Alternative to Universal Imaging Utility?

[Seizure1990]

Universal Imaging Utility (UIU), along-side Sysprep, automatically modifies Windows images such that it can be deployed on ANY machine, regardless of manufacturer or internal hardware. It does this by including all the drivers and files that might be needed (based on a UIU-managed database) and a shortened installation procedure in the image.

UIU also charges exorbitant fees for the right to use their software.

I looked around, and it seems that UIU's claim of being the only type of this software is true, which would explain why they can get away with charging you per every machine you put an image on, but I was hoping someone might have a suggestion otherwise.

Thanks in advance

[nbauer]

  On 12/11/2010 at 23:58, Seizure1990 said:

Universal Imaging Utility (UIU), along-side Sysprep, automatically modifies Windows images such that it can be deployed on ANY machine, regardless of manufacturer or internal hardware. It does this by including all the drivers and files that might be needed (based on a UIU-managed database) and a shortened installation procedure in the image.

UIU also charges exorbitant fees for the right to use their software.

I looked around, and it seems that UIU's claim of being the only type of this software is true, which would explain why they can get away with charging you per every machine you put an image on, but I was hoping someone might have a suggestion otherwise.

Thanks in advance

You are correct that the UIU is the only software able to handle all sysprep, drivers, HAL changes etc for ONE image that can easily be deployed to any laptop or desktop. Most imaging solutions, including Ghost, Altiris etc, all charge on a per seat basis. The difference with the UIU is the measurable ROI on the huge amount of time saved from image creation and maintenance, and driver handling. Most of our clients (we are currently deployed to over 3 million PCs) see full ROI of 90 days. Plus, there are discounts for education, government and non-profit, as well as very aggressive Group Buying options. If you need any additional information, please let me know nbauer@bigbangllc.com.

[Seizure1990]

Unfortunately, I am just a techie at a computer repair shop, and can't make decisions like that. I seriously doubt management would feel the time "we" are saving is worth the money, regardless of whether or not it actually is. Funny how things work when you aren't the one personally dealing with the work.

Also, talk about a dedicated sales team! Do you have an alt account here, or do you guys just google your product once a week?

[MS Bob 11]

Doesn't Acronis Universal Restore do the same thing? Works across different HALs.

[nbauer]

  On 15/11/2010 at 19:44, Seizure1990 said:

Unfortunately, I am just a techie at a computer repair shop, and can't make decisions like that. I seriously doubt management would feel the time "we" are saving is worth the money, regardless of whether or not it actually is. Funny how things work when you aren't the one personally dealing with the work.

Also, talk about a dedicated sales team! Do you have an alt account here, or do you guys just google your product once a week?

We can sympathize with not being the one with decision making capabilities. Typically the hardest part of our job is getting the guys like you in the trenches heard by the management to justify the expense.

Thanks, but as you can see by the length of time it took me to respond, not as often as we would like :)

In any event, if a situation arises where we can be of assistance, please let me know. We also have a new product coming out that works with SCCM.

  On 16/11/2010 at 06:49, xpclient said:

Doesn't Acronis Universal Restore do the same thing? Works across different HALs.

Acronis Universal Restore might cover HAL discrepancies, but it certainly doesn't take care of the endless number of drivers, the quality of the drivers, nor the specific order and compatibility with which drivers need to be installed cross-platform.

I would be happy to provide more information if you are interested.

Thanks