Provisioning / Commissioning

Who knows the difference between provisioning and commissioning? Both words seem to be used interchangeably to describe “setting up a device.” 

When you first buy a server / computer / device, you should do a first level of provisioning. In this step you need to give the computer a name, set network preferences, and install and license software. You also should use this effort to set the right time-zone and disable all the automatic updates. This is also the point where you install any VNC or screen control software. If you’re only setting up unique servers or few server versions, you’re done with this effort. 

If you have repeatable server setups, after the initial provisioning is done and you’ve built out a server ISO, remove licenses, load the ISO, and reinstall software and licenses as necessary.