Automating Dell Server Deployments with Altiris

Contact Akibia Sales

Length: 3 days

Price: $2695

Course Code: AK3100

You may enroll by calling Ron Scarborough at 508-621-4999 or email rscarborough@akibia.com.

Course Goal

This hands-on technical course introduces IT support to all aspects of automating and managing the Enterprise with Altiris server management solutions with focus on bare metal server provisioning using Altiris products encompassing the Altiris Deployment Solution.

The primary objective of the course is to enable students to install, configure, and use Altiris software and add-on modules for Dell servers. Students will identify Altiris server solutions, software components, tools, resources, services and product positioning through lecture, classroom discussions, best practice scenarios and labs.

Audience

This course is intended for individuals responsible for deploying and managing Dell servers in the Data Center.

Training Methodology

This course uses active learning to involve the students in their classroom learning and to develop practices that will encourage continuous self-learning. Students will meet the course objectives through interactive classroom discussion, focused lab exercises, self-guided research, and scenario-based exercises.

Course Scope

The course examines Dell PowerEdge Server management and deployments with the following products:

  • Altiris Notification Server
  • Management Suite for Dell Servers - Altiris Deployment Solution, Dell Deployment Pack Add-on
  • Monitor Solution for Dell Servers
  • Patch Management Solution for Dell Servers

Course Content

Upon completion, students should be able to:

  • Install, configure and use Altiris software and add-on modules for Dell Servers
  • Identify Altiris server solutions, software components, tools, resources, services and product positioning through lecture, classroom discussions, best practice scenarios and labs

Course Prerequisites

  • Firm knowledge of Enterprise hardware products
  • Understanding of hardware and software networking and configuration basics
  • Effective group discussion and presentation skills

Topic 1: Deployment Solution 6.9

  • Identify the various install options and which one is right for you
  • Identify and define the software components of Altiris Deployment Solution
  • Understand the features of Altiris Deployment Solution
  • Understand how, why and when to pre-provision a computer in the console for deployment
  • Explain the advantages/disadvantages of OS image based deployments vs. scripted OS installs
  • Explain the advantages/disadvantages of using the various supported pre-boot environments (WinPE/Linux/DOS)
  • Explain token replacement and discuss scenarios for using tokens
  • Position specific Deployment Solution products for use in Dell, HP and IBM environments
  • Identify the process of configuring and replacing Server Blades
  • Client deployment of Microsoft Vista

Topic 2: Notification Server 6.5

  • Discuss the Altiris Notification Server infrastructure and how solutions are integrated
  • Identify and define the components of Altiris Notification Server
  • Understand how Altiris solutions are licensed

Topic 3: Inventory Solution

  • Understand the basics of inventorying hardware and software in a heterogeneous environment
  • Use Inventory Solution reports for management, upgrades and budget planning

Topic 4: Monitor Solution

  • Discuss Monitor Solution for Windows
  • Discuss the Monitor Solution for Servers and its related add-ons: Monitor Packs for SQL, Exchange, as well as, Monitor Solution for Altiris Infrastructure and Dell Servers
  • Understand the real-time dashboard and performance monitor
  • Identify the protocols and methods used to gather and report historical data

Topic 5: Patch Management Solution

  • Understand how Patch Management Solution integrates with vendor websites to download bulletins, patches and upgrades
  • Learn how to automate the collection, analysis, and delivery of patches
  • Identify the Recovery Solution process to roll-back to the previous stable state

Lab 1: Deployment Solution

  • Adobe Captivate of Deployment Solution installation and configuration
  • Add servers to the eXpress database
  • Push out the aClient
  • Use Sample Jobs to capture a Disk Image
  • Deploy Windows Vista
  • If time allows, push out Disk Image
  • If time allows, migrate to Windows Vista

Lab 2: Notification Server and Inventory Solution

  • Adobe Captivate of Inventory Solution installation and configuration combined with Notification Server
  • Navigate and configure the Altiris Console
  • Deploy the Altiris Agent
  • Inventory hardware information, installed software, and operating system settings

Lab 3: Monitor Solution

  • Adobe Captivate of Monitor Solution installation and configuration
  • Use real-time monitoring to assess current operational states
  • View historical data to identify trends and isolate recurring issues
  • Manage problem tasks with integrated alert management

Lab 4: Patch Management Solution

  • Adobe Captivate of Patch Management Solution installation and configuration
  • Perform a patch assessment
  • Download bulletins
  • Apply patches and software updates
  • Use Recovery Solution to roll-back to the previous stable state