Automated deployment

The aim of automated deployment of operating systems and software is to:

• save time
• give consistent results.

Using automated deployment we can build a new PC or server in a few minutes with a consistent OS image. This removes variation in setup, reduces faults and makes troubleshooting easier.

We can rebuild a computer remotely using Wake-on-LAN and an installed agent. With multicast we can rebuild a batch of computers in one go without saturating the network, ideal for training rooms or large rollouts.

With automated software distribution we can ensure that PC's receive exactly the software they should, with a consistent configuration. Rebuilt PC's receive the same software as before. We prefer to leave applications out of the base OS image so that they can be upgraded, patched or uninstalled as required.

We can control what software is installed with Group Policy. We use Wise Package Studio extensively to package non-Windows Installer applications and to customise configurations. We can use other software delivery methods too, for example for non-silent, run-local or sequenced installations. We have prepared hundreds of applications for automated distribution.

We store all user data and settings on the network so these are preserved on rebuild.

To deliver automated deployment we use the following tools:

Microsoft

• Windows Deployment Services for desktop builds
• Group Policy for software installation and configuration.

Altiris

• Deployment Solution for disk images, particularly for remote, automated and multicast re-imaging; with add-ons for Dell, HP and IBM servers.
• Software Delivery Solution for applications: for self service through the Software Portal; for setup.exe's; and for applications requiring user input.
• Software Virtualization Solution to deliver applications to users without installing them locally.

Appstream

• For streaming virtualized software applications to desktops without installation, as an alternative to Terminal Services.

Wise

• Package Studio: for packaging applications as Windows Installer packages (.msi); to enable silent and automated installation of non Windows Installer applications; for customising applications through Windows Installer transforms (.mst).

Other

• Standards: PXE, WOL, vPro
• Altrinsic hardware independent imaging solution

Contact us if you would like to automate your OS or software deployments.