We’ve all heard the mantra: cloud, cloud, and more cloud. But sometimes, the tried-and-true methods are a better fit. KACE in point: Windows imaging with the KACE Systems Deployment Appliance (SDA). Some organizations aren't ready to fully commit to the cloud—whether due to limited resources or compliance requirements keeping them grounded. Today, we’ll explore why the KACE SDA is an ideal solution for provisioning one or many devices locally, without relying on the cloud. We’ll also examine the benefits of traditional imaging versus modern enrollment-based provisioning.
Traditional Imaging: Precision and Control
Traditional imaging has been a staple in IT for many years. It involves creating a “golden image” that contains the operating system, drivers, applications, and configurations required for a device. This image is then deployed across multiple devices, ensuring consistency and control over the setup process. Whereas modern cloud based provisioning is taking an existing system and modifying it on the fly. While there are benefits to modern device enrollment platforms today we will look at the benefits of traditional imaging.
Benefits of Traditional Imaging:
Consistency: Ensures that every device has the same configuration, reducing variability and potential issues.
Control: IT departments maintain complete control over the contents of the image, which can be crucial for compliance and security.
Less Bandwidth: For sites with low bandwidth, traditional imaging still works effectively, as the image is deployed locally rather than over the internet.
Disaster Recovery: In the event of a ransomware attack, time is critical. Deploying a clean, known-good image across your systems will get you back up and running faster. [Read more on disaster recovery with KACE]
KACE Systems Deployment Appliance Features
The KACE Systems Deployment Appliance is key to unlocking time savings and simplifying device management. Here are the top five benefits that can help elevate your IT operations:
1Comprehensive Driver Feed: Say goodbye to managing separate images for different device types. With built-in support for Dell, HP, and Lenovo, a single image can cater to multiple hardware vendors by automatically injecting the correct drivers. Plus, our driver feed tool supports even non-traditional hardware, allowing you to upload any necessary drivers seamlessly.
2.Future-Proof Imaging: Stay ahead with full support for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Servers. With secure boot technology, the KACE SDA ensures your systems are prepared for both current and future needs.
3. Multi-Site Support: The Remote Site Appliance allows you to image devices both locally and at remote sites without needing additional licensing. Simply deploy as many Remote Site Appliances as necessary, link them back to your main KACE SDA, and manage images from a central location.
4. Automated Deployment: Set up an imaging job and let the KACE SDA handle the rest. By automating the deployment process, you can focus your efforts elsewhere, improving workflow efficiency and productivity.
5. Offline Deployments:Whether sending an image backup home with a remote worker or addressing imaging needs at a small remote site, creating an offline image is easy. With just a few clicks, generate a bootable offline image complete with the operating system, drivers, and applications, and load it onto a flash drive.
Bonus: With the KACE SDA's custom deployment feature, you can securely wipe devices, capture user states, or quickly recover from an outage. [Learn more about custom deployment here]
Making the move to the cloud is a good choice for however for many a hybrid approach is best. With the KACE you can still image those systems with greater precision, control and efficiency, and recovery from ransomware of other outages quickly when needed. Consider the KACE Systems Deployment Appliance today if you're looking for a robust imaging tool that simplifies device management. [Try the KACE SDA] and discover how it can benefit your organization.
