News

Microsoft Ships Updated Vista Deployment Tools

Microsoft has released its Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment 2007 (BDD 2007), a set of tools and guidance on how to use them to enable IT shops to deploy desktops running Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP, 2007 Microsoft Office system, or Microsoft Office 2003.

The Solution Accelerator for BDD 2007 provides guidance, sample templates, and technology files such as scripts and configuration files, according to company statements.

The solution accelerator, which is available for download, includes tools and “best practices” aimed at enabling IT professionals to create a software and hardware inventory, test applications for compatibility and to mitigate compatibility issues discovered during the process. It also enables them to set up initial lab environments with deployment and imaging servers, to customize and package applications, and to automate desktop image creation and deployment.

It also includes a framework for delivering Vista using so-called Zero Touch Installation (ZTI). ZTI uses Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS), but there is also a non-SMS solution called the Lite Touch Installation (LTI) framework.

Microsoft shipped the beta of the Solution Accelerator for BDD 2007 last summer.

BDD 2007 also introduces the Deployment Workbench, which enables users to build and manage multiple OS configurations, define network deployment points and network shares, inject drivers, attach language packs, and chain applications.

The download size varies between 27.7 MB and 55.3 MB, depending on which components are desired. It supports Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP 64-bit, and Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2.

The download is available here.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

Featured

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Google To Acquire Cloud Startup Wiz for $32 Billion

    Google has announced a pending agreement to acquire Wiz Inc., a cloud security platform, in an all-cash deal worth $32 billion.

  • FTC Expands Microsoft Antitrust Investigation Under Trump Administration

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is pressing ahead with a broad investigation into Microsoft's business practices, an inquiry that began in the final weeks of the Biden administration.

  • Microsoft to Shut Down Skype Services

    Microsoft will discontinue its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025, marking the end of the platform's decades-long run.

Most   Popular