Can I begin getting into SCCM with only installing SCEP for a server?

Small IDE system running on Server 2012.  While I have 3 questions, they are all closely related.

Until now I have been running my IDE on VM's within a single workstation.  I am now setting up my first stand alone server box.  While I probably should have had some type of protection on my previous VM servers, I didn't, but I definitely want my stand alone box protected.

I had been researching to install Defender on my server but only recently found out that SCEP is effectively the Defender engine.  Several posts suggest SCEP can be installed by itself.

Question 1: I'd like to get confirmation from you, the experts, that I can install SCEP without SCCM and it's OK from a functional point of view.  Assuming yes, exactly how do I do that meaning how do I access or run the file needed?  I've been told it's scepinstall.exe, but the guidance to get it pointed to a full download of SCCM.  If I could get a little more refinement on the process I would appreciate that.

Question 2: Is there a license fee to use SCEP on Server 2012?

I will add at this point that I am a BizSpark partner and I note that SCCM comes with that subscription, but I still would like to understand if I was not a BizSpark partner, is there a license fee for SCEP only on Server 2012 products.

I don't mind learning SCCM, but I'm not sure I need that kind of solution just yet and I presume there's a pretty good learning curve to it.  About what size business (in IT terms) does the need for SCCM usually become apparent?

Question 3: What's the best plan to begin learning SCCM? Microsoft online courses? Reference books?

I am beginning to read this book: amazon link

But again, an answer at this time about how to download and only install only SCEP at this time would be appreciated.

Thanks.



  • Edited by Alan Wheeler 14 hours 56 minutes ago updated post
April 23rd, 2015 12:31pm

Hi,

1, Yes you can run SCEP without the SCCM Infrastructure, note that this will be a standalone installation with no central console for alerts e.t.c

2, Yes there is a license for SCEP, both for servers and clients it is included in a couple of different liceense models, here are a link to the License part of System Center http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/system-center-2012-r2.aspx

3, It depends on what your preferred learning way is, I would recommend starting with an instructor lead training and a couple of books with more tips and tricks.

Regards,
Jrgen

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 23rd, 2015 2:42pm

Thanks Jorgen,

Very useful answers and I appreciate it.

If I might ask to confirm how I do this.  I downloaded the .iso SCCM image from my subscription and burned it to disk.  Upon search I find the file scepinstall.exe in the Client subfolder.

Do I just copy that file over to the Server and run it?

Thanks.

Best Regards,

Alan

April 23rd, 2015 2:53pm

I would just add that getting hands on experience with ConfigMgr alongside a trusted and experienced partner is invaluable as well.

Jeff

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 23rd, 2015 2:58pm

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