Image deployment

Terrier_Jimlad · 19 Dec 2014 at 18:44

We have used SCCM 2007 (R2 not R3) for many years to deploy our base image to our Windows XP and Windows 7 devices and it's been absolutely spot on. SP2 introduced the support for Windows 8 and 8.1 for the client and software deployment, but OS deployment for Windows 8 & 8.1 is not supported on 2007 R2. There is no chance we can upgrade to 2012 so that's out of the question, however the new Dell Venue 11 Pro tablets and newer tablets need Windows 8/8.1 really.

So looking for an alternative solution really. It needs to be PXE bootable and nice and easy for our helpdesk lads to use. They're currently using a single instance of Acronis to grab and deploy a .tib Acronis image pre-sysprepped but it's not ideal. Acronis's enterprise software seems way over complicated and doesnt really indicate whether it's up to the job or not.

What do you guys use for deploying Windows 8/8.1 images? Not going back to the days of Ghost!

DustyMiller · 19 Dec 2014 at 19:24

We are implementing a product called Columbus from a firm called Brainware based in Germany / Switzerland. They have a UK office.

GDL · 20 Dec 2014 at 22:17

Why not do a side by side migration to SCCM 2012 which is easier to use than 07 and supports 8 and 8.1?

I'm learning 2012 atm and it's quite simple if your using 07 already.

Terrier_Jimlad · 21 Dec 2014 at 20:18

Like I said, going to 2012 is not an option, there is no available funding for the license and CALs required for it. If there was, it would be a no brainer, but there isnt, hence the thread to see what cheaper alternatives there was.

WILD9 · 22 Dec 2014 at 12:32

'Windows Deployment Services' will do this and comes with windows server.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/dd448616.aspx

ecksmen · 22 Dec 2014 at 13:02

WILD9 said:
'Windows Deployment Services' will do this and comes with windows server.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/dd448616.aspx

We used this a lot, very impressive to see multiple machines multicast installation when we're building physicals boxes.

Terrier_Jimlad · 22 Dec 2014 at 23:35

WDS looks massively improved in Server 2012 - will slap it on a server tomorrow and give it a shot, thanks.

Pvt_Ryan · 3 Jan 2015 at 13:34

Look at mdt ms deployment toolkit. It does this an can integrate with sccm