User's Manual
Deployment Methods Complexity Advantages Disadvantages
deployment solution
framework.
• Third-party
deployment solution
framework is used
as the deployment
transport
mechanism.
• Tasks and scripts
can be pushed to the
target systems.
deployment solution
framework.
PXE boot for Linux High
• Everything is in one
place on a network
share.
• Easy to manage—
changes have to be
made in only in one
place.
• High flexibility for
remote deployment.
• No media required.
• Faster deployment.
• Must have high-
speed connectivity
to network (LAN).
• Set up time is longer.
After you have determined which deployment method best suits the needs of your organization, you are ready to begin
building the DTK deployment directory structure on a network volume. For instructions on installing the DTK components
and populating the deployment directory structure, see Preparing The Script Files.
DTK Deployment Overview
The deployment process can be separated into two main tasks: preparation and the actual deployment. For more details,
see Preparing For Deployment and Deploying.
Preparing For Deployment
For using DTK utilities and scripts to deploy on a target system:
1. On systems running Windows, copy or extract DTK utilities, sample scripts, sample configuration files, and drivers
provided (in the zip file) to the Windows PE image. On systems running Linux, obtain the DTK Linux ISO image,
which is a self-contained bootable ISO image.
2. On systems running Windows, 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. On systems running
Linux, use and customize the sample scripts per your requirements.
3. Set up an optimally configured source system by using the Dell Systems Build and Update Utility on the
Dell
Systems Management Tools and Documentation
DVD (to install your operating system) and the Systems Service
and Diagnostics Tools
(to load drivers). This source system acts as the master server that is used to replicate
settings to target servers.
NOTE: You can also download the latest drivers from support.dell.com.
4. Generate a system BIOS, BMC (Baseboard Management Controller), RAID, and/or RAC configuration profile from
the optimally configured source system. Copy the generated configuration files to a read/write share onto the
workstation.
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