A visual and technical treat: The new bMS 2024 R2

22. November 2024, Armin Leinfelder

The 2024 R2 release of the baramundi Management Suite (bMS) comes with a small facelift and multiple enhancements and new features for greater security and flexibility.

Short & sweet

Linux Devices adds another endpoint type managed by the bMS
bMS-Intune co-management adds options for controlling Windows endpoints
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin access enhances security and compliance
Argus Experience adds endpoint error-detection and troubleshooting tools

Linux Devices - Comprehensive device management for penguins

While bMS 2024 R1 added initial options for Linux-based systems, the new baramundi Linux Devices (bLD) module makes enrolling, securing and maintaining Linux endpoints as easy as other devices types managed by the bMS. Linux devices can be inventoried simply and easily and your own local scripts can be executed on end devices. Using Software Package Management, all installed software can be checked for updates and updated directly as needed. The bLD also streamlines enrollment of Linux devices in the bMS without the need to manually transfer SSH keys, use sudoers lists and other extra steps.

Co-management with Microsoft Intune

Making optimum use of existing resources is the basis for productive work. With the new release, the baramundi Management Suite enables co-management through a connection to Intune from the Microsoft 365 Cloud. A Windows end device is first integrated into the Intune management system via Microsoft Autopilot. Once it is fully integrated and in the designated group, it is retrieved and synchronized by the baramundi Management Server. Devices running Windows 10 or higher can then be managed by both bMS and Intune. This gives IT admins the best of both worlds. For example, while Intune usually does not show the progress of a task, the bMS provides information about end devices and task status in near-real-time thanks to the bMS job system. On the other hand, Intune is able to configure Windows on endpoints in fine detail with a wide range of options.

By using both management solutions, companies can manage modern Internet-connected devices with the latest Windows version as well as servers and other network devices that may be located in sensitive environments isolated from the outside world.

Multi-factor authentication - improved security and compliance

Without question, the bMS is a powerful tool. In the wrong hands, it could be used to cause massive damage because of its in-depth authorizations. Especially with the NIS2 regulations in the EU and growing security threats everywhere, securing access to critical applications is more important than ever. That’s why 2024 R2 includes as a preview the option of securing admin logins with multi-factor authentication. Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and an authenticator app such as Microsoft Authenticator ensure that only registered and authorized persons can access the management console. This increases security and helps the IT department to achieve its compliance goals.

Argus Experience - Deeper insights

Argus Experience gets another major boost in functionality in the new release. With the new blue screen detection, the causes of system crashes can now be identified with pinpoint accuracy. This is a boon for both productivity and morale.

For many admins, the recently added CPU load view should also be interesting. It enables you to see whether CPU and memory utilization is significantly higher or lower on certain machines. This is not only useful for identifying specific triggers when analyzing errors, but also is a way of ensuring that end users have exactly the right hardware for their workload. That alone should eliminate a whole series of "My computer is too slow" tickets.

Overall, the overview is even more comprehensive than before. The new software inventory now records experience metrics such as boot times, CPU or memory utilization on an application basis. This allows admins to comprehensively analyze the stability and performance of all installed software. It also makes it much easier to determine whether a problem is occurring on just one endpoint with a specific software version or across the board.

The new views on connectivity also help uncover the causes of slow-loading websites, interrupted Teams calls and other connectivity problems in users’ Top 10 lists of system annoyances.

Numerous innovations in form and function

The most visually striking innovation in 2024 R2 is the new color scheme and the customizable dashboard that enhances - but doesn’t change - the familiar operation of the console. Less noticeable but even more useful is the ability to filter Universal Dynamic Groups according to a specific update version. That makes it easy, for example, to find all instances that are still missing a specific update.

The functionality of the bConnect interface has also been extended. IT admins can now use the baramundi Gateway to obtain data via bConnect over the Internet and operate applications outside the company network. In addition, baramundi Network Devices can now operate in network segments that do not contain any devices with the baramundi Agent. This adds supports for offline environments and a range of new protocols for finding and classifying more devices.