Overview of Managing Windows 8.1 Devices by Using Enterprise Management Systems

          In addition to the management capabilities native to Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, Microsoft also provides centralized configuration anagement tools that you can use to provide more comprehensive management of Windows devices both inside and outside of your enterprise network.

System Center 2012 R2 Configuration
Manager
           Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager is an on-premises solution for managing desktop computers and mobile devices. To manage computers with Configuration Manager, you need to install the Configuration Manager agent.
Configuration Manager has the following capabilities:
• Deploy applications. Configuration Manager enables you to deploy packaged applications to devices in your environment.
• Manage Endpoint Protection. Managing Microsoft System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection from
within Configuration Manager allows you to use a single console to manage desktop computers and
devices.
• Deploy software updates. Configuration Manager uses the basic infrastructure of Windows
Server Update Services (WSUS) to provide software updates.
• Deploy operating systems. Configuration Manager expands the capabilities of Windows Deployment Services.
• Inventory hardware and software. Configuration Manager includes hardware and software inventory
capabilities.
• Track license compliance for software. You can use the Asset Intelligence and software metering
features in Configuration Manager to track license compliance.