The newly released Windows Vista offers various advantages when compared to previous Windows Operating System, but the migration process necessary to realize these advantages can be quite complex. It incurs not only significant costs but also requires substantial IT resources for a successful migration.
Disk-cloning tools facilitate OS migration, but the disk-cloning process can erase the user’s hard drive. As a result, all software applications, user data files, and personalized workstation settings must be re-installed. This need can be addressed by using a cloning tool that migrates user settings as part of the migration process. User migration enables the remote transfer of user desktop settings such as wallpapers, desktop icons, as well as data files.
In the migration and rollout phase, the Windows platform OS image file, application packages, and user profiles that were previously created are deployed. The process includes capturing user data and Windows settings, deploying the Windows OS on the PC, applying the appropriate post-configuration template, using application “packages” to install applications, and then restoring the user data and Windows settings.
Symantec Ghost has historically been the tool of choice for Windows migrations, as well as the industry's preferred corporate imaging and deployment solution. The latest version 2.0 has the added functionality and ease-of-use needed to help organizations migrate smoothly and efficiently, while its central management console helps organizations drastically simplify management of a diverse desktop environment.
Ghost Solution Suite 2.0 can be used on small to mid-sized organizations, or complementary to larger systems management frameworks within an enterprise to significantly save time and money when deploying, migrating, and managing systems.
