Item: ManageEngine OS Deployer
Rating: 8
Author: Markus Sacramento

Overall Satisfaction with ManageEngine OS Deployer

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

ManageEngine OS Deployer is currently in a testing fase, where we look into the possibility to deploy images for multiple customers in a easy controlled manner with a lower price than MEMCM (SCCM) or Intune using Autopilot of which customers needs MS Licensenses. What's currently lacking from ManageEngine OS Deployer is the ability to preform pre tasks before the actual imaging of a endpoint such as BIOS upgrade and settings witch reboot option and a more sofisticated solution (dashboard) of knowing if all Remote Offices are synced and up to date regarding files like images, applications and drivers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Imaging endpoint is fast and easy and works well with the Instant task solution.
Driver installation. When all drivers exists on Remote Office it handles the needed driver installations with ease.
Allowing different templates based on customers make it easy to handle multiple customers and with different tasks for each customer the code prevents installation of task not for the customer in question.

Cons

An OS deployment needs to be able to handle Pre, While and Post actions. For example when using PXE to boot to WinPE I would like to be able to manage pre settings such as specific BIOS settings or make firmware upgrade and such.
In addition to above it would be great to trigger actions based on wmi queries such as Make and Model.
Scripting I was told is ongoing function to be released but I would like to instead of having the need to creat a script file such as a PS1 file and upload I would like the option to write the code directly in the UI for the specific template. This will make it easier to update.

Return on Investment

As ManageEngine OS Deployer is currently just in testing mode it yet haven't had a impact on our business but the possibility to manage different Remote Offices is a great deal and will make deployment easier.

Usability

As I mentioned earlier it's going there just a few more functions before it will have what's needed. When those functions are there it meets the required requirements for a complete product to manage deployments if endpoints.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft Deployment Tools, SCCM and Autopilot using Intune.
ManageEngine OS Deployer is a combination of them just with another way of imaging. This make it easy to use and meets most demands to re-image an endpoint.

Key Insights

Do you think ManageEngine OS Deployer delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with ManageEngine OS Deployer's feature set?

Yes

Did ManageEngine OS Deployer live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of ManageEngine OS Deployer go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy ManageEngine OS Deployer again?

Yes

Other Software Used

ManageEngine Endpoint Central

Likelihood to Recommend

It is going there. The development is on its way just needs a little push to be able to compete with softwares like MDT, MEMCM (SCCM and Intune).
The way of working with ManageEngine OS Deployer is someway similar with Autopilot. You lack functions you are used to if you have been working with MDT or SCCM in the past. But as far as I know the development of ManageEngine OS Deployer is fully active and ME are more willing to listen to technicians on what we would like the product to handle.

Comments

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