Today the beta version of SMS 2003 SP3 is being released to Microsoft Connect. SP3 provides a number of enhancements to SMS, not just the usual bug fixes. Specifically, SP3 enables full Windows Vista manageability support as well as integration of functionality provided by the acquisition of AssetMetrix Corp. Key scenarios enabled by the addition of the AssetMetrix library include:

• License Management: Compare applications installed with licenses purchased as well as how those titles were obtained (volume licensing, retail, OEM, etc.) for better optimization of software use across the organization and fewer unutilized applications.
• Software Consolidation: Categorize applications to better see how many different applications with similar functions and versions are deployed in the organization and consolidations. The result is accelerated application standardization, a more streamlined support structure, and the ability to maximize volume discounts from software vendors.
• Upgrade Planning: Identify core and non-core applications in order to understand what applications require migration. Software consolidation aids upgrade planning by reducing the number of applications that need compatibility testing. Identify hardware assets that need upgrading based on comparisons to published operating system hardware requirements. The result is more efficient planning and streamlined execution in upgrading users to Windows XP and Vista.

REGISTER:  http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/evaluation/2003/sp3.mspx