I've been struggling lately with discovering the interest level out in the world in regards to Microsoft's System Center line, specifically in relation to System Center Essentials. SCE (pronounced "ski" by the Softies), is a tool that combines the best parts of SMS/SCCM and MOM/SCOM and adds some very nice wizards to make the process easier.

SCE is specifically designed for the smallest of businesses, with hard limits of 30 servers and 500 desktops under management.

In my column this week over at MCPmag.com, I pen the first of a 4-part series on SCE. I really like this tool. But I'm not hearing much about it in the usual circles.

If you would, check out the article in the link above. If you're a small environment, is this a compelling product? Would you pay the $2,929 startup fee for 10 servers and 50 workstations? Is the promise of proactive systems management worth three grand, or are there other products out there that are more exciting to you? Let us know...