OPSI vs OSDCloud

OPSI is an open-source client management system for software distribution, operating-system installation, inventory, patch management, and configuration. It can deploy Windows updates, MSI packages, setup programs, and system packages without interactive installation steps. It also automates installations of Windows client and server systems and common Linux distributions, including unattended and image-based setups.

Regular inventory collects hardware and software details, including hardware information from devices without an operating system. Administration can be centralized across multiple sites, each with its own depot servers, configurations, and software packages. Directory integrations support Active Directory, Samba 4, and OpenLDAP; single sign-on extensions support Microsoft Entra ID and Keycloak through SAML 2.0. OPSI-WebGUI runs in a modern browser without client-side installation. Community is free with unlimited devices and one worker process. Basic is free for up to 30 devices and one setup per user. Professional costs €499 a year and requires a minimum purchase of 100 devices; Enterprise costs €899 a year with the same minimum. Enterprise Cloud costs €1,199 a year, starting at 100 devices.

OSDCloud deploys Windows 11 through the internet from a WinPE environment, without local deployment infrastructure. It runs with the OSDCloud or OSD PowerShell modules and supports Windows 11 versions 23H2 through 25H2 on amd64 and arm64 systems. Windows images are downloaded from Microsoft during deployment. Drivers and firmware can come from Microsoft Update Catalog, while driver packs are available from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft Surface. The FAQ says any UEFI device compatible with Windows should work. After deployment, local PowerShell modules are updated so the device can enter OOBE and be prepared for Windows Autopilot. A WinPE function can authenticate to Azure with device code flow. Provisioning packages may be placed on ISO media or USB and applied to the offline operating system. Requirements include a WinPE boot image, suitable drivers, internet access, PowerShell, and the OSDCloud or OSD modules. The Community Tool plan is free.