Windows Deployment Services (Windows DS) is the updated and redesigned version of Remote Installation Services (RIS). Windows DS helps you more rapidly adopt and deploy Microsoft Windows operating systems. You can use it to set up new computers through a network-based installation without having to be physically present at each computer.

While Windows Server 2008 includes Windows DS natively, the Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) includes a Windows DS update for Windows Server 2003. Additionally, Windows Server 2003 with SP2 already includes the Windows DS update.

This white paper describes how to install, configure, and manage Windows DS in Windows Server 2003. It does not describe using Windows DS with Windows Server 2008, however. This white paper was written and published by Microsoft Corporation.