Recently I was asked to give a breakdown of the different site roles within SCCM. Hopefully this serves as a good reference for those requesting it and/or needing it:
Software update point A site system role that runs Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and allows Configuration Manager to use the WSUS catalog to scan Configuration Manager clients for software updates.
- Application Catalog web service point: A site system role that serves as an Application Catalog web service point.
- Component server: Any server requiring a Configuration Manager service to be installed.
- Distribution point: A Configuration Manager server role that stages packages for distribution to clients.
- Endpoint Protection point: A site system role that serves as a endpoint protection point.
- Management point: A site system role that replies to Configuration Manager client requests and accepts management data from Configuration Manager clients.
- Site server: The main site system role that hosts the Configuration Manager components and services.
- Site system: A server or server share that hosts one or more site system roles for a Configuration Manager site.
- Component server: Any server requiring a Configuration Manager service to be installed.
- Reporting services point: A site system role that provides integration with SQL Server Reporting Services to create and manage reports for Configuration Manager.