Acronyms of Configuration Manager

There are many abbreviations and acronyms associated with Configuration Manager. I’m going to talk about some of the more popular ones and then give you a list of acronyms that I think every Admin needs to know about. Whether you are just starting out, or are an old hand, you should find this information useful. Now, let’s get started talking about the many different acronyms of Configuration Manager.

Abbreviations and Acronyms of Configuration Manager

When you refer to Configuration Manager, do you use the official short-forms, “ConfigMgr,” or, “MEMCM?” Do you use the ever-popular, “SCCM,” or the newer, “MECM?” Are you old-school and still use, “SMS?” Personally, I like to use ConfigMgr because unlike the other short-forms, this one doesn’t need to change.

Below, I talk about each one and add a few new ones into the mix.

SMS

If you are new to Configuration Manager, then you may not have heard about Systems Management Server. This is where it all started. You can read more about it on this page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_System_Center_Configuration_Manager

ConfigMgr

This is the official short form, but it doesn’t say which version. Is it referring to 2007, 2012, 2012 R2/R3 or current branch? Despite this problem, it’s still my go-to short form. Here’s more information about it: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/

SCCM

This acronym gained popularity when the product was called, “System Center Configuration Manager.” It is not the official acronym. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/

MEMCM

Configuration Manager, along with Intune, is now part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager. This update was announced at Microsoft Ignite 2019. The first letter of each word forms, “MEMCM.” However, Microsoft Endpoint Manager Configuration Manager doesn’t necessarily roll off the tongue! https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/

MECM

Instead of using MEMCM, I see a lot of folks using MECM – Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/

Additional Acronyms of Configuration Manager

Below are some more acronyms I’ve seen used and what each one stands for.

CM

Configuration Manager

CM07

Configuration Manager 2007
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_System_Center_Configuration_Manager

CM12

Configuration Manager 2012 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_System_Center_Configuration_Manager

CM12R2

Configuration Manager 2012 R2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_System_Center_Configuration_Manager

CMCB

Configuration Manager Current Branch https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/

Let me know what your favorite Configuration Manager acronym is to use by leaving a note in the comment section below or contacting me @GarthMJ.

Important Acronyms

Below is a list of the most important acronyms that a ConfigMgr Admin will need to know. You might want to bookmark this page for handy reference.

Acronyms	Details	URL
AAD	Azure Active Directory	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/fundamentals/active-directory-whatis
AD	Active Directory	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Directory
ADK	Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/test/weg/understanding-the-windows-adk-tools
AI	Asset Intelligence	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/asset-intelligence/introduction-to-asset-intelligence
App-V	Microsoft Application Virtualization	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-desktop-optimization-pack/appv-v4/overview-of-application-virtualization
ARP	Add Remove Programs	https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/a/addremov.htm
AV	Anti-virus	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antivirus_software
AVMA	Automatic Virtual Machine Activation	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/vm-activation-19
BG	Boundary Groups	https://docs.microsoft.com/bg-bg/mem/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/define-site-boundaries-and-boundary-groups
BIDS	Business Intelligence Development Studio	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Intelligence_Development_Studio
BITS	Background Intelligent Transfer Service	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_Intelligent_Transfer_Service
BSOD	Blue Screen of Death	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_screen_of_death
BYOD	Bring Your Own Device	https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2012/07/17/beginners-guide-to-byod-bring-your-own-device/
CAL	Client Access License	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/client-access-license
CAS	Central Administration Site	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/plan-design/hierarchy/design-a-hierarchy-of-sites
CI	Configuration Item	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/develop/compliance/about-configuration-baselines-and-configuration-items
CMDB	Configuration Management Database	https://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/definition/configuration-management-database
CMG	Cloud Management Gateway	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/cmg/plan-cloud-management-gateway
CTE	Common Table Expression	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/queries/with-common-table-expression-transact-sql?view=sql-server-ver15
DaRT	Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset	https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2019/03/25/dart-the-microsoft-cybersecurity-team-we-hope-you-never-meet/
DC	Domain Controller	https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4193/domain-controller-dc
DCM	Desired Configuration Management	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/develop/reference/core/clients/client-classes/compliance-settings–dcm–client-interfaces
DFS	Distributed File System	https://techterms.com/definition/dfs
DHCP	Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/technologies/dhcp/dhcp-top
DISM	Deployment Image Servicing and Management	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/what-is-dism
DMZ	Demilitarized Zone	https://www.barracuda.com/glossary/dmz-network
DNS	Domain Name System	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-top
DP	Distribution Point	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/mem/configmgr/dp-installation-upgrade-configuration
EP	Endpoint Protection	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/protect/deploy-use/endpoint-protection
FQDN	Fully Qualified Domain Name	https://kb.iu.edu/d/aiuv
FSP	Fallback Status Point	https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/configuration-manager-archive/the-fallback-status-point-prerequisites-verification-and/ba-p/272687
GA	General Availability	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/understand/which-branch-should-i-use
GC	Global Catalog	https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25429/global-catalog-gc
GP	Group Policy	https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/16757.active-directory-glossary.aspx#G
GPO	Group Policy Object	https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/16757.active-directory-glossary.aspx#G
GUID	Globally Unique Identifier	https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/16757.active-directory-glossary.aspx#G
HA	High Availability	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/high-availability-options
HD	Hard Disk Drive	https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/hd.htm
HDD	Hard Disk Drive	https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/hd.htm
HW Inv.	Hardware Inventory	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/inventory/introduction-to-hardware-inventory
IIS	Internet Information Services	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Information_Services
IOPS	Input/Output Operations per Second	https://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8153/~/input%2Foutput-operations-per-second-%28iops%29-defined
IP	Internet Protocol	https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/ip-address.asp
IPv4	Internet Protocol version 4	https://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=139604
IPv6	Internet Protocol version 6	https://www.networkworld.com/article/3254575/what-is-ipv6-and-why-aren-t-we-there-yet.html
ISV	Independent Software Vendor	https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/isv-independent-software-vendor
KMS	Key Management Service	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/products-keys-faq
KPI	Key Performance Indicator	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business-insights-ideas/resources/what-are-kpis-and-how-to-use-them
KVM	Keyboard Video and Mouse	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch
LAPS	Local Administrator Password Solution	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=46899
LDAP	Lightweight Directory Access Protocol	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/desktop/ldap/lightweight-directory-access-protocol-ldap-api
LTSB	Long Term Servicing Branch	https://www.computerworld.com/article/3250464/faq-windows-10-ltsb-explained.html
MAC	Media Access Control	https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25059/media-access-control-ma
MAK	Multiple Activation Key	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/vlactivation/activate-office-by-using-mak
MAM	Mobile Application Management	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/apps/app-management
MAN	Metropolitan Area Network	https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/what-is-a-metropolitan-area-network/
MBAM	Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-desktop-optimization-pack/mbam-v25/
MDM	Mobile Device Management	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/
MDT	Microsoft Deployment Toolkit	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Deployment_Toolkit
MMC	Microsoft Management Console	https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/962457/what-is-mmc
MP	Management Point	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/plan-design/hierarchy/understand-how-clients-find-site-resources-and-services
NAS	Network Attached Storage	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network-attached_storage
NAT	Network Address Translation	https://techterms.com/definition/nat
NIC	Network Interface Controller	https://www.tutorialspoint.com/what-is-network-interface-card-nic
OSD	Operating System Deployment	https://sourcedaddy.com/windows-7/what-is-osd.html
PBRS	Power BI Report Server	https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/report-server/
PRI	Primary Site	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/plan-design/hierarchy/design-a-hierarchy-of-sites
PXE	Preboot Execution Environment	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preboot_Execution_Environment
QOS	Quality of Service	https://kb.netgear.com/972/How-QoS-improves-performance
RBAC	Role Based Access Control	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/configure-role-based-administration
RCT	Right-Click Tool	Recast Software – Endpoint Management Software
RDP	Remote Desktop Protocol	https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3422/remote-desktop-protocol-rdp
RFC	Request for Comments	https://www.nfon.com/en/service/knowledge-base/knowledge-base-detail/request-for-comments-rfc
RP	Reporting Point	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/servers/manage/introduction-to-reporting
SCEP	System Center Endpoint Protection	https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/system-center-endpoint-protection/
SCUP	System Center Updates Publisher	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/sum/tools/updates-publisher
SDK	Software Development Kit	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_development_kit
SSMS	SQL Server Management Studio	https://www.enhansoft.com/where-is-sql-server-management-studio-ssms/
SSRS	SQL Server Reporting Services	https://www.enhansoft.com/how-to-install-sql-server-reporting-services-2017/
SUG	Software Update Group	https://www.danielengberg.com/move-software-updates-between-software-update-groups-sccm/
SUP	Software Update Point	http://info.adaptivedge.com/blog/understanding-sccm-sup-process
SW Inv.	Software Inventory	https://www.prajwaldesai.com/how-to-configure-software-inventory-in-sccm/
SWM	Software Metering	https://www.enhansoft.com/disabled-software-metering-rules-are-a-good-thing/
TAM	Technical Account Manager	https://services.premier.microsoft.com/assess?Culture=en-US&CultureAutoDetect=true
TPM	Trusted Platform Module	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/information-protection/tpm/tpm-recommendations
UAC	User Account Control	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/user-account-control/how-user-account-control-works
UEFI	Unified Extensible Firmware Interface	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/bringup/uefi-in-windows
UNC	Universal Naming Convention	https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/unc
UPN	User Principal Name	https://kb.iu.edu/d/atzp
URI	Uniform Resource Identifier	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Resource_Identifier
UTC	Universal Time Coordinated	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordinated_Universal_Time
VDI	Virtual Desktop Infrastructure	https://www.yourdictionary.com/microsoft-vdi
VHD	Virtual Hard Disk	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHD_(file_format)
VHDX	Hyper-V Virtual Hard Disk	https://www.altaro.com/hyper-v/understanding-working-vhdx-files/
VLK	Volume License Key	https://www.techsoupcanada.ca/en/microsoft/volume_licensing
VLSC	Volume Licensing Service Center	https://www.techsoupcanada.ca/en/microsoft/volume_licensing
VM	Virtual Machine	https://azure.microsoft.com/en-ca/overview/what-is-a-virtual-machine/
VS	Visual Studio	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Visual_Studio
VSS	Volume Shadow Copy Service	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/file-server/volume-shadow-copy-service
WID	Windows Internal Database	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Internal_Database
WinPE	Windows Preinstallation Environment	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/winpe-intro
WMI	Windows Management Instrumentation	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/wmisdk/wmi-start-page
WOL	Wake-on LAN	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/deployment/wake-on-lan-feature
WSUS	Windows Server Update Services	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-server-update-services/get-started/windows-server-update-services-wsus
WUfB	Windows Update for Business	https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wufb