The Dell Deployment Pack (DDP) is an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI)-based tool integrated into the ConfigMgr Administrator Console for server operating system deployment (OSD). With the DDP, you have the ability to configure BIOS, Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC), baseboard management controller (BMC), and other Dell server configurations using task-sequence steps in the ConfigMgr Task Sequence Editor.

Using the ConfigMgr Task Sequence Editor, you can do the following with the DDP:

  • Configure your system's DRAC, BMC, RAID, and BIOS. You can configure your system settings using the GUI or command-line interface (CLI) options.
  • Create a bootable image of the OS you want to deploy on your system.
  • Create and apply driver installation packages for specific Dell systems.

Technical Community - Background Reading

Chat Transcript

depping Hey Scott, same people hanging out every time
Dell-ScottH Hey Duncan
Dell-ScottH Yeah, don't mind; we’ll start doing some virtualization topics. Maybe you can host one?
depping Depending on the date/specific topic, should be possible. Although, I would need to find the time to prepare :)
Dell-ScottH Prepare? Ha! You're an expert :-)
Dell-ScottH Hey Donnie!
Donnie-Dell Heya Scott
Dell-ScottH Hello Greg and Lars
ramseyg_Dell Howdy
Dell-ScottH Hello Virtual John
virtualjohn Hi Scott...just following your tweet
Dell-ScottH Cool, twitter is awesomeness
Dell-ScottH :-)
Dell-ScottH That’s where I get all my news
virtualjohn Only been on for a few days...awesome
Dell-ScottH Just follow everyone that Depping is following, and you'll know everything about VMware in seconds!
virtualjohn His secret is out :)
Dell-ScottH Hello Jweida
jwieda Hello
jwieda Anxious to hear more about this topic...
jwieda Saw it <demo>@ MMS 2008
jwieda Will this chat session be recorded for others to view later on?
Dell-ScottH There's tons on the site already that the team will cover...and yes, transcript will be on same page that got you to this chat—tomorrow around same time. So don't worry about copyng down any URLs
Dell-ScottH Or clicking on them :-)
Dell-ScottH Hello Angie, Scott, and Nrt
jwieda Kewl. Thanks
Dell-AngieS Howdy
jwieda I have already read through the documentation/stuff on the site for this
Dell-ScottH Cool
Donnie-Dell Heya Scott Wilbers! Long time no see :)
Dell-ScottH You did all the pre-work; you get a star
jwieda Told you I was anxious ; )
scott_wilbers How's it going, Donnie?
Donnie-Dell Not bad. How's life up in MO?
Dell-AngieS MO :( I’m sorry
Donnie-Dell Bah
Dell-ScottH Hello Slbrown and Mharal
scott_wilbers Good
slbrown Hello Scott
Mharal_-_Dell Howdy
Dell-ScottH Hello greyopz
greyopz Hi
Dell-ScottH Reminders for the chat: If you click a link it will exit you from the chat (on many browsers). Right-click the link and you can avoid this. If you get disconnected and need to catch up, use Action, Recent Room History
Dell-ScottH And this call is being recorded. Come back to the same link tomorrow, and the transcript will be on the page. Then you can click on all the links you like :-)
Dell-ScottH We'll get started in three minutes. Talk amongst yourselves until then :-)
jwieda Thanks for the information
Dell-ScottH Ask questions any time, and don't worry about butting in, it isn’t rude
jwieda This isn't a beta release is it?
Dell-ScottH Dang mini 10 keyboard :-)
slbrown What is today's topic?
jwieda For the Dell Deployment Pack
Dell-AngieS The DDP will be a public release of the code, but more on that later
jwieda Will there be any video demos in the future?
Dell-ScottH Today's topic is Dell Deployment Pack for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager
Donnie-Dell You don't want to see any of us on video...it's scary
jwieda : D
Dell-AngieS Speak for yourself, Donnie
Dell-ScottH Angie, Donnie, Greg, please introduce yourselves and kick this off
Dell-AngieS :p
Dell-AngieS Hello everyone! I’m Angie Stahl, and I work on the SCCM team here at Dell. I’m more on the "operations" side of the house for SCCM. I work with Greg and Donnie
Dell-ScottH Camtasia demos are definitely a possibility. Everyone *sounds* okay :-)
Donnie-Dell Donnie Taylor, Dell IT, Enterprise Tools Engineering team. I work with Greg and Angie (and Mark, if he is hiding about)
jwieda Luv Camtasia; use that often for training videos on SCOM/SCCM
Mharal_-_Dell I am here :)
Dell-AngieS And may I wish everyone a very happy Patch Tuesday!
Donnie-Dell Greg is chatting on the phone, but he's here too :)
Dell-AngieS Hello
Dell-ScottH Yeah, most of the demos we do on the TechCenter site are produced with Camtasia
Dell-AngieS Sorry about that. I’m having Java "issues"
Dell-ScottH Just patch it :-)
Dell-AngieS Hopefully, I can stick around this time. Hey now
Dell-AngieS Happy Patch Tuesday everyone!
Dell-AngieS Have Greg and Donnie introduced themselves yet?
Donnie-Dell Yep!
Donnie-Dell Well, Greg will when he can
Dell-AngieS Cool. So we are ready to get started then.
Dell-AngieS Hopefully you’re all here to hear about the Dell Deployment Pack for SCCM
ramseyg_Dell Greg here. Keeping busy. I work with Angie and Donnie
jwieda Yes, did I mention that I am anxious for this?
Dell-AngieS This is something we demoed at last year’s MMS while the code was still very young. Well, we are very close to releasing the public bits. Just trying to pry the developer’s hands off the final version of the code
Dell-ScottH So, I’m assuming another full-blown demo at this year’s MMS?
Dell-ScottH Hello John
Dell-AngieS Unfortunately, the bad news is we don’t have the bits yet to give out, but we are told its any day now
JOHNADCO Hello
Dell-ScottH Use Action, Recent Room History to catch up
Dell-AngieS I think the DDP is something that will definitely be a highlight at the Dell booth this year
Donnie-Dell More than like, Scott; still working that out
jwieda At least we are chatting/talking about it (DDP)
Dell-AngieS But we do have some documents you can download and read up on to get ready for DDP
jwieda Has there been any beta testers outside of Dell assisting with the code, issues, or problems experienced?
Dell-ScottH Yes, that means it is very close
ramseyg_Dell Yes, we have had a few beta testers outside of Dell
Donnie-Dell @jwieda, Yes, we've had a few testers outside of Dell, but not many
Dell-AngieS We have been doing some extensive testing with the releases internally as well
scott_wilbers Do you have links to the documents?
jwieda I tried (unsuccessfully) to become one of them... :(
Dell-AngieS And we do have a wish list of changes
ramseyg_Dell And they've helped us identify some scenarios that required slight code modifications (just like just about any beta code), so things are looking good
Dell-AngieS www.delltechcenter.com/page/dell+deployment+pack+for+configmgr+%28server+deployment%29
jwieda That wasn't meant to be a mean sad face
Dell-ScottH Hello Cesar. Use Action, Recent Room History to catch up
Dell-AngieS So start with that page
Dell-ScottH Use Action, Recent Room History to catch up
Dell-AngieS The link is also available through the TechCenter page for this chat session
Dell-AngieS You'll need to download two packages: the DDP, which is approximately 20 MB and the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation
Dell-AngieS The Dell System Management Tools and Documents download is actually four files that will be condensed into a single DVD ISO
Dell-ScottH Reminder: if you right-click the links, they will open in a new window and not exit you from the chat; or the links will be in the transcript tomorrow on this same page
Dell-AngieS Which you can burn or mount using an ISO utility. And it’s used to provide all the drivers for the various Dell Power Edge models
Dell-AngieS Okay, after you have the bits downloaded, the DDP is a very simple MSI; just make sure you meet all the pre-reqs. You’re installing the DDP to a system with SCCM Concosle SP1
Dell-AngieS After the install is complete you'll have two Dell Windows PowerEdge images, and that’s one of the cool parts. These PowerEdge images are already set up to boot up any Dell PowerEdge series server
ramseyg_Dell (Have we mentioned this yet?) DDP is a customization for ConfigMgr Operating System Deployment (OSD)—and it's free :)
jwieda Sweet!
slbrown Would it be possible to utilize virtual media on the DRAC to boot the Windows PowerEdge ISOs?
jwieda Will there be the ability to assign multiple NICs through DDP?
Dell-AngieS If you don’t need to configure or bare metal provision servers, you’re basically ready to leverage OSD to image Dell servers
Cesar This DDP is a replacement for the Altiris DS?
Donnie-Dell @cesar, they have similar functions, but it is not a replacement—simply a tool for ConfigMgr
Dell-ScottH Hello Todd, use Action, Recent Room History to catch up
todd Hello
Dell-ScottH And hello Dnemec
ramseyg_Dell @jwieda, there's nothing built specifically into the DDP for assigning multiple NICs, but you should be able to do it with some scripting in the ConfigMgr task sequence
Dell-AngieS The DDP provides you with the ability to configure the BIOs, BMC, DRAC, and RAID
dnemec Hello!
jwieda Thanks. There is an option to assign at least one NIC, right?
todd Have a download link?
jwieda If not, then yes through Task Sequence (TS) and the MAC addresses
Dell-AngieS @slbrown, there is a limitation to using the DDP. You must use either PXE or USB
ramseyg_Dell @jwieda, you assign the NICs using the ConfigMgr Task Sequence. The DDP helps you get the drivers there, but the Task Sequence manages the IP configuration
Donnie-Dell @todd, public bits are not ready yet, but keep an eye on this page; it won’t be long now: www.delltechcenter.com/page/dell+deployment+pack+for+configmgr+%28server+deployment%29
Dell-AngieS @slbrown, because there are several reboots as part of the Task Sequence, it requires writable media
todd Argh! it has been nearly a year :-(
slbrown @dell-angies, Thanks for the explanation
Donnie-Dell @todd, I know...blame Greg and his meticulous testing :)
todd Any chance of getting the documents? (And thanks, Greg, Donnie, and Angie)
Dell-AngieS After you've installed the DDP you can import Dell driver packages from the aforementioned Dell System Management Tools and Documents DVD ISO
Donnie-Dell Yeah, hit up that link we had earlier, and it will give you a great start
Dell-AngieS Don’t forget that you'll need to push this all out to your DPS. One thing of note here (on our change wish list): after a driver package is imported it cannot be added to or modified
ramseyg_Dell Documents will be available soon, but not today :( So for now, use what's on the Dell TechCenter. I really like this page: www.delltechcenter.com/page/using+the+dell+deployment+pack+for+configmgr It's a bit of a walk-through for getting your drivers in, and helps you get a feel for the other Dell customizations
Dell-AngieS So you’ll have to re-import if drivers get changed or updated
todd Quick question: Will you document the variables the TS is using so I can pass items like RAID configuration through a command line or a CS.ini file?
Dell-AngieS Yes absolutely
todd So will it be released tonight or in the morning?
Dell-AngieS The DDP is essentially a GUI extension to the Dell Deployment Tookit (DTK)
Dell-AngieS @todd, Um, soon
Dell-AngieS We had hoped by delaying this chat we would be able to give them enough time to get us the public bits :(
todd FYI, this solution will change Lyondell from buying HP servers to purchasing Dell servers
Dell-AngieS And if you’re a big DTK user you can use all of your previous configuration scripts and INIs and plug them in using this tool
Donnie-Dell Good, then what are you waiting for (dodges flying shoe from Todd)
todd We have four FTEs that have to set up HP servers, and the cost savings of moving to this will make them switch to Dell (and keep me employed)
Dell-AngieS :)
jwieda @dell-angies, or you could install the upgraded driver as a TS later on in the OSD. So there is the ability to do one-offs for driver updates?
Donnie-Dell You still have all the regular TS commands, so, yeah, you can mess with the drivers later on if you want.
Dell-AngieS @jwieda, you could
todd Can our sales rep speak intelligently about this? And if not, can I ask him to get one of you to participate in a call with our director? (last question, promise)
Dell-AngieS @todd, we love questions, and yes you can
jwieda Same goes for importing BIOS, BMC, and so on, right? You can import only the drivers that have been updated
Donnie-Dell @todd, E-mail me, Greg, and Angie. we will set up a briefing call with your AE
todd Thank you, and thanks for links to documents! Will do, thanks.
ramseyg_Dell Side note: And if you're looking for driver management of servers that are already deployed, look at the Server updates catalogs: www.delltechcenter.com/page/dell+updates+catalogs
Dell-AngieS Yes, I forgot to mention, and Greg can either confirm or deny, that the Dell System Management Tool and Documents DVD gets updated quarterly
jwieda Does DDP work with HBAs for SANs or is this being looked into for future releases?
ramseyg_Dell Still waiting on final word, but I believe the drivers are updated quarterly
Dell-AngieS You’re better off (IMHO) using the Dell Updates catalog as a one-off for keeping up with driver updates
Donnie-Dell Last I heard, the drivers are updated quarterly; not sure about the documents, however
jwieda <just_wondering about the HBAs>
Donnie-Dell No HBAs yet, Jwieda, but it's something we have mentioned before
jwieda Thanks
Donnie-Dell And a point we are hoping to drive home
Dell-AngieS One other thing I’d like to point out that’s cool about the tool is the RAID Configuration wizard
jwieda Is Dell currently using DDP “in-house” for server OSD?
Dell-AngieS It’s a very nice graphical representation of your RAID, for those of us who are DTK noobs
Donnie-Dell We are migrating our existing server OSD solution to this; yes that is the plan
Dell-AngieS And you can build logic into the RAID Configuration wizard to address many different RAID scenarios. So you don’t need multiple Task Sequences (TS) for different RAID configurations
todd Do you have a sample file for all of the INI files it will want (like the RAID INI)?
Dell-AngieS It comes with some sample INI files
Donnie-Dell There are samples in the tool
todd How will it deal with 32 versus 64 bit?
Dell-AngieS You should probably also get the documents on using the DTK
ramseyg_Dell ...and you can import INI files as well
Dell-AngieS @dell_john, do you have the link for the Dell DTK handy?
Donnie-Dell (The Array wizard in the DDP is the coolest thing ever, btw)
ramseyg_Dell 32 versus 64 is slightly tricky at the moment. The DTK doesn't currently support x64, and DDP depends on DTK
todd Will need the ability to deploy 32 or 64 having been launched from a single tool
Dell-John Not right now
Dell-AngieS Most if not all of the 64-bit scenarios can be supported using the 32-bit image with some reservations
ramseyg_Dell But you can deploy using 32, and you can “apply driver package” for the x64 and apply an x64 WIM
todd That is fine; could use the 32 to set RAID and other items, then reboot and kick off a native ConfigMgr TS to install 64 OS, right?
Dell-AngieS What Greg just said
ramseyg_Dell Full 64-bit is coming
AEHM Anything for Linux users?
todd So it is the drivers that have the issue with 64?
ramseyg_Dell @todd, correct
JOHNADCO Microsoft 2008 servers are fully supported, x64 excepted?
Dell-AngieS @johnadco, Yes
todd Hmmm...I need to call Greg on his cell daily and remind him to hurry with the testing
Dell-ScottH DTK docs are here: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/software/dtk/
ramseyg_Dell Apply drivers are fully supported in x86 and x64, Windows Server 2008 and 2003
todd No MMS for Greg unless he completes testing!
Dell-AngieS @todd, You want his number :)
todd I have it, thanks!
ramseyg_Dell Some of the configuration stuff (RAID configuration, BIOS configuration, and so on) uses the DTK, which means you gotta do that in x86
todd Help with abbreviations please?
Donnie-Dell Basically, do the configuration in x86, and then reboot and start your x64 build
ramseyg_Dell You can even use Windows PowerEdge x86 to lay down the x64 WIM
jwieda Dell Toolkit = DTK
Donnie-Dell DTK = Dell Toolkit,
todd DTK = custom set of scripts similar to MDT?
ramseyg_Dell The only catch I've found so far is if you're doing “offline updates”; applying security updates to the image before first boot
Dell-ScottH Deployment Toolkit
Donnie-Dell DTK = command-line tools for manipulating the hardware, basically
todd DDP = ?
jwieda @todd, only in relation to Dell server hardware deployment with RAID configuration, BIOS configuration, and so on
Donnie-Dell This tool: Dell Deployment Pack
Dell-AngieS Dell Deployment Pack
jwieda MDT is the little brother or add on to SCCM OSD
todd So DDP leverages the tools in DTK?
ramseyg_Dell To apply offline updates, it appears that you need to be in the same environment as you’re applying. So to apply patches to an x64 server 2008 offline, you need to be in PE x64. Clear as mud?
Donnie-Dell @todd, if you ask what RAID is, I am pulling your posting rights :)
ramseyg_Dell @todd, yes
todd No, just want to ask about beer handling ability!
Donnie-Dell **ouch**
Dell-AngieS @todd, Ouch
Donnie-Dell Hehe
todd So is DTK already released? Is it part of that Altiris thing?
Donnie-Dell DTK is already available; let me find a link
todd No, that is fine. Just trying to clarify my understanding
Dell-AngieS John also posted the link above for the documents for it: the DTK
todd Lest I repeat erroneous information
Dell-ScottH Download link for DTK: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&deviceid=4450&libid=36&releaseid=r201648&vercnt=10&formatcnt=0&systemid=pwe_2950&servicetag=&os=wnet&osl=en&catid=-1&impid=-1
Dell-ScottH Wow, should have used Tinyurl :-)
Donnie-Dell That's why we keep Scott around; he's quick with the links
todd The DDP documents were good; I sent an e-mail to director asking where the HP version of that was ;-)
jwieda Lol
todd So the driver section, you are using essentially "Apply Driver Package" correct? Not the pnp scan?
ramseyg_Dell @todd, you could do either one. We recommend using a few WQL [WMI Query Language] queries, and applying only the specific driver package you need. Pnp will still run with that when Windows first boots
todd Will it allow me to import the "same" driver twice into two different packages, much like Johan does it? Natively it will kick an error unless you add a TXT file or something
ramseyg_Dell @todd, I'll test that one in a minute to confirm
todd Thanks
Donnie-Dell I believe that the drivers will have to be different, which is the reason for the TXT file, but better to let Greg test
Dell-AngieS So do we have any more questions related to DDP?
todd Johan has a blog about it; I think a lot of folks like to do it that way—gives a little more control over what gets applied per model that way
todd @angie, yes, when will it be released?
Donnie-Dell Soon :)
todd Lol
todd Greg will not be safe at MMS if he doesn’t finish testing :-)
ramseyg_Dell @todd, no, you can (currently) only import one of a specific driver package (e.g., PowerEdge 2950, Windows Server 2008 x64)
Donnie-Dell Hah
Dell_angieS Sorry about that ::wacko
todd Okay guys, thanks!
Dell-ScottH >= pme year || >= one month || weeks?
ramseyg_Dell @todd, but you can cheat
todd They said that last year
ramseyg_Dell Rename the existing package, and import a second one
Dell-ScottH Or, I guess I'm supposed to be riding the party line...soon :-)
ramseyg_Dell Within a few weeks
Donnie-Dell You should have it by MMS for sure
todd Okay, Greg, would hate to see you ridiculed at MMS—lol
jwieda @ramseyg_dell, “within a few weeks”—is that when DDP will be released?
Dell_angieS There is still stuff to tease Greg about, plenty of stuff
todd Bye guys. Thanks for taking the time to do this, and for letting me hog so much of it
ramseyg_Dell @jwieda, yes within a few weeks
Donnie-Dell Yep
ramseyg_Dell (Angie is keeping a list)
Donnie-Dell Good talking to you again, Todd :)
Dell_angieS @todd, Always a pleasure sir!
todd Likewise! (and get that Web service going)
jwieda Thanks @ Dell for sharing/chatting
Dell_angieS Oh, and buy Dell so we can stay employed ;)
todd Rrr...would buy more if you would release DDP
jwieda We buy Dell and will continue to as long as we know that there are folks within Dell working to help us get through our days a little easier
Dell_angieS @jwieda, Thanks :)
jwieda Thanks everyone. I'll be watching online. Did I share with you that I am anxious? :D
Dell_angieS This DDP Tool is very cool
Dell_angieS And we are anxious too
jwieda Enjoy the rest of your day! Thanks for the links
jwieda Cheers, jwieda in Chicago
Donnie-Dell Cya Jwieda!
jwieda Bye
Dell_angieS Any other questions before my browser tanks again?
Dell-ScottH Thanks everyone. Remember that the transcript will be available tomorrow for your browsing pleasure
Dell_angieS And Happy Patching!
Dell-ScottH And ask any additional questions on this same page; just start a thread
Donnie-Dell Alright, I am outta here :) Thanks everyone for joining!
Dell-ScottH Hey John, I just saw your thread on the MD; can you define what you mean by moving the disk?
Dell_angieS Bye Donnie
Dell-ScottH Thanks Greg, Angie, Donnie
Dell_angieS I need to bounce too; plenty of patching to do. Thanks everyone!
Dell_angieS Bye