Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) is a free tool that lets system administrators deploy Windows operating systems to a large number of computers in a network, without needing access to each individual machine.
MDT works by creating Windows operating system “images” that behave as a normal computer would, which can then be deployed to servers and other devices, laptops, PC’s, tablets, mobiles, etc.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit supports the deployment of Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server.
MDT is especially useful for those businesses that are looking to deploy several instances of Windows as virtual workstations across multiple devices and being operated from a single console or central dashboard.
Benefits of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
There are several benefits to using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), aside from the product being free to download with no subscription charges.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is highly configurable and if you have the time and technical knowledge, it can be customised to operate in exactly the way that is needed to suit the purpose of your business.
Furthermore, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit integrates well with other MS applications and the required maintenance is very low, meaning that system admins only have to patch the virtual machines on a very infrequent basis. Compared to other products on the market, MDT is also relatively simple to operate.
What is a Virtual Machine and How Does it Work?
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is capable of deploying virtual machines across a large number of instances, but what exactly is a virtual machine, how do they work and what is the advantage of using them?
A virtual machine is basically a computer file, normally referred to as an “image” that acts in the same way as a real computer.
A virtual machine runs in its own window and is a completely separate computing environment. So a virtual machine could be running a different operating system, or even behaving as a user’s computer in itself—when the user accesses the virtual machine, their whole experience of the “computer” is confined to the image that is being generated by the host machine.
In business, this is highly useful because you can have one central host machine that deploys multiple instances of an operating system to computers that may only have minimal software and hardware installed.
Useful Features of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
There are several useful features with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit that are core to the system’s operation. These include:
Automated Task Sequences
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit operates from task sequences that serve as a set of instructions on how to deploy a Windows image.
Similar to a set of instructions for assembling flat-pack furniture, but in this case, the task sequence is a set of instructions for assembling a Windows operating system in exactly the right configuration for the user or member of staff who will be working on it.
The task sequences in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit mean that the deployment process can be fully automated.
Customised Rules
With Microsoft Deployment Toolkit the rules on how each virtual workstation operates can be fully customised.
This means you can have different configurations for security settings and network access for each user group or department within your business.
So for example, the security settings for a sales vendor may be different to those in management and these would all be set up by a customised set of rules for each instance of the virtual desktop.
Central Dashboard
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit features a central dashboard called the deployment workbench where you can manage and create the images and task sequences needed.
The workbench provides all the useful features at your fingertips although it is not the most user-friendly interface and can be a lot to deal with for already overburdened IT staff and department managers.
MDT vs WaaS (Workstation as a Service)
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is great if you have the time and training required to manually configure and maintain each virtual workstation your staff will use.
This includes all the necessary adjustments to the settings, along with any maintenance that is required such as patching systems and troubleshooting when things don't work as planned.
For many businesses, a more credible option is to adopt a fully managed solution, such as Workstation as a Service (WaaS), so they can benefit from all the advantages this brings. These include
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Existing IT staff are free to focus on day-to-day operations
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No extra training required
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Fully scalable and dynamic—extra capacity can be easily upgraded or downgraded when needed
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Live monitoring of all virtual workstations and networks
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Built-in cybersecurity systems
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Dedicated teams of engineers to operate the system and fix any issues that arise
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24/7 support from experienced professionals
Get in Touch With Lyon Tech
At Lyon Tech, we provide a range of fully managed IT solutions to give businesses the edge in their industries.
This includes:
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Workstation as a Service (WaaS)
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Virtual Desktops and Desktop as a (Service DaaS)
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Cloud storage solutions
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Cybersecurity monitoring
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24/7 technical support
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IT governance
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Live infrastructure monitoring
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Data communications
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Virtual graphics processors and virtual CPU platforms
At Lyon Tech, we provide the technology and dedicated professionals to allow businesses to operate a streamlined and dynamic working process, with reduced costs and fully scalable to suit their needs.
If you are looking for technological solutions to advance your business, get in touch with our friendly team today and we can discuss which options are best for you.
To see how MDT compares with Microsoft Intune, you can find more information here.
