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Leverage Technology for Automated Deployment
Posted On February 3, 2012 By Kevin O'Brien
Here at Advance we are always searching for new ways to automate processes and become more efficient with our day to day tasks. We also like to help our customers do the same by automating simple things like printer deployment and software installations when possible.
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Deploying software via automated methods is nothing new but with today’s technology it’s never been easier. With some very simple tools your IT group or our Advance Network Services technicians can easily deploy print drivers to workstations with little or no input from the end user. Using methods such as these reduces downtime and ensures that software such as print drivers remain highly available. If a PC goes down and a complete reinstall is necessary, then print drivers will still be automatically deployed. It’s a small piece but every little bit helps.
There are many options for print deployment such as batch files, VB Script, and the Microsoft Print Management utility. Each method has its pros and cons but by far the most widely used today is the Microsoft Print Management utility. Since Server 2003 R2 the software was an option and requires only minor steps to enable and is now even easier to use in Server 2008. The snap-in allows for the administrator to deploy printers via a GPO (Group Policy Object) in a graphical environment with a few clicks of the mouse.
We have previously blogged about our OnSite & Online program which allows for Advance devices to be configured prior to arrival and deployed remotely on a client’s network. It’s the remote deployment techniques that I have mentioned that have helped make the OnSite & Online program a reality. Our technicians can now effectively install, configure, and deploy devices in record time to make your devices available when you need them. Advance Network Services technicians are always available to answer any questions regarding deployment methods in your organization.