Consideration for Imaging processes

🔹 Option 1: Unique image for each department

Pros

• Tailored to exactly what the department needs (apps, settings, access).
• Reduces setup time after deployment—everything is “ready to go.”
• Easier to enforce departmental policy/config.

Cons

• Multiple images = harder maintenance (patches, updates, security fixes must be repeated across each).
• Risk of “image drift” (some departments fall behind).
• Larger storage footprint for all the different images.

🔹 Option 2: Single golden image + configuration management

Pros

• One image to maintain (OS, core apps, baseline security).
• Simplifies patching and compliance.
• Smaller storage footprint.
• Faster deployment of new hardware.

Cons

• Requires additional setup post-deployment (e.g., department-specific apps/settings).
• If config management isn’t automated, admins may end up doing more manual work.