Windows Deployment Services
The Windows Deployment Services is the updated and redesigned version of Remote Installation Services (RIS). Windows Deployment Services enables you to deploy Windows operating systems, particularly Windows Vista. You can use it to set up new computers by using a network-based installation. This means that you do not have to be physically present at each computer and you do not have to install each operating system directly from a CD or DVD.
What’s new in Windows Deployment Services?
Windows Deployment Services includes changes to the RIS feature set, including the following:
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Ability to deploy Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
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Windows PE is the boot operating system.
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Image-based installation, using Windows image (.wim) files.
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An extensible and higher-performing PXE server component.
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A new boot menu format for selecting boot operating systems.
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A new graphical user interface on the client computer that you use to select images.
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The Windows Deployment Services Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in and the WDSUTIL command-line tool, which enable you to configure and manage Windows Deployment Services.
Benefits of Windows Deployment Services
Windows Deployment Services provides organizations with the following benefits:
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Allows network-based installation of Windows operating systems, which reduces the complexity and cost when compared to manual installations.
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Deploys Windows images to computers without operating systems.
Supports mixed environments that include Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Server 2003. -
Built on standard Windows Vista setup technologies including Windows PE, .wim files, and image-based setup.
This Article is taken from http://msdn.microsoft.com
