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Sep 30, 2021
3 min read

Final Thesis - Windows Computer Administration using MECM in Microsoft Azure Cloud

Bachelor thesis project covering complete SCCM infrastructure deployment in Azure, including automated client management, application deployment, OS imaging, and update management for enterprise environments.

Timeline and Details

Start dateEnd dateAssociated withProject PDF
February 2021September 2021Algebra Bernays UniversityThesis PDF

Overview

Complete Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) deployment in Azure demonstrating enterprise Windows endpoint management, automated application deployment, OS imaging, and patch management.

Architecture

Infrastructure Components:

  • Domain Controller (AD DS, DNS, Group Policy)
  • SCCM Primary Site Server (all core roles)
  • SQL Server 2016 SP2 (database backend)
  • Windows 10 client workstation

Network: Azure Virtual Network (192.168.0.0/24, West Europe)
Installation Time: 3 hours 48 minutes

Key Implementations

AreaImplementation
Client ManagementAD discovery (Forest, System, User), automated Client Push deployment
Application DeploymentOffice 365 via Software Center, detection methods, targeted collections
Update ManagementWSUS integration, automated deployment rules, compliance monitoring
OS DeploymentWindows 10 21H1 imaging, custom task sequences, upgrade from 20H2 to 21H1
Reporting471 built-in reports, OS inventory, compliance tracking

Tech Stack

Cloud: Microsoft Azure (VMs, Virtual Networks, Resource Groups)
Microsoft Stack: SCCM 2103, Windows Server 2019, SQL Server 2016 SP2, Active Directory, WSUS, IIS
Automation: PowerShell, SCCM Task Sequences
Client OS: Windows 10 (20H2, 21H1)

SCCM vs Desktop Central Comparison

AspectSCCMDesktop Central
Best ForEnterprise (1000+ endpoints)SMB (25-500 endpoints)
Setup ComplexityHighLow
Cost8,365 - 22,808 HRKFree (up to 25 devices)
ScalabilityExceptionalModerate
IntegrationDeep Microsoft ecosystemCross-platform

Conclusion: SCCM superior for enterprises requiring advanced features and Microsoft integration (Gartner Magic Quadrant 2021 leader).

Skills Demonstrated

Cloud Infrastructure: Azure VMs, networking, resource management
Enterprise Management: SCCM architecture, site hierarchy, role configuration
Automation: Client deployment, application packaging, OS imaging
Windows Server: Active Directory, SQL Server, IIS, WSUS
Scripting: PowerShell automation
Research: Comparative analysis, technical documentation