FAQ Focus: What is Acronis, Ghost and Microsoft deployment toolkit?

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Acronis, Ghost, and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) are software tools commonly used for system deployment and imaging in IT environments. Let’s take a closer look at each tool:
Acronis
Acronis is a software suite that offers data protection, backup, and disaster recovery solutions. Acronis True Image, a popular product within the suite, enables users to create disk images of entire systems or specific partitions. These disk images can be utilised for:
- system backup
- restoration
- migration purposes
True Image supports various features like incremental backups, encryption, and integration with cloud storage.
Ghost
Symantec developed Ghost, a disk cloning and imaging software that is now discontinued. Symantec Ghost allowed users to create exact replicas, referred to as Ghost images or Ghosts, of entire hard drives or partitions. These images could be deployed simultaneously to multiple computers, enabling fast system deployment and restoration. Although Ghost is no longer actively developed, its imaging capabilities have influenced subsequent products and methods for system deployment.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
MDT is a free set of tools provided by Microsoft for automating and customising the deployment of Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows Server, and older versions. MDT simplifies the process of creating customised Windows images, installing applications, and configuring settings. It facilitates the creation of standardised deployment sequences, driver management, and post-deployment tasks. MDT integrates with other Microsoft deployment technologies like Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to enhance system deployment capabilities.
While Acronis, Ghost, and MDT all offer imaging and deployment functionalities, there are some differences between them. Acronis and Ghost primarily focus on disk imaging and backup solutions, offering comprehensive features for creating disk images, restoring systems, and managing backups. These tools are suitable for both personal and enterprise backup and recovery needs.
MDT, on the other hand, is specifically designed for deploying and customising Windows operating systems in enterprise environments. It provides a range of features and automation capabilities to streamline the deployment process, including driver management, application installation, and configuration settings.

Each tool has its own strengths and user cases, so the choice depends on specific requirements and preferences. It’s worth noting that there are also other software solutions available in the market that offer similar system imaging and deployment functionalities.
Need more information on the imaging and deployment process?
S2S Group is a leading provider of imaging and deployment services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions to streamline IT processes. With a team of experts well-versed in the use of industry-leading software such as Acronis, Ghost, and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), S2S Group ensures efficient and reliable system imaging and deployment.

When it comes to Acronis, S2S Group’s experts have extensive experience in utilising its advanced features for data protection, backup, and disaster recovery. They can create disk images of entire systems or specific partitions, enabling seamless system backup, restoration, and migration. With True Image, users can benefit from incremental backups, encryption, and cloud storage integration, ensuring robust data management.
Similarly, S2S Group’s proficiency in Ghost software allows for precise disk cloning and imaging. Leveraging the capabilities of Symantec Ghost, the team can create exact replicas of hard drives or partitions, enabling rapid and simultaneous deployment across multiple computers.
S2S Group’s expertise in Ghost software enables efficient system deployment and restoration based on legacy Ghost images, despite the software being discontinued.
In addition, S2S Group’s specialists are well-versed in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), a powerful tool for automating and customising the deployment of Windows operating systems. They can utilise MDT to create standardized deployment sequences, manage drivers, and configure applications, ensuring efficient and consistent deployments across the IT environment.
With their in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in using Acronis, Ghost, and MDT software, S2S Group’s experts deliver exceptional imaging and deployment services. These are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Still, want to know more about the imaging and deployment process?
Ready to streamline your imaging and deployment processes? Contact S2S Group today for expert assistance. Get in touch here: Contact S2S Group or explore our full range of imaging and deployment services here.