Users Guide

Table 4. Deployment Method Matrix
Deployment Methods Complexity Advantages Disadvantages
Local deployment
(bootable media)
Relatively simple
Necessary if a
network connection
is not available or is
too slow.
Can install supported
Windows operating
systems.
Can perform
a minimal installation
of supported Linux
operating systems.
Any change requires
the creation of a new
bootable media.
Limited space on
media for some
operating system
installation files.
Deployment tasks
must be performed at
the individual target
system.
Media are read-only
and requires the
creation of a
RAMDISK for
temporary data
storage.
Installation time is
high.
Remote deployment
over a network
(bootable Windows
PE or Linux media
with network stack
loaded)
Moderate
Everything is in one
place in a network
share.
Easy to manage —
changes have to be
made in a single
location.
Data captured
(profiles) can be
stored in a network
share.
Data can be
replicated from a
network share.
Can install supported
Windows or Linux
operating systems.
Must have network
connection.
Deployment tasks
must be performed at
the individual target
system.
Must locate the
appropriate Windows
PE or embedded
Linux network drivers.
Not supported from a
mapped NetWare
system.
Deployment solution
framework from a
thirdparty vendor
Mixed
DTK can be used in
context of third-party
deployment solution
framework.
Third-party
deployment solution
framework is used as
the deployment
transport mechanism.
Tasks and scripts can
be pushed to the
target systems.
Must either acquire and
learn to use or have an
existing third-party
deployment solution
framework.
PXE boot for Linux High
Everything is in one
place on a network
share.
Easy to manage —
changes have to be
Must have high-speed
connectivity to
network (LAN).
17