As experts in content distribution for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (known as ConfigMgr or SCCM), we at 1E occasionally get questions about whether including Microsoft’s BranchCache technology will provide the benefits to enable a reduction in the server infrastructure required for an enterprise design. We’re passionate about everything related to content distribution and so I have recently been tasked with updating our in-depth analysis of BranchCache and its use with ConfigMgr. I’m pleased to share the results of that analysis with you in our latest whitepaper.
BranchCache may seem similar to the Nomad product, but when you look more closely you will find that the two technologies vary significantly. To get the best value from your SCCM infrastructure, Nomad is the clear choice. While BranchCache was designed to make end-user web browsing more efficient, computer management has a very different set of requirements. This specific set of requirements is exactly how Nomad was designed from the start and is its focus.
The key reasons that BranchCache is not suitable for ConfigMgr content distribution are that it:
The whitepaper goes into detail on these points followed by an examination of why the expectation that BranchCache could be appropriate for ConfigMgr content distribution should be questioned and needs to be compared to alternatives before deploying in your organization. The final sections of this document review how BranchCache works, how it has changed over the years, and where to learn more.
We are excited to share our new whitepaper and welcome your feedback. If you would like to discuss BranchCache or other content distribution topics in even more detail, please contact us at 1E.