Types of images supported by a smart image – Lenovo ThinkVantage ImageUltra Builder Version 5.0 User Manual
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a faster overall deployment/installation cycle. Speed is affected by the amount
of network traffic and certain map settings.
During the deployment phase, a unique network staging-folder is created on the
network for the target computer. The person controlling the direct-network
installation (typically an IT professional) first selects the base map and driver
map. Then, only those modules required to control the installation of the
selected maps are obtained from the repository and unpacked into the
network-staging folder. When the required modules are unpacked, the person
controlling the installation makes selections from the installation menu system to
define the specific image required for the target computer. When the image is
defined, installation to the target computer automatically begins. All modules
that are required to create the image content are obtained from the repository,
unpacked dynamically to the C partition of the target computer, and run
through a series of setup programs to create the image on the target computer.
When the installation is complete, the network-staging folder is deleted from the
network. Depending on the settings in the base map being used, any of the
following actions can occur at the end of the installation process:
– Pre-existing recovery files in the service partition can be updated to contain
the complete Smart Image, thereby providing console-side recovery for any
image contained within the Smart Image.
– Pre-existing recovery files in the service partition can be updated to contain
the maps and modules required to recreate the installed image only, thereby
providing console-side recovery for the installed image only.
– Pre-existing recovery files in the service partition can be deleted, thereby
eliminating console-side recovery.
Types of images supported by a Smart Image
A Smart Image can contain three different types of images, each achieving different
levels of portability:
v
Ultra-Portable Image:
This type of image contains hardware-independent
operating-system modules, application modules, and device-driver modules that
are either developed by Lenovo or created through the ImageUltra Builder
program.
Using operating-system modules that you develop through the ImageUltra
Builder program, you can create Smart Images that can be used on virtually any
personal computer platform, regardless of manufacturer. The only limiting factor
is the licensing agreement between you and the Microsoft Corporation related to
the Product ID (PID) you assign to the operating-system module.
Using ImageUltra-developed operating system modules, you can create Smart
Images that can be used across the Lenovo branded product line of personal
computers. For a listing of Lenovo branded HIIT-enabled personal computers,
go to the ImageUltra Web site:
v
Portable-Sysprep Image:
This type of image is created by a third-party
image-cloning tool, such as Symantec Norton Ghost, Symantec DeployCenter or
Microsoft ImageX, but modified by ImageUltra Builder tools to enable the
installation of additional modules created and managed by the ImageUltra
Builder program. The additional modules can be device-driver modules to
enhance portability across various hardware platforms or application modules to
provide additional flexibility to meet the needs of individual departments.
v
Hardware-Specific Image:
This type of image is created by a third-party
image-cloning tool, such as Symantec Norton Ghost or Symantec DeployCenter.
It is a self-contained image, which does not enable the installation of additional
Chapter 1. ImageUltra Builder capabilities
3