Simplifi ed web-based image management

Streamline deployment, reduce costsEnsuring a consistent software build throughout an

organization is one of the most expensive and time-consuming

tasks facing any IT organization. Challenges include not only

managing multiple images for a range of hardware platforms

but also functional groups such as marketing, fi nance and

engineering. ImageDirect can help. Through an online web

interface, ImageDirect allows you to securely create, load and

manage custom images onto the Dell PrecisionTM, LatitudeTM,

and OptiPlexTM, systems you purchase.

Benefi ts direct from DellExtending its unique build-to-order model, Dell has fully

integrated ImageDirect into its production systems so that the

images you create can be seamlessly applied to your systems

during the manufacturing process. Additionally, by allowing

you to focus on the management of a single image that works

across multiple platforms and departments and by substantially

automating much of this work, ImageDirect can streamline

image management and enable more robust client images. The

key benefi ts of ImageDirect are:

• Save Time: Using ImageDirect saves IT staff time creating

and managing images. In addition, ImageDirect automates

the process of testing and validating your image so that

it can be “factory-ready” much sooner. So when your

systems arrive from the factory, they are ready to deploy

with the image already loaded.

• Reduce Complexity: Get a single Cross-Platform Image.

ImageDirect enables you to develop a single master image

and apply it across new platforms and user groups.

• Simplify Hardware Transitions: No need to rework images

due to new hardware platform releases and transitions.

With ImageDirect, adding new platforms to an existing

image is fast and easy.

From ImageDirect to your systems with a click – Dell

Hardware Customization makes it easy to bring your new

image into our manufacturing line to be loaded on your new

PCs automatically.

How does ImageDirect work?ImageDirect’s secure, web-based interface makes it easy to

create, manage and load your custom images. Using icon-

driven functionality, the tool allows you to import, create and

manage images. You can also upload and manage components

such as applications, batch fi les and script fi les as well as

download images and drivers. Depending on your needs,

you can import and/or build images to your specifi cations.

Additionally, images can be downloaded for validation in

your environment.

• One image for current and future client systems: Develop

a single master image and apply it across new platforms

and user groups. ImageDirect supports recent and current

Microsoft® operating systems including: Windows XP®,

Windows Vista®, and Windows 7®.

• Parent/child relationship: The parent image contains the

operating system and all standard applications, while the

child images contain applications specifi c to a department;

changes to the parent image replicate to the child images,

meaning less development time and eff ort.

• Application installs from customer or Dell library: You can

upload your own applications or choose an application

from the Dell library, giving you the fl exibility of choice and

the knowledge that you can quickly and easily apply the

latest applications.

• Image validation & testing: Before deploying your image,

Dell applies its knowledge and experience, validating your

image to help ensure its integrity and that it is virus-free

and contains the latest drivers and customer selected

security patches.

Dell™ ServicesImageDirect

Get control with 24/7 accessYou can apply updates and changes at any

time, helping to ensure that you have the

most current software and patches. You

can also upload an image created locally

or through the simple step-by-step creation

process built into the tool. And the interface

has been designed for easy navigation to

direct you seamlessly through each step.

Rely on the complete security of data encryption and protectionImageDirect gives you the security you require for image management with:

• Microsoft® Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS): ImageDirect uses BITS to provide encrypted fi le transfer.

• Secure datacenter environment with user-specifi ed access levels so you can be assured that data stored in ImageDirect is

available only to individuals you authorize.

• ImageDirect automatically notifi es you of critical Microsoft security patches for you to review and apply to your images as

you deem appropriate.

Simplify your IT Deployment at dell.com/ImageDirect

Availability varies by country. To learn more, customers and Dell Channel Partners should contact your

sales representative for more information.

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registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.