Professional Services
BigFix Professional Services helps customers maximize their investment in BigFix products by providing professional training and implementation services. Each one of our programs will assist customers in expanding and accelerating the use of our products. The professional services work will be performed by highly knowledgeable BigFix employees.
professional_services@bigfix.com
Services Provided
Following is a list of the different services provided by BigFix. Click on the links below for more information.
Configuration and Customization
| BigFix Deployment Services | BigFix provides custom installation services for BigFix that will do a detailed examination of the customer's network to determine the optimal setup, configuration, and deployment and then perform the installation steps if requested. |
| BigFix Optimization Service | In large BigFix Deployments, performance can degrade over time if the system is not cared for properly. The BigFix Optimization Service is designed to remedy this problem by sending an experienced BigFix Technician onsite to study and optimize your BigFix Deployment. |
| Fixlet Content Authoring | BigFix provides custom content authoring for customers seeking content including custom patches, network specific problem detection and remediation, application deployment, and more. |
| Fixlet Authoring Support | The Bigfix Enterprise Suite allows administrators to identify and remediate a vast array of issues using the unique BigFix Fixlet message technology. However, creating Fixlet messages to address complex issues can sometimes get tricky. The BigFix Fixlet Authoring Support service gives customers access to experienced Fixlet developers to help them solve their problems. |
Training
| BigFix Console Operator Training | The BigFix Console Operator Class teaches the basic usage of the BigFix Console. This class is designed for people who will use the BigFix Console to assess vulnerabilities on computers and take actions to remediate them. |
| BigFix Administrator Training | Designed for the more advanced users of the BigFix Console, this class delves deeper into advanced BigFix Console usage. It is designed for administrators of the BigFix system who will need to perform such tasks such as configuring policies, relays, groups, and management rights. This class can be given stand-alone or as an addition to the BigFix Console Operator class. |
| BigFix Web Reports Training | This class gives an introduction to BigFix Web Reports. It teaches attendees how to create a variety of useful reports, focusing on the specific needs of the customer. |
| BigFix Custom Content Primer | With BigFix 5.0 and above, administrators can create custom Fixlets, Tasks, and Retrieved Properties to identify and remediate a variety of issues on their network. The BigFix Custom Content primer gives them the tools to start creating meaningful content right away. This course focuses of the backbone of BigFix Custom Content: the BigFix Relevance and Action Languages. |
| Configuration Manager Training | Powerful BigFix Fixlets can be used to identify and remediate almost any issue facing a system administrator. BigFix Configuration Manager Training provides the advanced instruction needed to develop custom BigFix Fixlets that will automate necessary administrative tasks. The class is finely tailored to the needs of the client, and time is spent developing specific BigFix Fixlets that they need. |
| Customized Training | Do you have training needs that aren't met in with the courses above? Just let us know and we'd be happy to work with you! |
Addition Service Information
Installation Services 
A free introductory deployment consultation is available when you purchase at least 100 licenses for BigFix. In addition to this consultation, BigFix offers custom installation services for large or complex networks. The custom installation service will allow you to speak with a support technician either on the phone or on-site to go through a detailed analysis of your network and the recommended BigFix deployment strategy.
A support technician will make recommendations and/or perform the actual installation/deployment task for the following:
BigFix Servers- What is the optimal number of BigFix Servers?
- Where should the BigFix Servers be placed?
- What are the specifications of the BigFix Server computers?
- Should the BigFix Server run MSDE 2000 or is SQL Server 2000 required?
- How should you configure the BigFix Server for optimal usage?
- What method of BigFix Client deployment will work best?
- BigFix Client Deploy tool, login scripts, third-party tools, etc.
- How many BigFix Relays should be used?
- Where should the BigFix Relays be placed?
- What are the specifications of the BigFix Relay computers?
- How can BigFix be set up to allow multiple distributed BigFix Console operators access to manage only the BigFix Clients that they are responsible for?
- How can a centralized server(s) be set up to gather information from all the BigFix Servers and put into the web reports?
Please see the BigFix Deployment Checklist for a more complete list of deployment issues.
BigFix Optimization Service
As BigFix Deployments grow and mature, configuration needs can change over time. There are a multitude of factors in a large BigFix deployment that can erode performance over time, and discriminating customers demand the most efficient operation possible. The BigFix Optimization Service is designed to be an in-depth analysis and fine-tuning of the BigFix System. Think of it as like a tune-up for your hotrod.
The BigFix Optimization Service will include the following:- Analysis of server hardware performance, with probing for performance bottlenecks
- Analysis of relay configuration, ensuring that relay best practices are being followed
- Assessment of misbehaving client machines
- Verify that all necessary computers are running the BigFix Client
- Taking Steps to increase BigFix Console performance
- And more...
An overview of the BigFix Optimization Service can be found here:
BigFix
Optimization Service Overview.pdf
The duration of the BigFix Optimization Service will vary based upon the size of the deployment and number of issues that need to be addressed.
Fixlet Content Authoring
BigFix develops custom Fixlet message content for customers. This service supports customers in solving issues specific to their deployment or environment which are not currently addressed within the standard BigFix content. These Fixlet messages are hosted on a content site custom developed for the customer and accessible only by the customer.
Custom Fixlet messages are developed for a variety of issues including:- Policy enforcement: Virus scanners need to be on, P2P file sharing programs cannot be installed, backup software should be set to run at night, etc.
- PC Health: Remove virus infections, etc.
- Configuration management: Driver updates, computer maintenance, fix specific infrastructure problems with other tools, etc.
- Application Deployment: Deploy applications to computers and verify proper installation
- And much more...
Fixlet messages are typically broken down into the following classes of difficulty:
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE |
| Basic issues; well understood processes such as Microsoft patching, service management, or application deployment; products are readily available to BigFix for testing | Virus scanner service not running; informational or tip messages; Microsoft Security Bulletin patches |
| Intermediate issues; virus detection and removal, policy enforcement; products may not be readily available to BigFix for testing; | Detect a worm infected computer and offer third party cleaning tool for download; removing KaZaA from client machines |
| Complex issues; requires extensive research and/or access to the a remote network to resolve; issue may be specific to the particular network or computer configurations | Determining if a custom application has a problem by looking at several pieces of information; identifying a problem that requires information from both the client and server computers |
Fixlet Authoring Support
The ability to develop customized Fixlet messages within BigFix gives administrators great power at their fingertips to identify and remediate a wide class of vulnerabilities. Although there are resources available to learn Fixlet message creation, assistance with custom content is not included as part of the standard BigFix Support contract. In order to ease the development of Custom Fixlets so as to take full advantage of BigFix, BigFix offers support for Fixlet development as a Professional Services offering. For details, please contact professional_services@bigfix.com.
BigFix Console Operator Training
In a standard BigFix Deployment, there will be a number of individuals responsible for simply using the BigFix Console to perform maintenance and management tasks such as assessing vulnerabilities, patching computers, and enforcing configuration policies. This class is designed specifically for those operators. It covers all the basics that a BigFix Console Operator will need to know in order to efficiently and effectively manage computers using the BigFix Console.
The BigFix Console Operator Training Class will consist of the following:- The basics of BigFix architecture and components
- Usage of the BigFix Console
- Assessment of computer vulnerabilities
- Deploying actions to computers
- Customization of the BigFix Console
- Best practices to ensure efficiency and optimization of BigFix
- And more...
A detailed syllabus can be found here: BigFix Console Operator Course Syllabus.pdf
Duration: The BigFix Console operator training class is a half-day class.
BigFix Administrator Training
The BigFix Administrator Training course is designed for users of BigFix whose duties will go beyond that of the regular console operator. The class will focus on maintenance and management functions within the console. Attendees will learn to do advanced configuration of the console and gain a deeper understanding of its operation.
The BigFix Administrator course will consist of the following:- Basic BigFix Console Operation (if needed)
- BigFix Relay Management and Configuration
- Management Rights Assignments
- Best Practices for Policies and Deployments
- BigFix Task Wizards
- And more...
A detailed syllabus can be found here: BigFix Administrator Course Syllabus.pdf
Duration:- The BigFix Administrator Training Class is a one day class when basic BigFix Console Operation is included.
- It can also be given as a half-day addition to the BigFix Console Operator Class.
BigFix Web Reports Training
The BigFix Web Reports Training class covers all aspects of the BigFix Web Reports tool. It teaches participants how to read, create, and save different types of reports. This class is suitable for all users of the BigFix Console who may need to make reports, along with managers who may only be interested in reporting.
The BigFix Web Reports Training Course will consist of the following:- Introduction of the different types of reporting available
- Creating custom reports, specifically for tracking vulnerability assessment and remediation
- Saving, exporting, and customizing reports
- And more...
- The BDE Web Reports Class is a half-day class.
- It is commonly combined with the BigFix Console Operator Class to form a one-day course.
- Creating custom BigFix Fixlets, BigFix Tasks, and BigFix Retrieved Properties
- Basic training on the BigFix Relevance Language
- Basic training on the BigFix Action Language
- Leveraging the BigFix Task Wizards to assist with BigFix Custom Content creation
- And more...
- Introduction to all parts of a Fixlet message
- Instruction in common Fixlet message relevance clauses
- Instruction in common Fixlet message actions
- Exercises in authoring Fixlet messages
- Using Fixlet messages to solve specific problems
- And more...
- The Configuration Manager Training Class is 2-4 days.
- This includes 2 days of formal instruction and exercises, and 1-2 days of "class project".
A detailed syllabus can be found here: BigFix Web Reports Course Syllabus.pdf
Duration:BigFix Custom Content Primer
The BigFix Custom Content Primer is a single day class that will give attendees basic knowledge on how to create custom content in BigFix. The course goes over basics of the BigFix Relevance and Action languages and discusses how to use custom content to perform a variety of tasks.
The BigFix Custom Content Primer will consist of the following:
A detailed syllabus can be found here: BigFix Custom Content Primer Syllabus.pdf
Duration: The BigFix Custom Content Primer is a one day class.
Configuration Manager
Training
The Configuration Manager Training Class is a comprehensive class designed to teach attendees how to create BigFix Fixlet messages. Fixlet messages can be used to assess and remediate vulnerabilities, and automate common administrative tasks. This class delves more deeply into the Bigfix Relevance and Action Languages, and addresses how to create Fixlet messages to solve complex problems. It includes a "class project" component, where students and instructor work together to create real customized Fixlet messages for the client's environment. Generally, this class is taught with BDE, the BigFix Development Environment.
The Configuration Manager Training Course will consist of the following:A detailed syllabus can be found here: BigFix Configuration Manager Course Syllabus.pdf
Duration:
Customized Training
Please contact BigFix Professional Services for more information on how to receive a customized training course.