Deployment Methods (Standard 8)
7/8/2014
Review deployment methods available for your Windows Embedded 8 Standard (Standard 8) images.
Windows Embedded 8 Standard (Standard 8) can be installed in many ways. This section describes the three supported deployment methods: from an image, from a configuration set, and from a DVD.
Every manufacturing process has advantages and disadvantages. The most suitable choice for you and your company depends on factors such as the following:
- The number and type of computers that you plan to manufacture
- Whether your manufacturing model is build-to-plan, build-to-order, or a combination of these models
- How much you customize the operating system
- How much you automate your processes
- The quality checks that you perform on both hardware components and manufactured computers
- Your company’s existing infrastructure
- Your company's growth rate and business goals
Comparison of Deployment Methods
The following table summarizes and compares the basic deployment methods, according to three features:
- Speed: The time necessary to manufacture and deliver your computers
- Volume: The number of manufactured computers you plan to deliver
- Customization: The number of automated modifications that can be made to the installed software
Method |
Description |
Speed |
Volume |
Customization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Installing from an image |
Deploy an image installation from a network share, and customize the image on the factory floor if necessary. |
Fast |
High |
High |
Installing from a configuration set |
Start destination computers from a bootable device — for example, a floppy disk or USB flash drive — and run Image Builder Wizard (IBW) from a network share. |
Slow |
Medium |
High |
Installing from a DVD |
Run IBW from the destination computer by using the Standard 8 product DVD; manually customize, audit, and reseal the installation. |
Slow |
Low |
Low |
Deployment Methods
The following section describes the general process for the image deployment method and the configuration set deployment method. You can modify the methods to fit your business needs.
Note
The Standard 8 setup process performs several verifications, which rely on the target device's date and time settings. For optimal performance, ensure that the target device is set to the correct date and time.