Otto allows you to configure machines in bulk. This allows you to push software to many machines at once, transfer many machines at once to a different group, etc.
These actions are taken on a Group. Visit a group.
On the right side you'll see the Systems section. This section allows you to pair a new system(or many new systems) into the group and also provides a button for each bulk action.
Duplicate Systems
This allows you to duplicate systems in bulk. This function is intended to make it easy to replace systems with new hardware. Duplicating systems creates new systems and copies over Admins, RDPs, package selections, configuration selections, custom names (if not prefix-serial_number), Otto Name, and User.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Duplicating systems also prestages the new systems.
After you click this button, you'll be taken to a screen where you can select, all, none, or some of the machines in the group. Select the systems and click Proceed.
On the next page, you're provided with a form to provide the new serial numbers for each system. Here hitting enter from a serial number field takes you to the next serial number field (how most hand scanners work).
If the machine is named prefix-serial_number (like MiWorkspace computers), Otto will name the machine with your new serial number. If the machine has a custom name, it will name the new machines with the same name as the old machine. This lets you replace computers with new hardware and keep their names consistent.
Once you click submit, the new systems will be created, configured, and then prestaged. The old systems in Otto remain the same except their Otto Name is appended with "(Old)" to make it easy to identify a machine that's been replaced.
System Package and Configuration Selections
This allows you to add or remove packages or configurations from multiple systems at once. First you're prompted to select the systems you wish to configure:
And next you can Add or Remove a package/configuration from those systems:
When you click Update Package/Configuration Selections, Otto adds or removes the package/configuration from each of the selected systems.
Transfer Systems
This allows you to move multiple machines to a new group at once. It also automatically prestages the systems in their new group. If a Successor Group is set on the originating group, that group is already selected as the destination.
Once you click the Transfer Systems button you're taken to a form where you can select some, all, or none of the systems in the group to transfer.
...
Bulk Package or Configuration Add/Remove
The bulk_system_package_editor and/or bulk_system_configuration_editor roles are required.
Visit the Systems page. Using the Deployable filter, choose Packages or Configurations and submit.
Once you've submitted a Deployable type, a filter will appear for the Package or Configuration. Select one and submit it.
After submitting a deployable as a filter, another column will appear on the systems display showing each system's association to the Package or Configuration and allowing you to individually add or remove as needed.
To add or remove a Package or Configuration in bulk, use the Bulk button beside each group.
After clicking bulk Add, a form appears. Fill it out and submit it.
The work will be queued asynchronously and updates will be broadcast to each system and package as it is processed.
Prestage Systems
This allows you prestage systems in bulk. Select some or all systems.
Delete Systems
When deleting Windows systems, you need to decide if you want to merely clear the record from Otto, or if you want to retire the system from service:.
- As the dialog explains, deleting systems from Active Directory, MDT, and SCCM will immediately take effect, rendering the system inaccessible in the field.
...
- Make sure you understand your options before using this feature.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In Otto, multiple different systems (whose unique identifier is serial number) may have the same Name. The
- The Name is used for the active directory account. Whichever system was most recently prestaged will take over the name AND the trust relationship in Active Directory.
...
- Similarly, when deleting a system in Active Directory, it's deleted by Name, which could affect more than one system if multiple systems share the same name.
Transfer Systems
This allows you to transfer systems to a new group and optionally prestage them too.
After clicking Transfer Systems: Next, a screen where you can select, all, none, or some of the machines in the group displays, and your prestage options. Select the systems and then click Proceed.
Once you click Submit, the new systems will be transferred, configured, and then prestaged.