Windows Server 2003 Automated Deployment Services

Windows Server 2003 Automated Deployment Services

Learn about Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one.

 

For information about other Windows Server technologies and services, see the complete list of Windows Server 2003 Technology Centers.

On This Page
ArticlesArticles
Webcasts and ChatsWebcasts and Chats
Customer EvidenceCustomer Evidence

Product Information

Automated Deployment Services (ADS) is add-on to Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition providing a solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. Read the Windows Operating System Setup and Deployment FAQ to find out more information on Microsoft solutions for Operating systems deployment and Systems Management.


To learn more about ADS review the ADS Technical Overview

Prior to Installation, review the ADS system Requirements


Automated Deployment Services combines the speed of traditional imaging with the flexibility of script-based installation to provide the following features and benefits:

BenefitFeature

Reduction of Server Deployment Cost

An intelligent Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) server and dynamically built deployment agent enable remote server builds of PXE-compliant bare-metal boxes, reducing the cost to deploy servers.

Consistency in Server Provisioning, Less Human Error

Through powerful task sequence-driven automation, sample task sequences can be extended to automate hardware configuration, operating system deployment, and application installation, enabling you to encode your organization's operational practices and reduce the opportunity for human error.

Flexibility and Agility Through New Imaging Tools

Powerful new tools employ knowledge of the NTFS file system structure to create smaller images that can be updated and edited without first being deployed to a server.

Powerful Mass Server Administration

Through the reliable remote execution framework, Automated Deployment Services enhances existing scripting investments and extends your ability to administer hundreds of servers.

Simpler Hardware Configuration

Using virtual floppy, Automated Deployment Services incorporates standard server vendor MS-DOS tools into the deployment process to automate hardware configuration.

Easy Integration Through a Choice of User Interfaces

Automated Deployment Services offers a simple-to-use graphic user interface, a set of command-line tools, and a rich Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) program interface. Automated Deployment Services enables point-and-click operation or integration with other solutions in your deployment process.

Consistent Record of Administrative History

Automated Deployment Services offers a centralized data store to maintain a complete history of all administrative tasks carried out using the Automated Deployment Services infrastructure.

Downloads

ADS 1.1
ADS 1.0
ADS 1.0 Technical Documentation

Related Links

Windows Operating System Setup and Deployment FAQ
ADS system Requirements
ADS Technical Overview
Hotfix: ADS Deployment Agent Builder Service
Product Support Services: ADS Technology Center
Dynamic Systems Initiative
Virtual Server 2005

Product Feedback

Help us improve ADS by sending us your product feedback, questions, or suggestions.

Send Feedback

Send your feedback in e-mail. Each message will be reviewed by a member of the ADS team, but we cannot guarantee a personal reply.

Join a Newsgroup

Have a question about ADS? Want peer-to-peer support? Join the Windows Server Setup newsgroup.

ADS Worldwide

Download ADS 1.0 Japanese
ADS Japan Technology Center

Partners Support

ADS enjoy broad industry and partner support from independent software vendors (ISVs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

ADS Independent Software Vendors
ADS Original Equipment Manufacturers

Articles

Deployment Options: Automated Deployment Services vs. Remote Installation Service

Find out which of the two Windows Server 2003 deployment solutions is right for you. This article summarizes key capabilities and distinguishing features of Automated Deployment Services and Remote Installation Services (RIS).


Webcasts and Chats

Introduction to Automated Deployment Services

View this on-demand webcast from February, 2004 for a comprehensive overview of ADS and details on its architectural design, features, and benefits.

Automated Deployment Services Webchat

Read the transcription of this webcast from January, 2004, and get an introduction to automated server deployment with ADS.

Windows Server 2003 Virtual Conference: Windows ADS

Hear Windows development team experts discuss ADS for Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition and above.

Implementing Automated Deployment Services

Save time and frustration by learning how to use Automated Deployment Services (ADS) to install operating system images on a large number of servers.


Customer Evidence

AIT: Reducing Deployment Times by 90 Percent

Through the use of ADS, Advanced Internet Technologies (AIT) saw a 90-percent decrease in server build times—from bare metal to customer-ready in 15 to 16 minutes.

Amicore: Using ADS to Save Time, Money, and Resources

Amicore simplified administration and reduced operating costs when they deployed Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition, with ADS, thereby replacing a system that required manual setup and administration.

Intensive Hosting: Reducing Server Build Times

This leading hosted service provider (a division of Rackspace Managed Hosting) used ADS to reduce server build times by 68 percent.

Microsoft Operations Technology Group: Improving Server Consistency and Speed

The Microsoft Operations Technology Group (OTG) used ADS to both improve the consistency and increase the speed with which it could build servers.

MSN: Reducing New Server Build and Deploy Time by 98 Percent

MSN has begun deployment of ADS across their network of more than 20,000 servers and reduced the time required for deployment and maintenance of computers.

Rackshack: Deploying Windows Faster

Rackshack is finding that it can deploy a Windows–based hosting service in less than half the time it takes to deploy a similarly configured Linux system by using ADS.

Top of pageTop of page