ceterion Deployment Framework
– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The ceterion Deployment Framework is not a standard software, but an open platform that is continuously developed in collaboration with you – a custom-tailored software solution rather than an off-the-shelf product.

Yes – thanks to its PowerShell foundation and modular architecture, you can develop and integrate extensions independently.

Upon request, in escrow – please contact us.

The software is provided free of charge. However, a software maintenance agreement is required for its use.

• Error resolution according to defined standard response times.
• Updates & Upgrades: Enhancements and improvements to the software are provided without additional charge (provided they do not contain functional extensions).
• Communication & Support: Teams channel for communication, problem reporting, and coordination options.
• Adaptations to System Environments: Adaptation of the software to version changes of operating systems, system-related software, browsers, and supported programs (e.g., databases) – no later than 6 months after release by the manufacturer.
• Standard Response Times: Service hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding nationwide public holidays), commencement of work within 24 hours, update frequency every 7 days.
• Extended Response Times: can be individually tailored to your needs.

Yes – extended response times can be configured through the contract variant.

The costs for the software maintenance agreement depend on the individual scope of services and the agreed-upon service levels. Please contact us for a customized offer tailored to your requirements.

The ceterion Deployment Framework is offered and supported exclusively by us as the manufacturer. This direct sales channel ensures that you consistently receive the highest quality, optimal terms, and direct support from our experts.

Key Benefits:

• Ensuring Solution Quality
  Thanks to our direct contractual relationship, maintenance, support, and further development can be carried out consistently in accordance with our quality standards.
• Best Terms and Conditions
  As the manufacturer, we offer you the most competitive licensing and maintenance prices—with no markups from middlemen.
• Direct contact with experts
  You benefit from direct access to our developers and solution specialists—for fast and precise support.
• Long-term planning reliability
  Your specific requirements can be directly incorporated into our product planning, allowing you to benefit from a perfectly tailored solution over the long term.

Note:

Conclusion of a contract is exclusively possible directly with ceterion AG.

The ceterion Deployment Framework is exclusively distributed directly by us as the manufacturer.

However, service providers, system integrators, and IT consultancies can actively work with the solution and create added value for their clients within the scope of projects.

Your opportunities:

• Use in Customer Projects
  Utilize the cDF as a technological foundation for your own implementation or migration projects.
• Operation and Management on Behalf of Clients
  Administer, maintain, and extend the framework within existing client environments.

Cooperation with ceterion:

• Project Support & Vendor Assistance
  For larger projects or bespoke requirements, we provide direct support – leveraging technical expertise, development capabilities, and direct access to our comprehensive knowledge base.
• Training and Knowledge Transfer
  We offer targeted training sessions and workshops to ensure your team is fully prepared to use the framework.
• Sales Collaboration
  We support you in engaging with and serving joint clients – professionally, technically, and conceptually.

Result:

A collaborative partnership at the project level, enabling you to benefit from our expert knowledge and offer your customers high-quality, integrated solutions.

The ceterion Deployment Framework (cDF) is optimized for operation in a Microsoft-based environment and leverages proven Microsoft technologies for maximum compatibility, stability, and maintainability.

Furthermore, the framework is fully virtualization-capable and supports common deployment and management components.

System Requirements at a Glance

• Operating System (Server): Windows Server (recommended from version 2019)
• Client Operating Systems: Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Database: Microsoft SQL Server (from version 2016, Express or higher)
• Scripting & Automation:
  PowerShell 5.x on Windows clients
  PowerShell 7.x (Core) on the cDF backend
• Web Console: Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) for providing the web-based administration interface
• File Share: SMB File Share as central storage for configuration files, packages, and logs
• PXE Integration: Support for Windows Deployment Services (WDS) for network-based installations via PXE
• Virtualization: Compatible with VMware vCenter / ESXi, Citrix XenServer, and Microsoft Hyper-V
• VDI and Application Provisioning: Fully integrable into Citrix Apps and Desktops environments (formerly XenApp/XenDesktop) for automated provisioning and maintenance of virtual desktops and applications

Recommended Infrastructure

A standardized Windows domain with Active Directory and central access to the SMB share ensures optimal performance, security, and user management.

Note

The cDF can be operated both on-premises and in virtualized or hybrid environments.

Yes – the ceterion Deployment Framework functions on-premise, in the cloud, and in hybrid setups.

The ceterion Deployment Framework (cDF) can be fully integrated into Recast Application Workspace, extending its functionalities with standardized, automated software deployment at the system level.

While Recast manages application deployment and the self-service portal for end-users, the cDF handles the technical execution, installation, and maintenance of applications in the background.

Functionality and Benefits:

• Central Package Management (
  ) The cDF provides standardized application packages that can be integrated directly into Recast Application Workspace.
• Automated Package Import
  Through an integrated interface in the ceterion Packaging Framework (cPF), application packages can be automatically imported into Recast and updated—without any manual intervention.
• Automated Deployment & Maintenance
  Recast uses cDF as the backend for installations, updates, and rollbacks—regardless of location or VDI environment.
• Integration via standard interfaces
  Integration is achieved through PowerShell, SMB, and API-based mechanisms, without the need for additional middleware.
• 
  's Combined Strengths: Recast offers a modern, user-friendly app portal—while cDF provides stable, versioned, and auditable backend execution.
• Cross-platform support
  Ideal for physical, virtual, and cloud environments (e.g., Citrix, VMware, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365).

Result:

A perfectly coordinated combination of user convenience and technical control – Recast Application Workspace for the self-service frontend, with cDF and cPF as reliable backend components for packaging, deployment, and automation.

Yes – the ceterion Deployment Framework (cDF) fully supports the operation and software distribution in Terminal Server environments.

It is optimized for both classic Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Citrix Apps and Desktops infrastructures.

Functionality and Benefits:

• 
  Multi-Session Compatibility The cDF detects terminal server sessions and performs system-wide, user-neutral installations—without conflicts between concurrent sessions.
• Application Deployment for Multiple Users
  Applications can be installed centrally and made available to all users on the terminal server.
• Integration with profile and session management
  Compatible with solutions such as FSLogix or Citrix Profile Management to ensure a consistent user experience.
• Centralized Management and Tracking
  Deployments and updates can be centrally managed and tracked in an auditable manner via cDF.
• Can be combined with VDI workloads
  Terminal servers can be operated in parallel with VDI or cloud VDI environments (e.g., Azure Virtual Desktop) and managed together.

Result:

A standardized, controlled, and scalable software deployment – perfect for multi-user and terminal server environments in organizations of all sizes.

Yes – the ceterion Deployment Framework supports Group Managed Service Accounts (gMSA) for services, web components, and scripts.

This eliminates manual password management, and all service accounts are centrally managed via Active Directory.

Yes – the Web Console of the ceterion Deployment Framework (cDF) can be customized in defined areas to align with your company's Corporate Identity (CI).

This enables a visually consistent user interface that seamlessly integrates into your existing IT environment.

Possible Customizations:

• Logo & Branding: Integration of your company logo into the header or login area.
• Color Scheme: Adaptation of central UI colors (primary and accent colors) to your corporate design.
• Titles & Labels: Customization of page titles, labels, and introductory texts to match your organizational structure.
• Start and Login Page: Optional addition of individual background images or welcome messages.
• Multi-Tenant Capability: In environments with multiple organizational units, different CI variants can be defined per tenant.

Note:

Advanced layout or functional enhancements (e.g., custom dashboards, additional UI modules) can be implemented as part of individual customization projects.

Result:

A web console that visually and functionally adapts to your corporate design – for a consistent user experience throughout the entire deployment and administration process.

Yes – maintenance messages can be centrally created and time-controlled activated (e.g., for planned updates or system changes).

Yes – the ceterion Deployment Framework features a role-based access control (RBAC) system with Active Directory integration, fine-grained permissions, and audit-proof logging of all actions.

Yes – in addition to Windows authentication, the ceterion Deployment Framework's REST API also supports API key-based authentication with role-based permissions, expiration control, and comprehensive logging of all calls.

Yes – the Web Console supports Single Sign-On (SSO) via Active Directory. Users log in with their existing domain accounts.

Yes – the ceterion Deployment Framework is compatible with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365.

It supports hybrid and cloud-based VDI scenarios with centralized control, automated deployments, and integration into Azure AD and Microsoft 365.

A Proof of Concept (PoC) can be conducted at any time in collaboration with our team.

The ceterion Deployment Framework (cDF) is set up in a suitable environment – for testing or production – to practically evaluate core functionalities and integrations.

Together, we define the objectives and scope of the PoC. Subsequently, we set up the cDF in a suitable test or client environment – optionally at a fixed price for maximum planning certainty. Throughout this phase, we provide technical and organizational support until all defined scenarios have been successfully validated.

Result:
A practical, low-risk introduction to the cDF – providing clear insights into integration, efficiency, and feasibility within your environment.