www.WhiteCanyon.com | Sales@WhiteCanyon.com | 1 (801) 224-8900

Software DistributionMethods 101: WipeDrive

PXE Network Software Distribution Method

With a PXE network software distribution method, you can literally touch hundreds of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones simultaneously. Best of all, you may not even have to physically touch each device. Rather, as each user connects to your network, the software can be automated to install by itself onto their devices. You can also use a disc that is in the disc drive or a USB device connected to the USB port of your PXE server to automate distribution.

What Is a PXE Network?

PXE or Preboot Execution Environment is a special type of environment that has very limited functionality. However, PXE is able to send files as devices connect to the PXE server into their memory and have the device execute those commands in the files.

A PXE network relies on TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have the connecting devices download and receive the files before they actually boot up using their internal operating system boot commands.

How Does a PXE Network Work?

For a PXE network to work correctly, you have to configure your DHCP server to instruct the device to connect to the PXE server once a device connects to your DHCP server. Configuring this is not difficult, depending on the operating system used for your DHCP server.

For example, in Windows-based environments, you would need to open the Server Manager, drill down to Scope Options, and then configure those options by providing the Boot Server Host Name, which is the PXE server’s IP address and the Bootfile name, which would have a value like PXEboot.0

Once your DHCP server is configured correctly, the next step is to configure the PXE server. You need to enable TFTP on the server and include the appropriate boot files, configuration files, and other instructions so that a connected device will download and run the desired software app.

Software Distribution Methods 101: Why Use a PXE Network When it comes to software distribution methods, you have a wide array of options you can utilize, from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to USB drives, the Cloud, and a PXE network. There are key differences with each method that will determine how much interaction is required by the IT technician or person responsible for installing the software application onto the device.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs Software Distribution Method

This type of software distribution method requires you to visit each desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Some installations may require you to tether the mobile device to a desktop or laptop. Using discs can be rather time-consuming and tedious work, especially if you are responsible for managing hundreds of devices.

USB Drives Software Distribution Method

USB drives are just external storage devices that have the software mountedon it. You still have to plug the drive into each device you need to run the app on. Just like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, it can be very tedious and time-consuming work if you have hundreds of computers and mobile devices that need to boot the software application.

Cloud-Based Software Distribution Method

With a cloud-based software installation, you have to connect the computer or mobile device to Wi-Fi or hardwire it to a router that connects to the location of your Cloud-based storage. The process of updating devices can be somewhat easier than discs or USB drives. You still have to configure the devices so they can access your Cloud-based storage location before you can run the software application installation.

For example, if you wanted to deploy WipeDrive on hundreds of computers simultaneously over your PXE network, it is possible with the right PXE server, DHCP server, and boot configuration on your devices. Once the devices connect to the PXE server, they download and execute WipeDrive.

The data wiping process starts and continues, based on the pre-configured settings. After the drive has been wiped, you can then include other instructions in the configuration file, such as a command to format the drive. You could even go so far as to have the connected device download an image file that would return the device into its original configuration state before it was assigned to a user.

What Else Does WipeDrive Do During the Wiping Processes?

As the devices are being wiped clean, WipeDrive is generating an audit log. The audit log contains the serial numbers of each drive, as well as the computer hardware configuration details for every computer on which WipeDrive is being run.

The audit log can then be used to generate various reports that you can send via email, store on a network hard drive, download and save to your computer, or store in a SQL/MySQL database. You also have a choice between a wide range of reporting to a database to in specific file formats, including html, pdf, csv, txt, and xml.

What Are Some Benefits of WipeDrive?

Some of the benefits organizations enjoy when utilizing WipeDrive and a PXE network include:

• Software is run from a CD, USB, or mounted drive on the PXE server.

• Custom pattern configuration can be created for wiping drives.

• All drives are erased in accordance with any of WipeDrive’s supported overwrite patterns, including DoD 5220.22-M.

• Enterprise licensing allows customers to duplicate CDs and USB drivers to set up multiple PXE servers.

• Multiple devices can be erased using a single server without having to physically touch each device.

• WipeDrive provides complete audit trail compliance with all major standards, including SOX, HIPAA, GLB, DoD, etc

What Other WhiteCanyon Software Products Could Benefit My Organization?

Besides WipeDrive, WhiteCanyon Software offers several other products which could simplify various data management tasks at your organization, including:

For further information about WipeDrive for a PXE network or any of our other related products, please contact WhiteCanyon Software at (801) 224-8900 today! We would be happy to provide you with a demo of our products so you can see how they can benefit your organization. We also offer our products for home users to make erasing data quick, secure, safe, and easy.

www.WhiteCanyon.com | Sales@WhiteCanyon.com | 1 (801) 224-8900

Software DistributionMethods 101: WipeDrive

PXE Network Software Distribution Method

With a PXE network software distribution method, you can literally touch hundreds of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones simultaneously. Best of all, you may not even have to physically touch each device. Rather, as each user connects to your network, the software can be automated to install by itself onto their devices. You can also use a disc that is in the disc drive or a USB device connected to the USB port of your PXE server to automate distribution.

What Is a PXE Network?

PXE or Preboot Execution Environment is a special type of environment that has very limited functionality. However, PXE is able to send files as devices connect to the PXE server into their memory and have the device execute those commands in the files.

A PXE network relies on TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have the connecting devices download and receive the files before they actually boot up using their internal operating system boot commands.

How Does a PXE Network Work?

For a PXE network to work correctly, you have to configure your DHCP server to instruct the device to connect to the PXE server once a device connects to your DHCP server. Configuring this is not difficult, depending on the operating system used for your DHCP server.

For example, in Windows-based environments, you would need to open the Server Manager, drill down to Scope Options, and then configure those options by providing the Boot Server Host Name, which is the PXE server’s IP address and the Bootfile name, which would have a value like PXEboot.0

Once your DHCP server is configured correctly, the next step is to configure the PXE server. You need to enable TFTP on the server and include the appropriate boot files, configuration files, and other instructions so that a connected device will download and run the desired software app.

Software Distribution Methods 101: Why Use a PXE Network When it comes to software distribution methods, you have a wide array of options you can utilize, from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to USB drives, the Cloud, and a PXE network. There are key differences with each method that will determine how much interaction is required by the IT technician or person responsible for installing the software application onto the device.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs Software Distribution Method

This type of software distribution method requires you to visit each desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Some installations may require you to tether the mobile device to a desktop or laptop. Using discs can be rather time-consuming and tedious work, especially if you are responsible for managing hundreds of devices.

USB Drives Software Distribution Method

USB drives are just external storage devices that have the software mountedon it. You still have to plug the drive into each device you need to run the app on. Just like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, it can be very tedious and time-consuming work if you have hundreds of computers and mobile devices that need to boot the software application.

Cloud-Based Software Distribution Method

With a cloud-based software installation, you have to connect the computer or mobile device to Wi-Fi or hardwire it to a router that connects to the location of your Cloud-based storage. The process of updating devices can be somewhat easier than discs or USB drives. You still have to configure the devices so they can access your Cloud-based storage location before you can run the software application installation.

For example, if you wanted to deploy WipeDrive on hundreds of computers simultaneously over your PXE network, it is possible with the right PXE server, DHCP server, and boot configuration on your devices. Once the devices connect to the PXE server, they download and execute WipeDrive.

The data wiping process starts and continues, based on the pre-configured settings. After the drive has been wiped, you can then include other instructions in the configuration file, such as a command to format the drive. You could even go so far as to have the connected device download an image file that would return the device into its original configuration state before it was assigned to a user.

What Else Does WipeDrive Do During the Wiping Processes?

As the devices are being wiped clean, WipeDrive is generating an audit log. The audit log contains the serial numbers of each drive, as well as the computer hardware configuration details for every computer on which WipeDrive is being run.

The audit log can then be used to generate various reports that you can send via email, store on a network hard drive, download and save to your computer, or store in a SQL/MySQL database. You also have a choice between a wide range of reporting to a database to in specific file formats, including html, pdf, csv, txt, and xml.

What Are Some Benefits of WipeDrive?

Some of the benefits organizations enjoy when utilizing WipeDrive and a PXE network include:

• Software is run from a CD, USB, or mounted drive on the PXE server.

• Custom pattern configuration can be created for wiping drives.

• All drives are erased in accordance with any of WipeDrive’s supported overwrite patterns, including DoD 5220.22-M.

• Enterprise licensing allows customers to duplicate CDs and USB drivers to set up multiple PXE servers.

• Multiple devices can be erased using a single server without having to physically touch each device.

• WipeDrive provides complete audit trail compliance with all major standards, including SOX, HIPAA, GLB, DoD, etc

What Other WhiteCanyon Software Products Could Benefit My Organization?

Besides WipeDrive, WhiteCanyon Software offers several other products which could simplify various data management tasks at your organization, including:

For further information about WipeDrive for a PXE network or any of our other related products, please contact WhiteCanyon Software at (801) 224-8900 today! We would be happy to provide you with a demo of our products so you can see how they can benefit your organization. We also offer our products for home users to make erasing data quick, secure, safe, and easy.

www.WhiteCanyon.com | Sales@WhiteCanyon.com | 1 (801) 224-8900

Software DistributionMethods 101: WipeDrive

PXE Network Software Distribution Method

With a PXE network software distribution method, you can literally touch hundreds of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones simultaneously. Best of all, you may not even have to physically touch each device. Rather, as each user connects to your network, the software can be automated to install by itself onto their devices. You can also use a disc that is in the disc drive or a USB device connected to the USB port of your PXE server to automate distribution.

What Is a PXE Network?

PXE or Preboot Execution Environment is a special type of environment that has very limited functionality. However, PXE is able to send files as devices connect to the PXE server into their memory and have the device execute those commands in the files.

A PXE network relies on TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have the connecting devices download and receive the files before they actually boot up using their internal operating system boot commands.

How Does a PXE Network Work?

For a PXE network to work correctly, you have to configure your DHCP server to instruct the device to connect to the PXE server once a device connects to your DHCP server. Configuring this is not difficult, depending on the operating system used for your DHCP server.

For example, in Windows-based environments, you would need to open the Server Manager, drill down to Scope Options, and then configure those options by providing the Boot Server Host Name, which is the PXE server’s IP address and the Bootfile name, which would have a value like PXEboot.0

Once your DHCP server is configured correctly, the next step is to configure the PXE server. You need to enable TFTP on the server and include the appropriate boot files, configuration files, and other instructions so that a connected device will download and run the desired software app.

Software Distribution Methods 101: Why Use a PXE Network When it comes to software distribution methods, you have a wide array of options you can utilize, from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to USB drives, the Cloud, and a PXE network. There are key differences with each method that will determine how much interaction is required by the IT technician or person responsible for installing the software application onto the device.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs Software Distribution Method

This type of software distribution method requires you to visit each desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Some installations may require you to tether the mobile device to a desktop or laptop. Using discs can be rather time-consuming and tedious work, especially if you are responsible for managing hundreds of devices.

USB Drives Software Distribution Method

USB drives are just external storage devices that have the software mountedon it. You still have to plug the drive into each device you need to run the app on. Just like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, it can be very tedious and time-consuming work if you have hundreds of computers and mobile devices that need to boot the software application.

Cloud-Based Software Distribution Method

With a cloud-based software installation, you have to connect the computer or mobile device to Wi-Fi or hardwire it to a router that connects to the location of your Cloud-based storage. The process of updating devices can be somewhat easier than discs or USB drives. You still have to configure the devices so they can access your Cloud-based storage location before you can run the software application installation.

For example, if you wanted to deploy WipeDrive on hundreds of computers simultaneously over your PXE network, it is possible with the right PXE server, DHCP server, and boot configuration on your devices. Once the devices connect to the PXE server, they download and execute WipeDrive.

The data wiping process starts and continues, based on the pre-configured settings. After the drive has been wiped, you can then include other instructions in the configuration file, such as a command to format the drive. You could even go so far as to have the connected device download an image file that would return the device into its original configuration state before it was assigned to a user.

What Else Does WipeDrive Do During the Wiping Processes?

As the devices are being wiped clean, WipeDrive is generating an audit log. The audit log contains the serial numbers of each drive, as well as the computer hardware configuration details for every computer on which WipeDrive is being run.

The audit log can then be used to generate various reports that you can send via email, store on a network hard drive, download and save to your computer, or store in a SQL/MySQL database. You also have a choice between a wide range of reporting to a database to in specific file formats, including html, pdf, csv, txt, and xml.

What Are Some Benefits of WipeDrive?

Some of the benefits organizations enjoy when utilizing WipeDrive and a PXE network include:

• Software is run from a CD, USB, or mounted drive on the PXE server.

• Custom pattern configuration can be created for wiping drives.

• All drives are erased in accordance with any of WipeDrive’s supported overwrite patterns, including DoD 5220.22-M.

• Enterprise licensing allows customers to duplicate CDs and USB drivers to set up multiple PXE servers.

• Multiple devices can be erased using a single server without having to physically touch each device.

• WipeDrive provides complete audit trail compliance with all major standards, including SOX, HIPAA, GLB, DoD, etc

PXE

What Other WhiteCanyon Software Products Could Benefit My Organization?

Besides WipeDrive, WhiteCanyon Software offers several other products which could simplify various data management tasks at your organization, including:

For further information about WipeDrive for a PXE network or any of our other related products, please contact WhiteCanyon Software at (801) 224-8900 today! We would be happy to provide you with a demo of our products so you can see how they can benefit your organization. We also offer our products for home users to make erasing data quick, secure, safe, and easy.

PXE Network Software Distribution Method

With a PXE network software distribution method, you can literally touch hundreds of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones simultaneously. Best of all, you may not even have to physically touch each device. Rather, as each user connects to your network, the software can be automated to install by itself onto their devices. You can also use a disc that is in the disc drive or a USB device connected to the USB port of your PXE server to automate distribution.

What Is a PXE Network?

PXE or Preboot Execution Environment is a special type of environment that has very limited functionality. However, PXE is able to send files as devices connect to the PXE server into their memory and have the device execute those commands in the files.

A PXE network relies on TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have the connecting devices download and receive the files before they actually boot up using their internal operating system boot commands.

How Does a PXE Network Work?

For a PXE network to work correctly, you have to configure your DHCP server to instruct the device to connect to the PXE server once a device connects to your DHCP server. Configuring this is not difficult, depending on the operating system used for your DHCP server.

For example, in Windows-based environments, you would need to open the Server Manager, drill down to Scope Options, and then configure those options by providing the Boot Server Host Name, which is the PXE server’s IP address and the Bootfile name, which would have a value like PXEboot.0

Once your DHCP server is configured correctly, the next step is to configure the PXE server. You need to enable TFTP on the server and include the appropriate boot files, configuration files, and other instructions so that a connected device will download and run the desired software app.

www.WhiteCanyon.com | Sales@WhiteCanyon.com | 1 (801) 224-8900

Software DistributionMethods 101: WipeDrive

Software Distribution Methods 101: Why Use a PXE Network When it comes to software distribution methods, you have a wide array of options you can utilize, from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to USB drives, the Cloud, and a PXE network. There are key differences with each method that will determine how much interaction is required by the IT technician or person responsible for installing the software application onto the device.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs Software Distribution Method

This type of software distribution method requires you to visit each desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Some installations may require you to tether the mobile device to a desktop or laptop. Using discs can be rather time-consuming and tedious work, especially if you are responsible for managing hundreds of devices.

USB Drives Software Distribution Method

USB drives are just external storage devices that have the software mountedon it. You still have to plug the drive into each device you need to run the app on. Just like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, it can be very tedious and time-consuming work if you have hundreds of computers and mobile devices that need to boot the software application.

Cloud-Based Software Distribution Method

With a cloud-based software installation, you have to connect the computer or mobile device to Wi-Fi or hardwire it to a router that connects to the location of your Cloud-based storage. The process of updating devices can be somewhat easier than discs or USB drives. You still have to configure the devices so they can access your Cloud-based storage location before you can run the software application installation.

Each of these files should contain specific instructions written in the proper programming language so the connected device is directed to the right software installation app. Depending on the operating system environment, you could even create a PXE menu of different software apps that users could choose from and install onto their devices.

Last, you need to make sure all of your devices are configured to boot to your PXE network. This requires updating the BIOS settings on desktop and laptop computers. By default, if there is no operating system on the device and no other bootable devices or discs are in the device, it should eventually connect to the PXE network.

Once the device is configured to boot to the network and is connected to Wi-Fi or hardwired to connect to your DHCP server, then the device should be able to receive files and their instructions from your PXE server.

What Are Some Different Distribution Methods for a PXE Network?

A distribution method refers to each distribution point created and included in the boot executable file on your PXE server. You could create a single distribution point where all devices that connect are instructed to download and install a software application.

You may also decide you want to create numerous distribution points. When you have multiple distribution points, the user must select which one they want after their device connects to your PXE server. For example, you could have installation choices for a range of commonly used apps within your organization.

Essentially, you have one or hundreds of distribution methods, although most organizations limit the number of distribution points available to users to only those they may require for their specific jobs.

Can a PXE Network Be Used to Erase Data and Reformat Hard Drives?

One of the great things about a PXE network is it can be used to send any type of software app installation to a connected device. For organizations with hundreds or more devices in use, utilizing a PXE network helps save time installing new software apps, removing software apps no longer needed, and even erasing data on drives.

For example, if you wanted to deploy WipeDrive on hundreds of computers simultaneously over your PXE network, it is possible with the right PXE server, DHCP server, and boot configuration on your devices. Once the devices connect to the PXE server, they download and execute WipeDrive.

The data wiping process starts and continues, based on the pre-configured settings. After the drive has been wiped, you can then include other instructions in the configuration file, such as a command to format the drive. You could even go so far as to have the connected device download an image file that would return the device into its original configuration state before it was assigned to a user.

What Else Does WipeDrive Do During the Wiping Processes?

As the devices are being wiped clean, WipeDrive is generating an audit log. The audit log contains the serial numbers of each drive, as well as the computer hardware configuration details for every computer on which WipeDrive is being run.

The audit log can then be used to generate various reports that you can send via email, store on a network hard drive, download and save to your computer, or store in a SQL/MySQL database. You also have a choice between a wide range of reporting to a database to in specific file formats, including html, pdf, csv, txt, and xml.

What Are Some Benefits of WipeDrive?

Some of the benefits organizations enjoy when utilizing WipeDrive and a PXE network include:

• Software is run from a CD, USB, or mounted drive on the PXE server.

• Custom pattern configuration can be created for wiping drives.

• All drives are erased in accordance with any of WipeDrive’s supported overwrite patterns, including DoD 5220.22-M.

• Enterprise licensing allows customers to duplicate CDs and USB drivers to set up multiple PXE servers.

• Multiple devices can be erased using a single server without having to physically touch each device.

• WipeDrive provides complete audit trail compliance with all major standards, including SOX, HIPAA, GLB, DoD, etc

What Other WhiteCanyon Software Products Could Benefit My Organization?

Besides WipeDrive, WhiteCanyon Software offers several other products which could simplify various data management tasks at your organization, including:

For further information about WipeDrive for a PXE network or any of our other related products, please contact WhiteCanyon Software at (801) 224-8900 today! We would be happy to provide you with a demo of our products so you can see how they can benefit your organization. We also offer our products for home users to make erasing data quick, secure, safe, and easy.

PXE Network Software Distribution Method

With a PXE network software distribution method, you can literally touch hundreds of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones simultaneously. Best of all, you may not even have to physically touch each device. Rather, as each user connects to your network, the software can be automated to install by itself onto their devices. You can also use a disc that is in the disc drive or a USB device connected to the USB port of your PXE server to automate distribution.

What Is a PXE Network?

PXE or Preboot Execution Environment is a special type of environment that has very limited functionality. However, PXE is able to send files as devices connect to the PXE server into their memory and have the device execute those commands in the files.

A PXE network relies on TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have the connecting devices download and receive the files before they actually boot up using their internal operating system boot commands.

How Does a PXE Network Work?

For a PXE network to work correctly, you have to configure your DHCP server to instruct the device to connect to the PXE server once a device connects to your DHCP server. Configuring this is not difficult, depending on the operating system used for your DHCP server.

For example, in Windows-based environments, you would need to open the Server Manager, drill down to Scope Options, and then configure those options by providing the Boot Server Host Name, which is the PXE server’s IP address and the Bootfile name, which would have a value like PXEboot.0

Once your DHCP server is configured correctly, the next step is to configure the PXE server. You need to enable TFTP on the server and include the appropriate boot files, configuration files, and other instructions so that a connected device will download and run the desired software app.

Software Distribution Methods 101: Why Use a PXE Network When it comes to software distribution methods, you have a wide array of options you can utilize, from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to USB drives, the Cloud, and a PXE network. There are key differences with each method that will determine how much interaction is required by the IT technician or person responsible for installing the software application onto the device.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs Software Distribution Method

This type of software distribution method requires you to visit each desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Some installations may require you to tether the mobile device to a desktop or laptop. Using discs can be rather time-consuming and tedious work, especially if you are responsible for managing hundreds of devices.

USB Drives Software Distribution Method

USB drives are just external storage devices that have the software mountedon it. You still have to plug the drive into each device you need to run the app on. Just like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, it can be very tedious and time-consuming work if you have hundreds of computers and mobile devices that need to boot the software application.

Cloud-Based Software Distribution Method

With a cloud-based software installation, you have to connect the computer or mobile device to Wi-Fi or hardwire it to a router that connects to the location of your Cloud-based storage. The process of updating devices can be somewhat easier than discs or USB drives. You still have to configure the devices so they can access your Cloud-based storage location before you can run the software application installation.

www.WhiteCanyon.com | Sales@WhiteCanyon.com | 1 (801) 224-8900

Software DistributionMethods 101: WipeDrive

For example, if you wanted to deploy WipeDrive on hundreds of computers simultaneously over your PXE network, it is possible with the right PXE server, DHCP server, and boot configuration on your devices. Once the devices connect to the PXE server, they download and execute WipeDrive.

The data wiping process starts and continues, based on the pre-configured settings. After the drive has been wiped, you can then include other instructions in the configuration file, such as a command to format the drive. You could even go so far as to have the connected device download an image file that would return the device into its original configuration state before it was assigned to a user.

What Else Does WipeDrive Do During the Wiping Processes?

As the devices are being wiped clean, WipeDrive is generating an audit log. The audit log contains the serial numbers of each drive, as well as the computer hardware configuration details for every computer on which WipeDrive is being run.

The audit log can then be used to generate various reports that you can send via email, store on a network hard drive, download and save to your computer, or store in a SQL/MySQL database. You also have a choice between a wide range of reporting to a database to in specific file formats, including html, pdf, csv, txt, and xml.

What Are Some Benefits of WipeDrive?

Some of the benefits organizations enjoy when utilizing WipeDrive and a PXE network include:

• Software is run from a CD, USB, or mounted drive on the PXE server.

• Custom pattern configuration can be created for wiping drives.

• All drives are erased in accordance with any of WipeDrive’s supported overwrite patterns, including DoD 5220.22-M.

• Enterprise licensing allows customers to duplicate CDs and USB drivers to set up multiple PXE servers.

• Multiple devices can be erased using a single server without having to physically touch each device.

• WipeDrive provides complete audit trail compliance with all major standards, including SOX, HIPAA, GLB, DoD, etc

What Other WhiteCanyon Software Products Could Benefit My Organization?

Besides WipeDrive, WhiteCanyon Software offers several other products which could simplify various data management tasks at your organization, including:

For further information about WipeDrive for a PXE network or any of our other related products, please contact WhiteCanyon Software at (801) 224-8900 today! We would be happy to provide you with a demo of our products so you can see how they can benefit your organization. We also offer our products for home users to make erasing data quick, secure, safe, and easy.

PXE Network Software Distribution Method

With a PXE network software distribution method, you can literally touch hundreds of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones simultaneously. Best of all, you may not even have to physically touch each device. Rather, as each user connects to your network, the software can be automated to install by itself onto their devices. You can also use a disc that is in the disc drive or a USB device connected to the USB port of your PXE server to automate distribution.

What Is a PXE Network?

PXE or Preboot Execution Environment is a special type of environment that has very limited functionality. However, PXE is able to send files as devices connect to the PXE server into their memory and have the device execute those commands in the files.

A PXE network relies on TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have the connecting devices download and receive the files before they actually boot up using their internal operating system boot commands.

How Does a PXE Network Work?

For a PXE network to work correctly, you have to configure your DHCP server to instruct the device to connect to the PXE server once a device connects to your DHCP server. Configuring this is not difficult, depending on the operating system used for your DHCP server.

For example, in Windows-based environments, you would need to open the Server Manager, drill down to Scope Options, and then configure those options by providing the Boot Server Host Name, which is the PXE server’s IP address and the Bootfile name, which would have a value like PXEboot.0

Once your DHCP server is configured correctly, the next step is to configure the PXE server. You need to enable TFTP on the server and include the appropriate boot files, configuration files, and other instructions so that a connected device will download and run the desired software app.

Software Distribution Methods 101: Why Use a PXE Network When it comes to software distribution methods, you have a wide array of options you can utilize, from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to USB drives, the Cloud, and a PXE network. There are key differences with each method that will determine how much interaction is required by the IT technician or person responsible for installing the software application onto the device.

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs Software Distribution Method

This type of software distribution method requires you to visit each desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Some installations may require you to tether the mobile device to a desktop or laptop. Using discs can be rather time-consuming and tedious work, especially if you are responsible for managing hundreds of devices.

USB Drives Software Distribution Method

USB drives are just external storage devices that have the software mountedon it. You still have to plug the drive into each device you need to run the app on. Just like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, it can be very tedious and time-consuming work if you have hundreds of computers and mobile devices that need to boot the software application.

Cloud-Based Software Distribution Method

With a cloud-based software installation, you have to connect the computer or mobile device to Wi-Fi or hardwire it to a router that connects to the location of your Cloud-based storage. The process of updating devices can be somewhat easier than discs or USB drives. You still have to configure the devices so they can access your Cloud-based storage location before you can run the software application installation.

For example, if you wanted to deploy WipeDrive on hundreds of computers simultaneously over your PXE network, it is possible with the right PXE server, DHCP server, and boot configuration on your devices. Once the devices connect to the PXE server, they download and execute WipeDrive.

The data wiping process starts and continues, based on the pre-configured settings. After the drive has been wiped, you can then include other instructions in the configuration file, such as a command to format the drive. You could even go so far as to have the connected device download an image file that would return the device into its original configuration state before it was assigned to a user.

What Else Does WipeDrive Do During the Wiping Processes?

As the devices are being wiped clean, WipeDrive is generating an audit log. The audit log contains the serial numbers of each drive, as well as the computer hardware configuration details for every computer on which WipeDrive is being run.

The audit log can then be used to generate various reports that you can send via email, store on a network hard drive, download and save to your computer, or store in a SQL/MySQL database. You also have a choice between a wide range of reporting to a database to in specific file formats, including html, pdf, csv, txt, and xml.

What Are Some Benefits of WipeDrive?

Some of the benefits organizations enjoy when utilizing WipeDrive and a PXE network include:

• Software is run from a CD, USB, or mounted drive on the PXE server.

• Custom pattern configuration can be created for wiping drives.

• All drives are erased in accordance with any of WipeDrive’s supported overwrite patterns, including DoD 5220.22-M.

• Enterprise licensing allows customers to duplicate CDs and USB drivers to set up multiple PXE servers.

• Multiple devices can be erased using a single server without having to physically touch each device.

• WipeDrive provides complete audit trail compliance with all major standards, including SOX, HIPAA, GLB, DoD, etc

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Software DistributionMethods 101: WipeDrive

What Other WhiteCanyon Software Products Could Benefit My Organization?

Besides WipeDrive, WhiteCanyon Software offers several other products which could simplify various data management tasks at your organization, including:

For further information about WipeDrive for a PXE network or any of our other related products, please contact WhiteCanyon Software at (801) 224-8900 today! We would be happy to provide you with a demo of our products so you can see how they can benefit your organization. We also offer our products for home users to make erasing data quick, secure, safe, and easy.

VeriDriveVerify hard drives

have been successfully

deleted.

WipeDrive MobileErase all data

and reset/update iOS on mobile

devices.

SecureCleanRegularly clean and remove any unwanted files & folder from your

devices.

SystemSaverErase all user data while keeping the operating system and programs on

the device.