Relationship between NS and DS
Submitted by renio on 2 April, 2008 - 01:23.
Hi all
Altiris products are rather new to me (I've been occupied with SMS/SCCM in the past) and have some questions:
It seems to me that NS and DS are not integrated at all, so I'm wondering how do you guys manage your computers from both points of view.
In other words: how do you manage the pc life cycle starting with the deployment of an (OS only) image to a new computer out of DS and continue the rollout
by installing software packages out of DS and/or NS?
Also how do you guys setup/define your software packages in DS and/or NS? I tought that if you create a package in NS that at least the DS could re-use that same package as defined in the NS database (but that's not a fact so it seems)..?
Or... am I on a wrong track with this? Am I overlooking something?
So please tell me... what are your best practices concerning DS and NS managebility on level of computers and software packages.
Thanks!
Well for us, DS starts off
Well for us, DS starts off the lifecycle by provisioning the computer image. Our base image installed the NS Agent which gives us the ability to manage it with NS once it's imaged. In NS we have Software Delivery roles setup where we can add a computer as a member of a collection and it will start installation of the desired software because of the Software Delivery tasks assigned to that collection. As far as software installation from DS jobs (used for requests to install software after the fact), we use the same script install files that are the NS server. So, we're basically running the same software packages in both systems pointing to one server. NS Software Delivery copies the folder with the install files to the computer and runs them from there, while the DS jobs run the install script directly from the server.
a couple of things
you are correct that a software package could be distrubted in either DS or NS.
If you are using the DS Web Console you could access the DS from within the NS console.
Another thing would be to get some training on DS and NS. There is a one week Client Management Suite that covers both Notification Server and Deployment Server in one week. Drop me a note if you are interested and I can route you to a class that is closest to your location adn schedule
Jonathan
OK ... I get the idea now
OK ... I get the idea now :) Thanks!
I hope I won't bump into too much hassle in between NS & DS in the near future, if so, I'll spend some more time in here ;)
I realize training is essential. Are the online trainings from Altiris any good (or just too basic)? There ain't many trainings around here in the BeNeLux :(
Try the online training
yes it is good. Also there are podcasts that you can listen to that will help out. http://learn.altiris.com will help you out.
JOnathan
Online Training
There is also the ability to attend an online instructor led Altiris Class from your home/office or a training center.
The home/office format gives you access to the lab for 24 hours from Monday start of class until Friday end of class.
The classes can be seen listed on the Altiris Website,
as well as http://www.onlc.com/altiris.asp, and http://www.netxinc.com/training.asp.
The classes are led by Altiris Certified Instructors.