Need help with system for application deployment

[MrNorth]

Hi!

I am currently helping a local company with a strategy for upgrading all their dektops to windows 7. They are also interested in a system for application deployment. Currently as I understand it they have just sent out cds with the app, or mail or fileshare. But now they want this to be administrered centrally (outsourcing) so they can keep track of each workstation and what software it has and what is available. I have these questions

1) What software/hardware is needed for distributing windows 7 to around 140 (new) PCs? I guess you create a few "master" installations for each hardware spec and then push it out to each PC.

2) What kind of software does Microsoft has to offer on application deployment that can be distributed locally? I am talking about anything from Office 2007 to a 3rd party app msi file. What software/hardware exist?

3) Are there any other vendors that offier similar functionality as MS does in 2?

4) What other major work items exist in a project as above? We already have the server and AD up and running on a 2003 server, now it is a matter of hooking up the clients and app distribution.


hoping for a swift answer

/Henrik

[dilettante]

This is really an admin topic rather than an application deployment topic, and you might get better and more complete answers from a forum site for admins.

http://www.deploymentforum.com/Commu...4/Default.aspx might be one example. http://www.appdeploy.com/messageboards/ might be another.

[JessicaD]

MrNorth,

You might want to check out the following information on various deployment tools Microsoft offers to all Software Assurance subscribers.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb899442.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...8-f4a22185ca1f

Also, Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum specifically for IT Pros located here http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...egory/w7itpro/ . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to also check the threads available there for additional assistance and feedback.

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team