Updates and New Features in ConfigMgr 2012 SP1

Last month I was at System Center User Group (SCUG) NL day with Wally Mead. Wally Mead has been with Microsoft for more than 20 years, and working with Systems Management Server since SMS 1.0 was in development. The following Updates and New Features for ConfigMr 2012 SP1 were mentioned: 
 
Deployment of Windows 8:

• Core OS Deployment Scenarios (Windows 8/ 2012 support)
• Windows To Go support (create and build by ConfigMgr)
• Managing Windows 8 Apps (for both x86 and RT)
• Always-on Always connected (preserves battery life)
• Metered Connections support (for paid networks)
• Used Space BitLocker (saves time during OSD)
• Bitlocker pre-provisioning from WinPE mode (5 minutes versus 3 hours)

 
Management Capabilities of Windows RT and Windows Phone 8:

• Windows 8 Apps (easier and faster to deploy)
• Windows 8 Apps in the Windows Store (new type of software)
• Pull Software Distribution (MDM)
• Settings Management (with ConfigMgr policy)
• Compliance Monitoring (MDM)

 
Embedded Device Support in SP1:

• Better support for write filters
• Write filter orchestration for updates and OSD
• SCEP support for installation and updates
• Desired Configuration Management extensions
• OS deployment optimized for embedded devices

 
And many many more:

• User Data and Settings Management (User policy)
• Windows Intune management in ConfigMgr console (!)
• Distribution Point for Windows Azure (in the cloud)
• Database Replication Controls (make the hierarchy easier to control)
• Security and Compliance for Endpoint Protection
• Real-time Administrative Actions (force machine policy)
• Support for App-V 5.0, PowerShell, Non-Windows devices
• Support for SCEP on MAC, UNIX and Linux systems

 
Service Pack 1 isn't just an update on ConfigMgr. It will provide a lot of new functionality above of existing ConfigMgr 2012 features.
The General Availability release of System Center 2012 SP1 is scheduled for early January.