RIS VS WDS

Remote Installation Services (RIS) was a technology in older versions of Windows Server that allowed administrators to remotely install Windows operating systems on multiple computers over a network.   

Here's a breakdown:

• How it Worked:

  • Centralized Image: An administrator would create a master image of the Windows operating system and any desired applications on a server.   

  • Network Boot: Computers on the network would be configured to boot from the network instead of their local hard drives.   

  • Remote Installation: During startup, the computers would contact the RIS server and download the operating system image.   

  • Automated Installation: The installation process could be automated, reducing the need for manual intervention at each computer.   

• Benefits:

  • Reduced Administration Overhead: Simplified the process of deploying Windows across multiple computers.

  • Improved Consistency: Ensured that all computers were installed with the same software and configurations.

  • Faster Deployment: Streamlined the installation process, saving time and effort.

• Replacement: In newer versions of Windows Server, RIS has been replaced by Windows Deployment Services (WDS).   

Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

• Successor to RIS: WDS is the successor to RIS and offers enhanced features and improved functionality.   

• Enhanced Capabilities: WDS supports a wider range of deployment scenarios, including:

  • P2P (Peer-to-Peer) deployments: Allows computers to distribute installation images to other computers on the network.

  • Multicast deployments: Enables efficient deployment of images to multiple computers simultaneously.   

  • Support for newer Windows versions: WDS supports the deployment of newer Windows operating systems.   

In essence, RIS (and its successor, WDS) provided a powerful mechanism for streamlining the deployment and management of Windows operating systems in enterprise environments.