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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 date End date Associated with Project PDF
February 2021 September 2021 Algebra Bernays University Thesis 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

Area Implementation
Client Management AD discovery (Forest, System, User), automated Client Push deployment
Application Deployment Office 365 via Software Center, detection methods, targeted collections
Update Management WSUS integration, automated deployment rules, compliance monitoring
OS Deployment Windows 10 21H1 imaging, custom task sequences, upgrade from 20H2 to 21H1
Reporting 471 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

Aspect SCCM Desktop Central
Best For Enterprise (1000+ endpoints) SMB (25-500 endpoints)
Setup Complexity High Low
Cost 8,365 - 22,808 HRK Free (up to 25 devices)
Scalability Exceptional Moderate
Integration Deep Microsoft ecosystem Cross-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