| Deploying Windows Server 2008
Deploying Windows Server 2008
|
|
What's so special about Windows Server 2008? If administrators had a problem dealing with an all-in-one solution before, they will appreciate the enhancements made in the soon-to-be released version.
Probably the standout is the choice given to administrators to avoid the extra overhead by simply installing the minimal environment required, which often depends on the needs of the organization. As such, the time consuming task of deploying multiple systems is avoided.
What is the new deployment service on Windows Server 2008?
The Windows Deployment Services is one of the new roles found in
Windows Server 2008.
It is based on the older version of RIS or
Remote Installation Services used in previous servers but is a
redesigned, enhanced and updated feature.
It also
allows for remote installations, providing convenience and quick
installations for computers that are not physically present.
There are 3 categories that make up Windows Deployment Services.
These include:
Server components
Includes a TFTP server (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and a PXE server (Pre-Boot Execution Environment), along with a multicast and diagnostics components and networking layer. The server component category also contains a repository for shared folders and images where boot images and files are found.Client components
One of the components found here is a GUI (graphical user interface) that can be used with Windows PE or Pre-installation Environment. The client components work with server components each time the administrator or user chooses an image from the operating system.Management components
All the tools necessary to manage the server, client accounts and images in the operating system are kept here.What you can expect from Windows Deployment Services
The heart of the deployment tasks for Windows Server 2008 is the Windows Deployment Services or WDS. This is the same system that helps in consolidating servers using Windows Server Virtualization or WSv.The Windows Deployment Services is one of the newest features found in Server 2008. It allows administrators to organize and position client machines over the entire network. In terms of speed, the new deployment services allow the system to work faster, thanks to its use of TFTP. Installations may be performed using AutoCast or ScheduleCast.
AutoCast uses Multicast and is an 'always available' form of deployment, whereas ScheduleCast allows administrators to schedule deployments at will. Autocast's use of Multicast means administrators don’t have to worry about bandwidth use, even if multiple clients are using the same network to share and use streaming data.
Other enhancements to enjoy in the new deployment system on Windows Server 2008 include:
- Provides support as boot operating system for Windows PE and .wim (Windows Image) format. This means that Windows images can be deployed onto computers even without an operating system.
- Allows data and image transmission with the use of multicast functionality
- Using Transport Server, allows data and image transmission with multicast functionality on a stand-alone
- Can be used as an improved TFTP server
- Can be used with x64-based computers using EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface)
- Provides metric reporting after installation
- Provision for installation on computers with mixed environments, including those that use Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
- Encourages minimal deployment complexity and cost due to inefficient installation.
Here are some other articles about Deploying Windows Server 2008:
A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Extensibility in MS Windows Server 2008
Multicast deployment in Windows Server 2008
Solution Accelerator for Windows Server 2008 deployment
Unattended installation of Windows Server 2008
Using Windows Server 2008 Deployment Services
Windows Server 2008 Deployment Services
How to Use Validate a Configuration Wizard in MS Windows Server 2008