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With medium to large-scale deployments, one challenge for administrators is how to install a standardized set of applications and end user configurations on a large number of computers as quickly as possible, while also maintaining consistency and accuracy between each machine. Imaging Suite is the first standalone enterprise-level imaging tool, commercially developed and supported, to offer a complete range of dedicated features to maintain all of an organizations Macintosh imaging requirements. The components of the Imaging Suite have been continuously developed by JAMF Software since 2002 and are now being broken out of the full Casper Suite for the first time.
Creating a picture of a computer, module by module
Imaging Suite supports using a modular approach to create and manage configurations for imaging. Many imaging tools require IT administrators to maintain a large, monolithic image for each unique software configuration they support. It is not uncommon for an administrator to maintain dozens of images. The result is an increased likelihood of inconsistencies between computers.
Imaging Suites unique modular approach to imaging allows multiple packages to be grouped together to make up a configuration. This allows the exact same package to be used for every configuration that requires it, eliminating the possibility of inconsistencies. If a particular software package receives an update, administrators can update all of their images by simply replacing the out-of-date package.
Peaceful Coexistence
Imaging Suite is designed with Dual Boot environments in mind by supporting Apples Boot Camp technology. The Imaging Suite can automatically format a hard drive with both HFS+ and NTFS partitions. The Imaging Suite will then install the Mac software configurations and Winclone images to their respective partitions.
Zero Post-Fix Time
In addition to providing the flexibility to install multiple configurations, Imaging Suite allows setting and saving specific end-user information. A number of attributes can be set and memorized for each different computer on the network:
Computer name
User and administrator accounts
Multiple directory bindings
Network configuration
Open Firmware/EFI password
Default and secondary printers
The integration of these activities reduces engineering time by allowing administrators to prepare machines in less time than traditional monolithic imaging.
Complete Automation
Using the Imaging Suites Autorun or PreStaging capabilities, computers can be imaged with little or no human interaction. PreStaging allows the administrator to prepare the deployment of hundreds or thousands of new computers from a web browser. When these computers arrive, they can be completely provisioned simply by NetBooting and letting the Imaging Suite do the rest. For computers that need to be reimaged on a regular basis, the Imaging Suite utilizes Autorun Data for reimaging computers automatically at any time.
Focus on Education
Amy Larson, Educational Account Executive at JAMF Software, comments, The Imaging Suite is an ideal solution for both K-12 and higher-education establishments where hundreds, if not thousands, of Mac clients must be imaged or re-imaged on a regular basis. This becomes a particular challenge when computers are refreshed between the old and new school years. People inside the Mac community have been asking for a supported imaging product with the assurance of ongoing development. The Imaging Suite delivers.
Blaine Mattson, Sales and Marketing Director at JAMF Software continues, With the release of the Imaging Suite, we are setting a standard for reliable, easy-to-use imaging for any organization with a considerable number of networked Macs. For the first time, IT administrators have a commercially available and professionally supported toolset that addresses all their needs for image maintenance, deployment and administration.
The Imaging Suite will be released in July, but the software is available today as part of the public beta. Details and sign up can be found at: http://www.jamfsoftware.com . As with all JAMF Software products, an education pricing policy exists for qualified academic establishments.
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