Deploying technology across a business can be an arduous task, requiring dedicated resources, valuable time and a lot of effort. But what if there was an easier way?
Zero-touch deployment offers a streamlined approach to deploying technology which can help businesses save time, money and manual labor.
By automating the process of provisioning and managing servers, applications and services, your business can quickly deploy new tools and devices while reducing the risk of human error and enhancing overall security.
What is zero-touch deployment?
Traditionally, businesses have used manual methods to deploy and configure their devices. These methods take a lot of time and effort, and can be quite tedious and prone to errors.
Zero-touch deployment is a technology which automatically provisions and configures new devices, based on the device type, geographic location and business requirements. It automates the entire device provisioning process, including the installation of hardware, software configuration, network configuration, security configuration and asset management. This eliminates the need for manual configurations, reducing the time and cost of deployment.
Zero-touch deployment can be applied to end-user devices, such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices and IoT devices, as well as tools like network switches, routers, wireless access points and firewalls.
How does it relate to Mobile Device Management?
Mobile device management (MDM) is an essential component of zero-touch deployment, allowing IT admins to manage devices by remotely configuring the device settings, ensuring the devices are secure and compliant with the organization’s policies. Additionally, it helps IT admins reduce the cost and time associated with managing devices.
With MDM and zero-touch deployment, businesses can quickly deploy and configure new devices, as well as manage and secure existing devices, regardless of their location.
Streamlined device provisioning
When deploying a new device, businesses have typically been required to manually perform a number of installation and configuration tasks. This has included installing hardware, installing software, installing network configuration and applying security configuration.
Zero-touch device provisioning automatically performs these tasks, based on the device type and location. For example, when deploying a new laptop, the device provisioning solution could automatically connect to the internet, install the laptop operating system and security updates and configure network settings. This allows businesses to save both time and money, as it removes the need for manual intervention.
Automatic device security configuration
Device type, model, serial number, asset ID, MAC address, IP address and firmware version information are typically required for installation, management, and troubleshooting. This information is also used to identify the devices and track their location, as well as determine their health, capacity and bandwidth.
Zero-touch deployment automatically collects this information as the device boots up for the first time. This is particularly helpful in a distributed enterprise, as it allows the business to identify and track the location of devices. It is also helpful for management and troubleshooting purposes, as it allows businesses to view the hardware and software configuration of their devices.
Overall, zero-touch deployment offers increased security compared to traditional methods of device deployment. By eliminating the need for manual intervention, reducing the risk of malicious activities and providing remote management capabilities, organizations can ensure their devices are secure and properly configured.
Automated updates
With zero-touch deployment, IT teams can easily deploy device updates to all the devices in their network. This is done by using a single file that contains the necessary information and instructions required to update the device. This file is then sent to the device, which then installs the update automatically. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and makes the device update process much more efficient.
Reduced chance of human error
The automation of repetitive tasks also ensures the deployment process is completed quickly and efficiently. This can be especially beneficial in large-scale deployments, where manual interventions can significantly slow down the process.
Zero-touch deployment also ensures devices and their updates are deployed quickly and correctly, eliminating the risk of errors due to fatigue or boredom, as well as the need for personnel to be constantly monitoring the deployment process.
Is zero-touch deployment right for your business?
When considering whether zero-touch deployment is the right solution for your business, it is important to consider the size and scope of your operations. If you are expecting your business to scale up in the near future, then zero-touch deployment can be a great way to ensure you have the infrastructure necessary to meet increased demand.
It is also beneficial for businesses that need to maintain a high level of control over their systems. Automated processes reduce the need for manual intervention and allow businesses to keep a closer eye on their deployments. This can help reduce the risk of errors and ensure systems are running as efficiently as possible.
Utilize zero-touch deployment with expert assistance
With the right strategies and processes in place, your business can take full advantage of the benefits zero-touch deployment provides.
The IT experts at BCS365 can help you get started with zero-touch deployment, or manage the entire set-up for maximum efficiency and security.