Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Program information
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product language
Software metering uses two main components to perform data-collection tasks: the Soft-
ware Metering Agent and software-metering rules. When enabled, the Software Metering
Agent reports software-metering data based on the site's software-metering rules. You must
configure software-metering rules before data collection about a program's usage begins.
The software-metering process includes the following steps:
1.
The Software Metering Agent examines each program that runs on the client and
determines whether the program file's information matches any software-metering
rule. The agent collects usage data each time an actively monitored program runs on
the client regardless of whether the client is connected to the network.
2.
The agent uploads the data to the management point on its next Software Metering
Usage Report Cycle. If the client is not connected to the network, the data remains on
the client and then uploads to the management point the next time the client connects
to the network.
3.
The management point forwards the data to the site server.
4.
The site server adds the data to the site database.
Software-metering data is summarized on a specified schedule, and it replicates to the
central administration site, which contains usage data from all client computers within the
hierarchy.
After the site server summarizes client data, you can view the information by using queries
and reports. This data, combined with data from software inventory and Asset Intelligence,
can assist your organization in determining its software usage. You can configure three ele-
ments of software metering: Software Metering Agent, software-metering rules, and auto-
matic generation of software-metering rules.
Configuring the Software Metering Agent
When enabled, the Software Metering Agent collects usage data for programs specified in
software-metering rules. Typically, the agent is enabled by default. However, if the agent has
been disabled, you can enable it in Client Settings within the Configuration Manager console.
You can also customize the software-metering data collection schedule, which is every seven
days by default.
Configuring software-metering rules
After ensuring that the Software Metering Agent is enabled, configure software-metering
rules. You must create and configure software-metering rules to specify the applications you
want the Software Metering Agent to monitor. The Create Software Metering Rule Wizard
leads you through the creation of a new software-metering rule.
