Microsoft Surface 3 - Manual (Page 22)

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MDT is also highly automated, with an extensive set of preconfigured scripts and a process for scripting each step of a
deployment through task sequences. Task sequences are series of steps, where each step is performed by a command
or script that advances the deployment process. It even lends this automation to the serviceability of the images it
manages. It automates the management of drivers, applications, and packages to regulate updates and changes to the
image for the easiest maintenance of images and the greatest adaptability to new requirements and situations.
Note: Regardless of your business size or scenario, MDT is the recommended solution for Windows deployment. If your
organization uses SCCM or WDS, MDT can be easily integrated without interfering with existing configurations to
provide the additional functionality and automation. For organizations already using SCCM as a management and
deployment solution, MDT extends the deployment functionality by providing wizards, scripts, templates, and a
customizable User Driven Installation (UDI) solution. For environments with WDS, MDT adds the ability to automate
image creation and servicing, management of applications during deployment, and greatly reduces the amount of
manual labor required to perform simple and regular imaging tasks.
Table 2.3 represents the factors for each of the Microsoft deployment solutions and the ranking within each on a scale
of 1 to 5.
Tool/Technology Serviceability Scalability Automation Compatibility Price
WDS     Included with Windows
Server
Windows ADK     No cost
SCCM
   
May have additional
cost
MDT     No cost
Explanation SCCM and
MDT offer the
greatest
serviceability
SCCM and
MDT offer
the greatest
scalability
SCCM and
MDT offer
the greatest
automation
SCCM and MDT
offer the
greatest
compatibility
MDT and Windows
ADK are available at no
cost.
Table 2.3: Comparison of Microsoft Deployment Solutions.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
As you learned in the Deployment Tools section earlier in this chapter , the recommended solution for Windows
deployment for any size organization is the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). With its capacity for scalability, MDT is
the right tool for the job because it enables you to manage a single image for multiple configurations of hardware and
software. Therefore, it is capable of meeting the requirements of any type of deployment. This section gives an
overview of the components in MDT and the concepts you’ll need to understand before taking a hands-on tour of MDT
in
Chapter 3 .
The Deployment Workbench
The main user interface in MDT is known as the Deployment Workbench. The Deployment Workbench is presented as a
snap-in for Microsoft Management Console (MMC). MMC is a familiar interface that IT Pros are likely to be familiar with,
as it is used for other often used tools, such as Disk Management, Services, Event Viewer, and more.