14 DAY TRIAL // While Microsoft has yet to offer the public details on Windows 8, some bits and pieces of information on the forthcoming Windows client do exist, provided that one knows where to look. In this regard it appears that two elements of the software giant’s strategy to streamline the deployment of Windows vNext in certain scenarios, have been confirmed, somewhat.
Windows 8 will be accompanied to the market by some good old friends which are also bound to evolve with the new platform from their current stage, namely the OEM Preinstallation Kit and the Windows Automated Installation Kit.
This info was supplied by Mike Wolinski, working in Program and Software Development Management for Microsoft.
Wolinski notes that he helped develop “the functional specifications for the FQTSV3 version of the tool suite using customer requirements and feedback that will be available as part of the Windows 8 OPK/WAIK kits.” (via SEO Whistleblower)
As the name implies, the Windows OEM Preinstallation Kit (Windows OPK) is designed for original equipment manufacturers.
OEMs use the Preinstallation Kit in order to streamline the pre-installation of Windows on new computers.
I don’t expect this aspect to change with the advent of the Windows 8 OEM Preinstallation Kit.
Microsoft’s current definition of the Windows 7 OPK reveals that the kit is “a set of tools and documentation that support automated installation and customization of the following Windows operating systems.”
Similarly, the Windows Automated Installation Kit is also tailored to a specific audience, this time around IT Professionals.
It appears that IT pros will also get this kit with Windows 8, simplifying the way they will deploy the successor of Windows 7 across the organization they are administering.
‘The Windows AIK is ideal for highly customized environments. The tools in the AIK enable you to configure many deployment options, and they provide a high degree of flexibility. The corporate deployment environment varies from one company to another,” Microsoft reveals.
“Depending on your business needs and resources, you may choose to use all or parts of the resources available in the AIK.”
Just in case you aren’t familiar with Windows AIK, the kit is composed of Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM), ImageX, Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) and the User State Migration Tool (USMT).
I’m willing to bet that all current components of WAIK will also be available for Windows 8.