Windows Deployment Stuff : BDD 2007

MD is no more... long live MDT 2008!!

Jason Stiff — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:45:47 GMT

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and BDD 2007 are now Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008-Ready!

Microsoft® Deployment Toolkit 2008—Unified Tools and Guidance for Desktop and Server Deployment Automation. Download it today!

We are pleased to announce that Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 has been released! This is an update to Microsoft Deployment, released in November 2007.

MDT 2008 extends existing functionality to deploy Windows Vista® SP1 and Windows Server® 2008 for both Lite Touch and Zero Touch deployments using Systems Management Server 2003* and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007. This release of MDT supports Windows AIK 1.1 and configuration of Active Directory® directory service, DNS, and DHCP server roles. To learn more and download the latest content, go to http://www.microsoft.com/deployment.

* ZTI with SMS 2003 does not support deployment of server operating systems

Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Update 2—Automate Deployment of Windows Vista SP1. Download it today!

This update to Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 adds support to deploy Windows Vista SP1 for both Lite Touch Installation and Zero Touch Installation using Systems Management Server 2003. This release requires Windows AIK 1.1. To learn more and download the latest content, go to Microsoft Download Center.

Related Resources

Microsoft Deployment Team Blog

System Center Configuration Manager on Microsoft TechNet

System Center Configuration Manager evaluation software on Microsoft TechNet

Windows Server 2008 on Microsoft TechNet

Windows Vista Springboard Series

Microsoft Deployment Released!

Jason Stiff — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:03:39 GMT

Unified Tools and Guidance for Desktop and Server Deployment Automation. Download it today!

We are pleased to announce the official release of the Microsoft Deployment Solution Accelerator! Microsoft Deployment is the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007. Microsoft Deployment, the fourth generation deployment accelerator, enables deployment of servers and desktops. Its tools and end-to-end guidance reduce deployment time, standardize desktop and server images, limit service disruptions, reduce post-deployment help desk costs and improve security and ongoing configuration management.

Microsoft Deployment follows the trend for unified deployment tools across desktops, servers, and applications. This release represents an exciting opportunity for thousands of current BDD 2007 users to easily adopt Microsoft Deployment’s new capabilities for Windows Server® imaging and deployment automation. At the same time, Microsoft Deployment continues to enhance Windows Vista® and 2007 Office system deployment using new technologies, like System Center Configuration Manager 2007 or the new multicast feature in Windows Deployment Services.

Microsoft Deployment adds integration with recently released deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and deployment, including:

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Operating System Deployment
System Center Operations Manager
Windows Automated Installation Kit
Windows Deployment Services with new multicast technology
Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
User State Migration Tool 3.0.1
2007 Office system
Windows Server 2008 Server Manager for automated server role definition
Systems Management Server 2003 with the Operating System Deployment Feature Pack

Accelerator Features

Microsoft Deployment is the recommended process and toolset to automate desktop and server deployment. It provides detailed guidance and job aids for every organizational role involved with large-scale deployment projects. This release continues to provide automation options to satisfy a broad range of organizations – Lite Touch Installation (LTI) with minimal infrastructure requirements up to the enterprise-class Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) option using new System Center Configuration Manager 2007 deployment features. The new Deployment Workbench tool in Microsoft Deployment offers enhanced flexibility for defining deployment task sequences. Customizable and easy-to-use deployment task sequence templates are provided for client and server deployment.

New Features in this Release

This release marks the first in a series of three Microsoft Deployment releases planned between now and Summer 2008. It focuses on integration with new deployment features in Configuration Manager 2007 as well as features and guidance to support server deployment. Future updates to Microsoft Deployment will add further support for Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista SP1, and System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 releases.

Microsoft Deployment delivers additional value to Configuration Manager 2007 users by adding complete integration into the Configuration Manager 2007 administrator console and task sequencer as a product extension. Microsoft Deployment combined with Configuration Manager 2007allows users to:

Dynamically install packages
Automatically determine user state store locations
Back up computers and database settings
Install to computers unknown to the Configuration Manager 2007 database
Perform offline patching
Install language packs offline and online
Monitor deployments using an updated Operations Manager 2007 Management Pack

In addition to the new integration with Configuration Manager 2007, Microsoft Deployment also enhances the Lite Touch Installation for deploying desktops and servers. This release allows LTI users to:

Deploy pre-release versions of Windows Server 2008, including support for Server Core installation options.
Automate server role definition using Server Manager.
Configure disk and network interface cards (NICs), including static TCP/IP configuration.
Migrate from LTI to Configuration Manager 2007.
Create custom task sequences or modify task sequences based on new templates for:

Client template: Windows Vista, Windows® XP
Server template: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008
Replace scenario template

Invoke Web service calls from rules.
Deploy operating system images using the new multicast feature in Windows Server 2008 Windows Deployment Services.

Where to Find Microsoft Deployment

Microsoft Deployment is available as a free download on the Microsoft Download Center.

The Microsoft TechNet Desktop Deployment Center and the new Server Deployment Center host the Microsoft Deployment process guidance for online reading.

BDD is no more... long live MD!

Jason Stiff — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:25:16 GMT

"We are pleased to announce the RC1 release and new name for the fourth generation deployment Solution Accelerator, Microsoft Deployment. The current generation of automated deployment tools from Microsoft is increasingly unified; the same tools, utilities and products in many cases offer support and functionality for desktop and server deployment tasks. Following the trend of unified tools, the Business Desktop Deployment team has incorporated new functionality and guidance to support automated server deployment in addition to desktop deployment capabilities. This expanded feature set, with its guidance and ability to automate installation of Windows client and server operating systems – as well as applications – has effectively outgrown the current name, Business Desktop Deployment. Previous Beta releases have been using the code name “Deployment 4” to refer to Microsoft Deployment before the name was finalized.

Microsoft Deployment is the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007. It unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. Microsoft Deployment adds integration with current Microsoft deployment technologies – System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Windows Deployment Services, and the Windows Automated Installation Kit – to create a single path for image creation and automated installation. Microsoft Deployment 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
2007 Office system
Windows Server 2008 Server Manager for automated server role definition

This release candidate also offers an enhanced Microsoft Connect portal including technical frequently asked questions, deployment tips and tricks, a recommended 10-step program for new users to quickly get acquainted with deployment accelerators, customer-ready Solution Accelerator informational materials, and deployment-related conference presentations. Microsoft Deployment is available as an open beta download.

Join the Microsoft Deployment Connection program on Microsoft Connect.

If you are already registered for the program, click here.If you have not previously registered with Microsoft Connect, you might be required to register before you continue with the invitation process.

Microsoft Deployment 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. Microsoft Deployment 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 Microsoft Deployment

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 support, with the following features:

Full support for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 deployments with Microsoft Deployment 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.
Extension of 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, and database settings.
Installation support for computers unknown to the Configuration Manager 2007 database
Added support for offline patching
Support for offline and online language pack installation
Deployment monitoring:

Updated Management Pack for System Center Operations Manager 2007

Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support for Windows Server 2008:

Support for deploying Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 and potentially RC1 (to be verified after RC1 release), including support for Server Core installation options.
Automated server role definition using Server Manager

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 Microsoft Deployment, using new rules that can be defined in CustomSettings.ini.

Support for BDD 2007 upgrade or side-by-side installation with Microsoft Deployment.

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."

Announcing "Deployment 4" Beta 3 for Desktops and Servers

Jason Stiff — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:31:36 GMT

Deployment 4 is the code name for the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 and unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. For the thousands of IT professionals already trained on BDD 2007, Deployment 4 requires minimal extra training to perform large-scale Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 deployments, while offering a further enhanced desktop deployment experience. 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)

Enhanced Beta Program on Microsoft Connect

This Beta release also offers an enhanced Microsoft Connect portal including technical frequently asked questions, deployment tips and tricks, a recommended 10-step program for new users to quickly get acquainted with deployment accelerators, customer-ready Solution Accelerator informational materials, and deployment-related conference presentations.

Accelerator Description

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 part of the Windows Server 2008 Beta and TAP Programs. It is also available as an open beta download.

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

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

To download Deployment 4, click Download Now.

This beta release is an exciting update, bringing both client and server deployment methodologies together using the same deployment guidance and best practice as well as integrating with the soon to be available System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM 2007). I look forward to playing with this new release.

Desktop Deployment Summit - 18th September

Jason Stiff — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:11:58 GMT

With Windows Vista and Office 2007 now well established, many organisations are reviewing when and how to migrate to Windows Vista and Office 2007. As part of our Windows Vista & Office 2007 deployment awareness events here in the UK, we are holding the Microsoft Desktop Deployment Summit in association with QA-IQ and Camwood on Tuesday 18th September 2007 at Microsoft's Thames Valley Park HQ in Reading. This FREE event gives businesses the opportunity to understand how they can prepare to deploy and the toolsets available to assist in their deployment projects.

Register for this free event here. Content is delivered by deployment specialists from the Microsoft Deployment Center of Excellence and our partners QA-IQ and Camwood. The agenda for the day is:

09:00 – 09:30 Registration & Coffee

09:30 – 09:35 Welcome

09:35 – 10:05 Keynote "Deployment Challenges”

10:05 – 10:35 BDD 2007 Methodology – Keith Baker, Deployment Technical Specialist, Microsoft

10:35 – 10:50 Break

10.50 – 12.00 BDD 2007 Technical Walk Through – Mark Cresswell, Technical Instructor, QA-IQ & Jason Stiff, Deployment Technical Specialist, Microsoft

12.00 – 12.40 Lunch

12:40 – 12:55 BDD 2007 Session Follow-up and Q&A - Mark Cresswell, Technical Instructor, QA-IQ, Keith Baker, Deployment Technical Specialist, Microsoft & Jason Stiff, Deployment Technical Specialist, Microsoft

12:55 – 13:55 Office 2007 Compatibility – Discussion and Demonstration – Steve Green, IW Technical Specialist, Microsoft & Steve Reay, Senior IT Program Manager, Microsoft

13:55 – 14:10 Break

14:10 – 15:10 Office 2007 Deployment – Discussion and Demonstration – Steve Green, IW Technical Specialist, Microsoft & Steve Reay, Senior IT Program Manager, Microsoft

15:10 – 15:55 Application Remediation – Preparing applications for migrating to Windows Vista - Camwood

16:00 – 16:15 Close

So find out how to make deployment easier and register today.

Desktop Deployment Planning Services for Windows Vista and Office 2007 Deployment

Jason Stiff — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:37:00 GMT

As a deployment specialist, in my opinion DDPS is one of the most useful yet underutilized Software Assurance benefits available to customers with SA. The numbers of customers entitled to the benefit but are either unaware if its impact, not aware of what it is or whether they are even entitled to it has surprised me to say the least. Any organization looking at deploying Windows Vista/XP or the Microsoft Office system 2007/2003 can't afford not to explore the benefits DDPS has to offer. One of the largest cost elements when managing a desktop infrastructure is labour costs. The traditional manual approach costs time, money and is by its nature resource intensive, so minimizing this impact is very important. Automating the processes can result in higher productivity, lower the cost of your infrastructure and help you realize the return on your software investment.

DDPS offers 1, 3, 5, 10 or 15 day engagements (dependant on your SA value). Based around the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007, it provides the guidance around the tools, technologies and best practice processes enabling businesses to plan, execute and achieve the most cost effective desktop environment. DDPS is delivered by certified deployment consultants from our one of our participating Microsoft services partners or Microsoft Consulting Services ensuring high quality, successful engagements.

If finding a better way to manage and deploy your desktop infrastructure is high on your priority list then see what DDPS can do for you at http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/sa/benefits/deployment.mspx

Partners

The Desktop Deployment Planning Service collateral, deployment tools and guidance has been updated for Windows Vista and 2007 Office. With the recent release of the associated Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Solution Accelerator, partners can continue to deliver high-quality, high-impact optimized desktop deployment engagements of our latest products.

The DDPS demo environment and engagement materials were released February 16th. This includes decks, documents, deliverables, VPCs and how-to documentation.

What's new in DDPS v2.0?

Updated Tools and Guidance

New process/design oriented structure (Plan, Build, Deploy, Operate)
BDD 2007 support
BDD Workbench, Windows Automated Installation Toolkit, System Image Manager, Windows PE 2.0, SMS 2003 SP2/3 etc.
Office 2007 and Windows Vista support (including Office Migration and Planning guidance)
Application Compatibility Toolkit v5

Updated Deployment Cost Calculator

2007 Office and Vista deployment scenarios
Updated localized costs and productivity metrics
Updated calculations for USMT, SoftGrid packaging and testing applications

Microsoft Desktop Optimization modules

SoftGrid, Asset Metrics, Forefront

Licensing and Activation modules

Windows Activation
Decision matrices for product and SKU selection

New Certification Exam

70-624

Updated Demo Environment

Up-to-date patches (as of production)
2007 Office and Vista
BDD 2007 (RTM) and WAIK tools
Lite-Touch, Zero-Touch, and Baremetal scenarios
SoftGrid

We have created updated collateral that includes the description, guidance and promotion of both content versions of DDPS. This updated starter kit, and all updated collateral is available on the DDPS Partner Portal.

Deploying Windows Vista

Jason Stiff — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:56:03 GMT

"For the first time since Windows NT, Microsoft has dramatically improved how users, enterprises, PC makers, and OEMs configure, install, and deploy Windows. New capabilities, such as offline servicing and the ability to create just one install image for multiple hardware configurations, make Windows deployment easier than ever. But if you're an IT administrator who'll need to deploy Windows Vista either now or in the future, you've got a lot to learn."

Paul Thurrott's article is a great read. It gives a great insight into how Windows Vista has changed the face of operating system deployment and how the tools and OS architecture have achieved this. Although Paul goes into some detail around the deployment tools, there is no mention of BDD 2007, even though this is the preferred model of deployment for most organizations. BDD 2007 takes the tools covered in Paul's article and incorporates them into one easily managed framework.

For more info on BDD 2007 take a look at the technet site http://www.microsoft.com/technet/desktopdeployment/bdd/2007/default.mspx