The iMX Workstation Provisioning module extends SCCM and MDT to provide a truly dynamic desktop deployment solution, integrating with hardware/software asset management information as well as user identity information.
An example – If a computer is built in New York for an employee in Human Resources, then during the imaging process (through iMX) the predefined settings for New York (such as Organizational Unit, computer naming format, etc.) will be applied to the machine based on its Active Directory site – and then the HR specific software such as an HRIS client will be automatically installed based on the user’s job title in Active Directory.
Features
Intelligent Computer Auto-Naming iMX will automatically name computers using a naming pattern that is assigned to the location (defined as one or more AD sites or IP subnets). The iMX computer naming syntax uses substitution characters that allow computer naming based on location, platform (e.g. laptop/desktop), serial number, assigned user ID, assigned user name, ordinal number, or PC asset tag (from iMX asset management).
Web-based Configuration. The desktop image configuration can be securely managed through an easy-to-use web interface, greatly simplifying updates and changes that must occur as offices are relocated or added.
Application of Imaging Settings based on AD Site. Image settings (such as computer naming format, Organizational Unit, Windows locale, keyboard mappings, Administrator group members, etc.) may be managed in the iMX web interface and associated with locations. A location may be based on one or more AD sites or IP subnets – similar to SCCM site boundaries. Systems that are imaged in that location will automatically receive the appropriate settings for the network location in which they are imaged.
Automated Re-Installation of Software Applications during Re-Image (Software Correlation). Leveraging the iMX software catalog which identifies inventory criteria for each package, prior software applications can be automatically re-installed during a re-image based on the system’s prior client record in SCCM.
Asset Management Integration. The iMX workstation provisioning module integrates with asset management to further a dynamic desktop solution. Asset fields may be leveraged in desktop deployment – such as the asset number in the computer name, or a software load based on the machines location. For example, PC assets located in the training room (based on asset location fields) can automatically receive the training software when imaged/re-imaged.
Software Load based on Assigned User’s Job Title or Department (in AD). Through a PC asset’s assigned user, iMX can query Active Directory user attributes during the imaging process to decide what software to install. With the iMX Identity Management module, standardization of these attributes can be ensured by synchronizing AD with an external data source such as HR.
Global Installation Sequence including “Run Last”. With various iMX rules and features participating in the decision of what software to install, the installation order can become extremely important. iMX allows definition of a global installation order to ensure a consistent installation sequence.
ZTI Package Installation Monitor for SMS. For SMS customers, iMX provides a “Package Monitor” for ZTI that shows real-time percent complete progress of package installations during the State Restore OSD phase, and provides the ability to terminate unresponsive installations.
Pre-Image Analysis Reports. Through iMX reports, a pre-imaging assessment can be performed against a computer to see how it will be configured, what will be installed or re-installed, and any potential issues – before a re-image is attempted.
Post-Image QA Assessment Reports. Post-image, a report can be ran that shows all software that should have been installed during the imaging process and verify whether it is present on the new system, based on inventory.
SCCM Task Sequence Integration via MDT. Leveraging the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) integration for SCCM, iMX integrates with an SCCM deployment task sequence via preconfigured actions – and just replaces the back-end MDT database to drive properties into the imaging process.