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Prior to moving on to installation of Windows Server 2003, several other innovations should be highlighted. Specifically, the manner in which IntelliMirror, Remote OS Installation, and System Management Server interplay may affect the way Windows Server is installed and administered.
IntelliMirror technology should be regarded as a collection of functions rather than a specific application. Microsoft simply calls IntelliMirror the "follow me" function. In an Active Directory environment, system settings, applications, and data will move with the user regardless of which physical computer system the user logs on to. IntelliMirror was built on the original Zero Administration Initiative in order to minimize management costs associated with user frustration in moving between computers or coping with system failures. For example, if a user accidentally removes a critical dynamic-link library (.dll), IntelliMirror can be configured to seek out that component and automatically reinstall it when the application is launched. Yet another example is a user who moves between physical locations, as is common for consulting, sales, and technical support personnel. When such a user logs on to a computer in a different location, IntelliMirror will launch the same desktop environment and data access as would be available in the home office. In the broadest terms, IntelliMirror provides three basic functions:
Management of desktop settings including any customizations and restrictions
Software maintenance and installation including configuration, repair, and application removal known as the Software Installation and Maintenance Feature
User data access and management including policies that define properties and the location of user folders
Remote OS Installation is a set of technologies that supports administration of Windows Server 2003 client installation and configuration. It supports the new Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) remote boot technology, which requests an installation of Windows XP from a delegated server. (Using Remote OS Installation is not recommended for Windows Server 2003 because of the number of configuration issues involved.) The specific application of these technologies is discussed in the next chapter. Coupled with IntelliMirror, Remote OS Installation facilitates the rollout of the Windows Server 2003 operating system and then automatically creates and maintains end-user applications and settings.
The final ingredient in the scenario is the optional System Management Server (SMS version 2.0 with Service Pack 2 or higher), which is discussed in greater detail in Chapter 17. SMS can be used to perform enterprise-wide inventory and troubleshooting. This includes management of systems other than Windows Server.
Each of these technologies offers the system administrator different advantages. The Remote OS Installation permits automatic installation and repair of Windows XP client systems. IntelliMirror provides a "just-in-time" approach to software installation and user environment management. SMS provides an advanced set of just-in-time applications for application deployment and system management. A system administrator should take a careful look at each of these technologies and apply them to more efficient management of client environments.
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