SmartDeploy 2008 FAQ

What is SmartDeploy 2008?
SmartDeploy 2008 is a comprehensive Windows deployment suite that is flexible, efficient, and easy-to-use in enterprise and mid-market organizations. SmartDeploy 2008 helps to streamline and simplify Windows® deployment.
How does it work?
SmartDeploy 2008 has a component architecture that uses a patent-pending imaging method based on standard formats. You start by creating a single reference system built in a virtual machine. You can apply updates to the reference system as needed and distribute the updates as small delta files. You build Platform Packs to support your hardware environments. Using the core image with the latest updates in the form of a delta image plus the Platform Pack you can deploy to all systems across your organization. For more detailed technical information, please refer to the SmartDeploy 2008 Product Overview white paper.
How is it licensed? Much does it cost?
SmartDeploy 2008 is licensed per target computer. An advantageous discount structure is applied to volume license purchases. Specific pricing information can be found in the Prowess Store.
We don’t have enough IT people the way it is. How am I going to train my staff on this solution?
SmartDeploy 2008 is very well documented and more procedural documentation is being developed. But for experienced IT workers, very little learning will be required. SmartDeploy 2008 relies on IT workers’ existing skills like basic Windows scripting, networking, and knowledge of device management.
We have a deployment solution. Why do I need another one?
SmartDeploy 2008 can complement your existing deployment solution by removing the inefficiencies your top talent may still be struggling with. SmartDeploy 2008 also opens new paradigms of imaging through lightweight updates and image consolidation. You might find that you can reduce the infrastructure required to support your imaging program while you reduce the technical complexity of imaging.
We want to standardize our deployment solution across desktops and servers. Does SmartDeploy support both?
Yes. SmartDeploy Enterprise 2008 is intended specifically to deploy to both desktops and servers.
We’ve tried to implement a standardized solution before and none of them worked for us. What makes SmartDeploy any different?
SmartDeploy 2008 is easier to use, is more flexible, and more efficient than most conventional imaging methods. SmartDeploy 2008 will help ease adoption of a standard deployment solution because it removes the common barriers found in current solutions like extensive infrastructure requirements and significant technical complexity that requires highly specialized knowledge. SmartDeploy 2008 requires no infrastructure and it is very easy to use. The component model around which SmartDeploy 2008 was built makes it very flexible so that you can implement a successful deployment program regardless of the size of your company or the quantity and expertise of IT resources.
We’ve decided to standardize on the guidance prescribed by Microsoft® (Microsoft Deployment or Business Desktop Deployment). Does SmartDeploy work within that context?
Yes. SmartDeploy 2008 fits elegantly into the framework and guidance prescribed by Microsoft Deployment. In fact, you might find that SmartDeploy 2008 simplifies the processes and eliminates many of the compromises you may be faced with if you follow the Microsoft Deployment guidance closely.
Does SmartDeploy support Linux and UNIX?
SmartDeploy 2008 only supports Windows operating systems. Linux and UNIX support is planned for the next major release of SmartDeploy.