Operating system (OS) imaging is the process of capturing the information of an IT system and storing the data in a centralized location. An OS image is the copied product, which can then be redeployed and used as a prebuilt operating system on another device. Companies use these tools to quickly configure devices to the standards set by IT staff. They can help to rapidly provision desktops, fix corrupted devices, or schedule periodic deployments. Some tools enable the automation of periodic deployments, while others are used for event-driven deployments or ad-hoc deployments. 
There is some overlap between OS imaging and deployment solutions and enterprise IT management suites as well as backup software. But those tools will contain OS imaging and deployment capabilities within a larger, broader feature set. 
To qualify for inclusion in the OS Imaging and Deployment category, a product must: 
 
Facilitate the capture of an OS image
Store the image in a central location
Facilitate the deployment of images onto endpoint devices