User's Manual

Introduction 19

Deployment Methods

Dell systems can be deployed using several different methods. The most

common method is using the Systems Build and Update Utility

on the

Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD that is shipped

with your system. Currently, this method is used to deploy a single system at

a time with the installation wizard.

DTK, on the other hand, offers a complete set of utilities and sample scripts,

and RPM packages that can be used to automate deployment of large

numbers of Dell systems. This guide is designed to help guide you through

some of the most basic planning considerations, logistical preparations, and

deployment procedures to get you started using DTK to deploy Dell systems.

DTK Deployment Overview

Preparing for Deployment

The deployment process can be separated into two main tasks: preparation

and the actual deployment.

For using DTK utilities and scripts to deploy to a target system in the

Windows PE environment:

Copy or extract DTK utilities, sample scripts, sample configuration files,

and drivers provided (in the zip file) to the Windows PE image.

Organize DTK utilities, scripts, and configuration files, the operating

system installation files, and the requisite system files and drivers on a

network share or local media.

Set up an optimally configured source system by using the Dell Systems

Build and Update Utility to install your operating system; and the Systems

Service and Diagnostics Tools to load drivers. (This source system will be

the master server that will be used to replicate settings onto target servers.)

NOTE: You can also obtain the latest drivers from the Dell Support website at

support.dell.com.

Edit DTK sample script files that read the system configuration files to set

up the system BIOS, BMC, RAID, and RAC and then install an operating

system on a target system.