A resource is an object that can be managed by SMS. In SMS, system architecture resources include computers, routers, hubs, any other object with an IP or IPX address (gateways, communication servers, mainframes, and printers), users, and Windows NT local user groups. SMS discovers resources in your site. Discovery is the process of locating system architecture resources and collecting information about them. When SMS discovers a resource, it creates a discovery data record (DDR) which it forwards to the site server, where it is stored in the SMS site database. The resource can then belong to collections. If the resource is a supported computer platform, it can be installed as an SMS client. An SMS client is a computer that runs SMS client software.
SMS uses a variety of configurable methods to discover resources. The discovery method you use determines the type of resources you discover and which SMS services and agents are used in the discovery process. For example, the Windows Networking Logon Discovery method uses a service to set up logon points and collect discovery data for Windows-based client computers that run Microsoft network operating systems. There are separate services for NetWare client computers.
You can configure SMS to run on all computers in your organization. You install specific servers as SMS site servers and site systems. Then, you install SMS client software on computers so they can be managed by SMS. These computers then become SMS clients. You can install and manage all servers in your organization (including servers installed for other purposes) as SMS clients. This approach helps you to gather hardware and software inventory and use SMS features on all computers in your organization.
Related Topics
Discovery Methods Configuration Overview
Client Installation Configuration Overview