Users Guide

Deployment Methods Complexity Advantages Disadvantages
• Can install supported
Windows or Linux
operating systems.
Deployment solution
framework from a
third‑party vendor
Mixed
• DTK can be used in
context of third-party
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.
Must either acquire and
learn to use or have an
existing third-party
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.
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