Systems Management

Is this any use?

If it helps, I use SCCM but the OS deployment is a bit tricky in it. We even have a CBT training package which outlines the process in great detail and the line I love the most is where he says that we are embarking down a difficult, frustrating and trial and error process. OS deployment is definitely a tricky thing, mostly due to the drivers.

I much prefer the MDT2010 (BDD), which is a free product. If you're a Dell shop like we are you can download the "Dell Driver Pack" for each newer machine in one easy download and import drivers into MDT2010 much easier than older methods.

I clicked on this hoping to find WDS information though, as we are about to upgrade some servers and I'm also wondering if WDS would be helpful. Guess I'll learn about WDS another day. ;)

The short answer is: It depends.

If you want to use PXE to get an image down to a machine, then you need WDS. If you only care about using SCCM to deploy images, then you don't need WDS. Just keep in mind that if you go PXE-less, you'll have to use an imaging disc to get any machine that does not have a functional SCCM client to download an image. It can be painful, but WDS isn't necessary.

A bit late but the answer is no you do not need to configure WDS. WDS has to be installed for the service to run. Then install SCCM PXE Service Point. We are doing it this way.
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