Options for Servicing a Run-Time Image
5/10/2007
There are several ways you can update a deployed run-time image. The following table shows the different servicing options:
| Servicing Option | Description | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
Re-imaging |
Completely replace the existing run-time image with an updated run-time image. |
Can thoroughly test and verify the updated run-time image before it is redeployed. |
Must rebuild and redeploy new run-time images to all existing devices. |
Automatic Incremental Updates |
Use a servicing mechanism, such as DUA, SUS, or SMS to make incremental updates to an existing run-time image. For more information about supported servicing mechanisms, see Comparison of Servicing Solutions. |
Updates are automatically applied to your run-time images. |
An administrator must set up, configure, and test the servicing mechanism in their environment. Run-time images must be available on the network to receive updates. |
Manual Incremental Updates |
Manually install files, registry keys, and applications to an existing run-time image. |
Can control exactly what files, registry keys, and applications are installed. |
Requires an administrator to update every device. Can be time consuming. |
The appropriate servicing solution depends on the specifications of the device. For example, re-imaging a run-time image is typically suited for devices that do not contain bootable media and must boot over a network, such as RAM Boot images.
Automatic incremental updates are most practical for an enterprise environment where scripting resources are available and where the deployed devices are networked. You can use one of the supported servicing solutions (DUA, SMS, or SUS) or you can create your own servicing solution. For more information about device servicing strategies, see Servicing.
Manual incremental updates are useful if you have a variety of run-time images on multiple device types and a single update will not apply to all of your devices. By manually installing the updates, you can verify that each run-time image is updated appropriately.
See Also
Concepts
Systems Management Server (SMS)
Other Resources
Run-Time Image Servicing
Manage and Service a Run-Time Image
Device Update Agent
Software Update Services (SUS)
Deploy a Run-Time Image