Two of my machines are in desperate need of a rebuild. Because it has been on my to-do list for a while I am going to look at Microsoft's updated desktop deployment solution accelerator - the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
I have used the previous solution (BDD 2007) to automate Vista builds in the past. The constraint with BDD was that it could only do the desktop OS.
MDT is an updated version of BDD that can deploy desktop and server operating systems. There was a wealth of information in BDD, so I am looking forward to getting hands on with MDT to see what is there. From the overview blurb:
Microsoft Deployment provides proven tools and practices with which IT professionals can:
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Create a software and hardware inventory to assist in deployment planning.
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Test applications for compatibility with Windows operating systems and mitigate compatibility issues discovered during the process.
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Set up an initial lab environment with imaging and deployment servers.
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Customize, package, and deploy applications.
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Automate image creation and deployment.
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Manage processes and technologies to produce comprehensive and integrated Lite Touch Installation (LTI) and Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) deployments.
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During deployment, migrate users’ documents and settings to their new computer configurations.
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During deployment, Microsoft Deployment supports the installation of all Roles such as Active Directory® Domain Services (AD DS), Domain Name System (DNS) server, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), Windows Deployment Services, Windows SharePoint® Services, Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) server, and Windows Server® 2003 Terminal Services. Additionally, Microsoft Deployment supports the configuration of the AD DS role.
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Ensure that computers are hardened to improve security within the environment.
Microsoft Deployment brings together time-honored and proven practices in addition to the following Microsoft technologies:
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Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) 5.0 for gathering application inventory and for testing and mitigating application-compatibility issues
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Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) for migrating user settings and data
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Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) for configuring unattended Setup answer files (Unattend.xml) and capturing images
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Windows Deployment Services for starting Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) on target computers across the network
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Windows PE 2.0 for starting computers
As I write this I have a new Windows Server 2008 Standard virtual machine installing in Virtual PC that I plan to use as the deployment server. After that is installed I'll be installing MDT. Stay tuned.