I've been avoiding third party Mac management solutions since I was burned by the discontinuation of NetOctopus. When I was given the reigns for the Mac environment at Morgan Stanley (IBD Creative Services) just before 9/11, I had my first opportunity to clean up sneaker-net managed 50 Mac environment. I requested a budget for the only real solution at the time, NetOctopus/Timbuktu.<br>
<br>In less than 30 days, I was able to create one OS9 image that would work on any computer we had (only the Extension Set had to be changed to on predefined for that model computer). I used Disk Utility and ASR to image computers (as opposed to dragging folders). I was able to "package" software for distribution using FileScripter Pro (bundled with NetOctopus, allowed you to snapshot and compile InstallerVISE installers that NetOctopus could push out to workstations). I automated a good amount of the workflow (using my predecessor's QuicKeys shortcuts, modified and expanded to handle more tasks).<br>
<br>Then came 9/11, and two years of waiting for the economy to recover. During that time, I guess NetOctopus kind of died. Then OS X came out and started to mature. I was forced to look into a new solution. I looked at Radmind (steep learning curve, difficult to find techs who understand it). I looked at FileWave, and I looked at Casper. While I was looking, I couldn't help but worry about how I could be left out in the cold if any of these solutions stopped being developed. So for the past few years, I've stuck to the Apple toolset (NetBoot, NetInstall, OD, UNIX/Apple scripts, etc.) logGen/pkgGen/Iceberg.<br>
<br>Well, NetRestore is now history (I know, rolled into 10.6 server...). So I've revisited and decided to dig into Casper. As clean and mature as Casper is turning out to be, I'm still not convinced it will be here in N years, after I've deployed it (and thus created huge dependencies on it). That said, I'm going to take the leap. I have a few questions...and no, I haven't taken the time to sift through the list archives (sorry, it'll take weeks - would rather just pop off a few questions)...<br>
<br>1. Where does one get Casper training? I called JAMF and they only offer Jumpstart training if you purchase their solution. Doesn't seem fair to the client, since JAMF is essentially forcing techs to learn on the clients' dime. JAMF also suggested 6 or more months of real experience before going for certification. There seems to be a HUGE lack of resources for techs who want to learn Casper...I would think JAMF would see the value in providing training, if only to help their product get out there. Are there any Dallas area Casper user groups?<br>
<br>2. I see several Casper suites. I'm currently most interested in imaging/packaging/distribution. I've got years of imaging, packaging and distribution experience, so it shouldn't take long to learn the JAMF toolset. Can one buy the Casper suite to run in a LAB environment? Training is fine - but you do need to LAB test before deploying (initially, changes, etc.).<br>
<br>3. Can I get some input from those who have deployed Casper to managed/integrated environments? How is AD/OD integration impacted by Casper? Can our clients continue to use OD for policies? Can our legacy packages/scripts be used if Casper is deployed?<br>
<br>4. How comfortable is everyone that Casper isn't going to be the next NetOctopus? Is there more than one person steering Casper development? Or is there a chance one person can leave JAMF to start his own company, and leave all Casper deployment folks out in the cold?<br>
<br>Thanks,<br>Don<br>