Involved components

Operating system deployment in the BMC Client Management - Software Distribution requires a number of different components and objects working together, which are listed here, and on which you can see detailed information in this manual.

TFTP and DHCP Server

A DHCP server (2003 server edition or later component) configured to use PXE and a TFTP server with a CM agent installed on it and the Windows AIK are required by the WinPE to execute the installation of the remote device. The DHCP server and TFTP server can be located on separate or on the same device as well.

Storage Device

This is a device with network shares on which the OS setup files, WIM images and custom images to be deployed can be stored. Be aware, that Windows XP has a limit for concurrent SMB connections per share so a Linux server with a samba share or a Windows Server Edition is advised. The storage device can be an independent device or it can be located on the DHCP or TFTP server.

OSD Manager

The OSD Manager is a device within a subnet which is responsible for the creation of the deployment projects and their publication to the target devices. By default the master is pre-specified as the OSD Manager, but any other device with a reasonably strong configuration fitting the previously mentioned requirements can take over this role. Only one OSD Manager can exist per subnet.

Projects

The project is the central point which collect all different elements which compose the OS deployment. Via these elements it receives all the information which is then compiled during the project build process. After this process has terminated with success the project becomes active and publishes all required information and files, that is, all required information is made available to the target devices for installation.

OSD Wizard

BMC Client Management - Software Distribution also provides a wizard which guides you through the different steps of creating the individual OSD components or even a complete OSD project for all different types of distribution.