Single image ghosting with UIU 3.0
UIU version 3.0 makes it possible to create (in conjunction with an independent Cloning utility, such as Ghost, Altiris, Acronis...) a single hard-disk copy or Image that can be deployed across all Windows 2000 and XP computer platforms and configurations (including Tablet PC's) within a network environment. Subsequent loading of this clean hard-drive Image is the fastest way to restore computers compromised by viruses, spyware, bad drivers and bad data, thus making roll-outs faster than ever. Cloning was originally developed as a method of quickly backing-up and setting-up new Windows computers and rolling out applications and updates at the Enterprise level. An 'ideal' Desktop computer's software and configuration was simply captured as an Image that was then replicated onto multiple machines using cloning software. In recent years, however, the Enterprise IT landscape, has become extremely complex, with constant updates to applications, configuration software, plug-ins, intelligent chips and motherboards. This means that two otherwise identical desktop computers (let alone adding laptops to the mix) can have enough driver differences alone to cause the cloning process to render target machines inoperable without considerable manual modification. Version 3.0 of the Universal Imaging Utility (UIU) resolves this issue by simplifying the process ensuring that, when an Image is taken of the ideal machine (which was first "prepped" using the UIU), all the driver combinations required by each target machine are made available. Running UIU on the ideal machine prior to an Image being captured means error messages and 'blue screen' failures on the subsequently cloned machines are all-but eliminated. Rolling-out software updates and setting-up new desktops and laptops can be managed within a matter of minutes and the previously complex and time-consuming operation can be transformed into a simple, straightforward, fully-automated task. Licensing for UIU 3.0 is per-seat and is based on the number of computers that receive an Image which was prepared with the assistance of UIU. Corporate Pricing starts at under £11 per-seat for up to 199 computers and reduces to less than £5 per-seat for 5,000 or more licenses. Academic and government pricing is also available.
•Date: 4th August 2006• Region: UK/World •Type: Article •Topic: IT continuity |
