The BDD team have announced that Deployment 4 (the code name for the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007) has been released as BETA 3 and unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. Previously referenced as BDD.Next and Windows Server Deployment (WSD), Deployment 4 adds integration with recently released Microsoft deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and deployment, including:

  • System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Operating System Deployment
  • Windows Automated Installation Kit
  • Windows Deployment Services with new multicast technology
  • Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
  • User State Migration Tool 3.0.1
  • Windows Server 2008 Server Manager for automated server role definition (coming soon)

Deployment 4 Beta 3 combines the guidance and toolset from previous releases of Business Desktop Deployment and Beta releases of Windows Server Deployment. This release continues to support Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) of desktop operating systems using Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 with the Operating System Deployment Feature Pack and adds new deployment and task sequencing capabilities for desktops and servers using System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Deployment 4 also continues to provide Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support without infrastructure requirements and adds capabilities for Windows Server 2003 and pre-release versions of Windows Server 2008.

New features in Deployment 4 Beta 3

  • Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 support, with the following features:
    • Full support for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 deployments with Deployment 4 and Configuration Manager 2007.
    • Complete integration into the Configuration Manager 2007 admin console and task sequencing capabilities.
      • Quick start Configuration Manager 2007 operating system deployments using one wizard to create needed task sequences and packages.
      • Extends the Configuration Manager 2007 task sequencing capabilities with new actions.
    • Feature parity with BDD 2007 and SMS 2003, including dynamic package installation, automatic determination of state store location, computer backup, database settings.
  • Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support for Windows Server 2008:
    • Support for deploying Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 and potentially RC0 (to be verified after RC0 release), including support for Server Core installation options. (Windows Server 2008 TAP customers only.)
  • Lite Touch Installation (LTI) enhancements:
    • Enhanced disk and network interface cards (NICs) configuration options, including support for static TCP/IP configuration.
    • Design changes to ease the migration from LTI to Configuration Manager 2007.
    • Support for multiple task sequence templates. New sample templates include:
      • Client template: Windows Vista, Windows XP
      • Server template: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008
      • Replace scenario template
    • Ability to invoke web service calls Support for web service calls from rules
      • Web services can be invoked as part of the rules processing performed by Deployment 4, using new rules that can be defined in CustomSettings.ini.
    • Support for side-by-side installation with Deployment 4 and BDD 2007 installed on the same machine.
  • Lite Touch Installation (LTI) multicast support:
    • Deployment Workbench supports multicast transmission of operating system images when performing LTI deployments from Windows Server 2008 servers that are running Windows Deployment Services.

Where to Find Deployment 4 Beta 3

Deployment 4 Beta 3 is available as an open beta download.

To join Deployment 4 beta 3 program, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Connect Web site (http://connect.microsoft.com).
  2. Click Invitations on the Connect menu.
  3. You will need to sign in using a valid Windows Live ID before you can continue to the Invitations page.
  4. Enter your Invitation ID in the box. Your invitation ID is: BDDP-QMYH-VWTH
  5. Click Go.
  6. If you have not previously registered with Microsoft Connect, you might be required to register before you continue with the invitation process.
  7. To download Deployment 4, click Download Now.

Great work from the team getting this release out...