Easing Deployment Headaches

Do you currently use third-party, image-based deployment tools to deploy your Windows servers? I’m not surprised-until Microsoft released the Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK), you were pretty much limited to either deploying Windows using third-party imaging tools or using Sysprep and answer files. The Windows AIK deploys Windows Vista based on Vista’s new componentized, modular architecture and Windows image (.wim) file-based installation media format. Windows Vista and the Windows AIK has changed everything, and now Microsoft has finally come on strong in the deployment tools arena. And with the release of the Microsoft Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 customers now have a best-practice set of comprehensive guidance and tools from Microsoft that they can use to easily deploy Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system across an enterprise.

So deploying Windows clients is a snap now, but what about deploying Windows servers? Windows Server 2008 includes huge improvements in this area with its new Windows Deployment Services role, an updated and redesigned version of the Remote Installation Services (RIS) feature found in Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server. Windows Deployment Services enables enterprises to rapidly deploy Windows operating systems using network-based installation, a process that doesn’t require you to be physically present at each target computer or to install directly from DVD media.

And if you liked BDD 2007, you’ll like the similar set of guidance and tools that Microsoft is currently developing for deploying Windows Server 2008 machines. This new set of tools and best practices will be called the Solution Accelerator for Windows Server Deployment and it will integrate the capabilities of Windows AIK, ImageX, Windows Deployment Services, and other deployment tools to provide a point-and-click, drag-and-drop deployment experience similar to what you’ve experienced with BDD 2007 if you’ve had a chance to play with it already.

Deploying systems is a headache sometimes, but managing licensing and activation of these machines can bring on a migraine. Instead of taking two pills and going to bed, however, you’ll find that the enhancements made to Volume Activation 2.0 in Windows Server 2008 take the pain away. This improved feature will also help you sleep at night, knowing that your machines are in compliance with licensing requirements.

Want to read more about all these improvements? Crack open Chapter 13, “Deploying Windows Server 2008,” and you’ll find everything you need to get you started in this area.