CM12 RC1
Get RC1 here: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=27841
Note: you also need KB2603910 for SQL 2008 (it hasn't been released yet for SQL R2, so you'll have to wait if you want R2 instead of 2008).Things I love about it so far:
When WSUS syncs, it skips superseded updates (if you told it to in the setup of the SUP) and tries to give time estimates in the log for how long it will take to finish.
RBAC in general: we can now slice up roles easily, like "Server Software Update Admin" who never sees workstations or packages or OSD, etc. He sees just his role.
Exclude\Include on collections. Why put in a big fat query to tell a new collection to get all the same info as another collection, when you can just add it? And that means no need (or ability) for subcollections. But in reverse, it's nice to make a workstation collection that has exclude servers on it to feel safe.
No more site control file - it's all in SQL now.
No colleval on the CAS. That work was done on child sites, no need to do it again.
No more transactional replication like Beta 2. It's all done via SQL service broker now.
Uninstall actually removes objects from AD. You don't have to go clean up manually.
Fast console. This is way faster than old Beta 2.
Integrated Endpoint Protection. No more installing on top of CM. It's right there. The client share has the EP setup. And the new node in the console shows status, outbreaks, etc. by collection (so you're looking only at collections you've told to have EP). ADRs work great for daily definitions.
And a note about EP from Micrsoft's Martin Day:
Although Endpoint Protection is now fully integrated with ConfigMgr 2012, it remains a separate product, SKU and license. When you enable the Endpoint Protection role in the console you will be reminded of this and asked to confirm that you are licensed to use Endpoint Protection.
Since most ConfigMgr customers are licensed through CoreCAL this should not be an issue as the Endpoint Protection license is included in CoreCAL. However each customer should confirm this for themselves. The fact that this solution/product is fully integrated does not imply that it is also licensed by Configuration Manager.
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