Compaq dc5100 - Microtower PC Development Manual page 11

the sheer number of additional drivers to test, qualify and keep current, vastly complicating root-cause issues.
This approach can also lead to a significantly larger image size.
c. Combination – A single solution cannot be predictable for every need. Sharing product architecture across a
product family makes sense to help IT professionals reduce the image management churn. While many user
needs can be put into a common architecture bucket, every corporation will have user needs outside of the
standard bucket. For example, some users will require very advanced graphic solutions while others will
require specialized peripherals. Servicing these users will require corporate image adjustments. HP believes
that customers want PC design simplicity yet require flexibility to adapt to their unique needs. Our innovative
hardware designs allow IT professionals to simplify their image development to create a combination
common image.
What is HP doing in the area of Common Image?
For desktops, The HP Compaq dc7100 product family shares a common integrated architecture allowing IT
professionals to easily manage and deploy a shared image across their environment.
HP Professional Services are available. The HP PC Custom Solutions (PCCS) organization can work with you
to consult on common image creation. HP PCCS has vast experience with HP hardware and common image
creation to solve your complex needs and simplify your work. Contact your HP Account Manger to engage
with the HP PCCS organization.
HP provides white papers, manageability tools and ready access to software which ease image creation
and management.
Can a common image be created and shared across both desktop and notebook products?
It is possible. While HP does not deliver a common image compatible between both desktop and notebook
systems, we do have customers who are deploying common images across these systems in their
environments. There are some technical differences between desktop and notebook architecture that must be
taken into consideration prior to creating common images across these products. The HP PCCS organization
can help you deliver this solution in your environment. Contact you HP Account Representative for more
information on how to contact HP PCCS.
How can I ensure that I have the proper license to build and deploy a common image?
Contact your Microsoft licensing representative.
Can I build an image that will work on desktop products in other product families?
Yes, see the Extending the process section of this document for details.
Can I build a common image that will work on PCs from different manufacturers?
No. When you purchase a product from a hardware vendor such as HP, your license for the operating
system is tied to that vendor's hardware. In addition, Windows Product Activation will detect the hardware
differences and prompt users to register their operating system with Microsoft. There could be some instances
where this could be technically possible but would require use of Microsoft volume license operating system
software as a base image. Contact Microsoft for details.
Can I deploy a common image on systems that originally contained a different operating
system?
Not without the proper licensing obtained from Microsoft. Please contact your Microsoft licensing
representative to ensure you have the proper license.
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