The Smart Installer is a special USB device that contains a unique chip which allows emulation of a USB CD-ROM. With it you can place the latest version of an Astaro image on an Astaro Gateway, if for example the installation is many updates or major versions behind. This saves the long process of applying many updates or moving across major versions all at once. Further, the Astaro Smart Installer is easily shipped, and even at the fastest expedited speeds can save significant costs vs. shipping a full appliance, should one be needed by a remote location in a short amount of time.
It is also possible to use the Smart Installer as a regular USB drive to transport backup files, license keys, and other information. The Smart Installer can be used for updating, field deployments, disaster recovery, configuration installs, and any situation where a USB CD-ROM might be required. In addition to acting as an imaging tool, the drive also provides normal thumb-drive functionality which is good for storing manuals, walkthroughs, guides, backup files, single updates, and other resources.
Using the Smart Installer is easy. Just obtain the desired product image from any Astaro download resource, plug in the Smart Installer to a free USB port on your desktop computer, and run the one-click installer program. The image will be automatically burned to the Smart Installer with no further input required. Once the Smart Installer has been loaded, it is plugged into any Astaro/Sophos appliance and the automated installation process will take place