Desktop imaging to achieve standardization and application delivery

Abstract

From 2006 to 2007 The George Washington University designed and developed an in house desktop imaging process. The process replaced the previous method of having one image for each department on campus and relies on Novell ZENworks. The new method utilizes one "Base OS Image" and a series of add on images. This allows a computer to be imaged in the field and applications to be installed a la carte. The technician can re-base a machine and select from a list of applications to be installed with virtually no user interaction. All images are stored centrally on a network server, but can also be stored on a portable drive. This ensures only the latest and approved versions of software are being installed. Because this process only involves one OS image for all users, there is only one OS image for the imaging team to keep patched and up to date. Future developments include the ability to re-image machines remotely without losing user data and settings.