007 site server that will publish site information to Active Directory Domain Services. There are two method to prepare the System Management container inside Active Directory Domain Services.

Method 1:

Grant the Site Server computer account full control permission on the System container in Active Directory Domain Services. (This method is not recommended. It is more secure to create the System Management Container manually)

Method 2:

Manually create the System Management container in Active Directory Domain Services using ADSIEdit. ADSIEdit is part of Windows Server Support Tools. Windows Server Support Tools can be found in Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server CD.

1. Install Windows Server Support Tools.
2. Open ADSIEdit snap-in using MMC, and connect to domain which you would like to create the System Management Container.
3. In the console pane, expand Domain [computer fully qualified domain name], expand , and right-click CN=System. On the context menu, click New and then click Object.
4. In the Create Object dialog box, select Container and click Next.
5. In the Value field, type System Management and click Next, and then click Finish.

Now, your Site Server is able to publish site information in the Active Directory once the System Management container is created.