GHOST® Solution Suite for Windows
- By Broadcom
- Trial version
- User Rating
Used GHOST® Solution Suite for Windows?
GHOST® Solution Suite Analysis
AI Assisted Content ·
Not written by CNET Staff.
GHOST® Solution Suite, now part of the Broadcom portfolio, is a specialized utility designed for disk imaging, operating system (OS) and application deployment, and centralized endpoint management across complex IT infrastructures. It is built to streamline the entire system lifecycle, from initial bare-metal provisioning to maintenance and secure decommissioning.
Competing with solutions like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and the open-source Clonezilla, GHOST® Solution Suite stands out for its high reliability and advanced automation features specifically tailored for large-scale enterprise environments where consistency and speed are paramount.
Robust imaging and distribution
GHOST® Solution Suite supports several imaging formats, including GHO, GHS, and the newer V2I. For deployment, it efficiently supports both multicast and unicast methods. The program features robust compression options to reduce storage needs and includes AES-256 encryption for securing sensitive image files during distribution or storage. These capabilities are crucial for supporting large-scale OS migrations and ensuring reliable, secure disaster recovery procedures across diverse endpoints.
Centralized management and control console
The solution provides a centralized management console that allows administrators to handle hardware and software inventory, remote control, job scheduling, and scripted automation. Wizards assist users with complex imaging and patching procedures. Though the interface design appears dated compared to web-native tools, it provides detailed reporting in CSV, HTML, and XML formats. The console also supports hardware and software inventory management, remote control, and scripted automation for IT administrators.
Pros
- High-speed, large-scale deployment via multicast
- Industry-leading hardware-independent imaging
- AES-256 encryption for image security
- Comprehensive centralized management
Cons
- User interface feels visually dated
Bottom Line
A legacy of imaging, evolving needs
In summary, GHOST® Solution Suite remains a dependable imaging and deployment tool within enterprise IT infrastructures. Its mature technology supports complex hardware and provides automation for managing large environments. However, its traditional client-server architecture and interface may pose challenges compared to more modern, cloud-native alternatives currently emerging.
What’s new in version 3.3
- Expanded OS and platform support
- Windows 11 ARM support
- Enhanced PXE boot speed control
- Improved console functionality
- Web console upgrade
GHOST® Solution Suite for Windows
- By Broadcom
- Trial version
- User Rating
Used GHOST® Solution Suite for Windows?