Quick Look at AGPM (Advanced Group Policy Management)

I had a quick play with Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) last night.

This is part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP)

Installation is made up of 2 components.

Server component - Install this on a Vista or 2003 Machine in the Domain. (note : if you want to manage Vista GPO's the server component needs to be on a Vista Machine)
Client component - Install this on a machine where you wish to edit the Group policys. This install on top of GPMC.MSC

The product gives better GPO management with main features being
Change control for GPO - Check out GPO, edit it, check it back in then deploy it
Enhanced delegation of Rights - Let some admins edit the GPO but not be able to deploy it
Rollback - See the history of changes and be able to simply rollback
Auditing - Provides easy view of who has updated what

GUI
The product extends the GPMC.MSC to include the new features. Current GPOs will be listed as uncontrolled. They can be moved into the Controlled area where they can then be managed with the features of this product.


ScreenShot