Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit Version 4.3 User's Guide

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 third‑party 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 made in only in one place.
• High flexibility for remote deployment.
• No media required.
• Faster deployment.

• Must have high-speed connectivity to network (LAN).
• Set up time is longer.