software packaging

Discussion in 'Software' started by Zainek, May 8, 2010.

  1. Zainek

    Zainek Nibble Poster

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    Hi guys,

    im thinking about picking up software packaging or attempting to learn it.
    What toolsets/apps/etc do you use for this ?

    whats the best way to learn it too
     
    Certifications: MCTS, ITILv3 F, MCTS, MBCS, MCITP:EA C&G
    WIP: CCA Xenapp 5.0 & VMWARE
  2. SimonD
    Honorary Member

    SimonD Terabyte Poster

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    Wise Package Studio.

    Admin Studio.

    Advanced Installer

    Are just a few to mention.

    As far as packaging goes, it really is a niche area, not something I would do at all, I find it boring and way too complex. It's also not something you can pick up over night.

    Do a search with regards to MSI and Windows Installer technologies on Google or Technet and that should give you a load of information as well.
     
    Certifications: CNA | CNE | CCNA | MCP | MCP+I | MCSE NT4 | MCSA 2003 | Security+ | MCSA:S 2003 | MCSE:S 2003 | MCTS:SCCM 2007 | MCTS:Win 7 | MCITP:EDA7 | MCITP:SA | MCITP:EA | MCTS:Hyper-V | VCP 4 | ITIL v3 Foundation | VCP 5 DCV | VCP 5 Cloud | VCP6 NV | VCP6 DCV | VCAP 5.5 DCA
  3. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    App V or Softgrid in old money. Package once and never install software onto another PC again, except for the client.
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCSA (messaging), ITIL Foundation v3
    WIP: Breathing in and out, but not out and in, that's just wrong
  4. SimonD
    Honorary Member

    SimonD Terabyte Poster

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    True but that requires that you have Software Assurance and really isn't classed as 'Packaging', more software delivery.
     
    Certifications: CNA | CNE | CCNA | MCP | MCP+I | MCSE NT4 | MCSA 2003 | Security+ | MCSA:S 2003 | MCSE:S 2003 | MCTS:SCCM 2007 | MCTS:Win 7 | MCITP:EDA7 | MCITP:SA | MCITP:EA | MCTS:Hyper-V | VCP 4 | ITIL v3 Foundation | VCP 5 DCV | VCP 5 Cloud | VCP6 NV | VCP6 DCV | VCAP 5.5 DCA
  5. Zainek

    Zainek Nibble Poster

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    my god.

    thats nasty.

    played with install shield 2008 premier edt.

    cant even find any tutorials for it.
     
    Certifications: MCTS, ITILv3 F, MCTS, MBCS, MCITP:EA C&G
    WIP: CCA Xenapp 5.0 & VMWARE
  6. Zainek

    Zainek Nibble Poster

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    looks great i like it, just trying to get my mits on it at the moment,
     
    Certifications: MCTS, ITILv3 F, MCTS, MBCS, MCITP:EA C&G
    WIP: CCA Xenapp 5.0 & VMWARE
  7. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    My bad, I keep forgetting that working in a school this stuff is dirt cheap. Still App V still works in off-line mode so delivery or package the end user stil gets the software they require when they need it.
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCSA (messaging), ITIL Foundation v3
    WIP: Breathing in and out, but not out and in, that's just wrong
  8. Pete01

    Pete01 Kilobyte Poster

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    I'm learning this as well, it's niche and very good money (£300-400/day). Just do a search in jobserve for APP-V, MSI packaging

    I'm finding that it's best to know MSI packaging and App-V. Not every app your customer wants to have deployed can be sequenced over App-V so some will have to be packaged as MSIs.

    We have a scenario here where if an app can be sequenced over APP-V it will

    If not it gets installed locally as an MSI package

    If it doesn't run on Windows 7 it's delivered over terminal services.

    To get fully into app deployment I'm focusing on App-V, MSI packaging (Installshield, Wise) and SCCM (plus alternatives like radia, altiris, marimba).

    It's also good to learn a bit about individual user customisation. We're using Appsense for run time customisation. Also there are compatibility tools you can use to quickly determine if an app can go over App-V or has to be MSI'd, it's compatibility with Windows 7/Vista etc. We use DNA Apptitude for this

    To help it's good to understand the whole big picture of deploying apps:

    1. Does it install on the target OS build (install the build on VMware then the app and test if it works by creating and following a test plan)
    2. If so what changes does the app make? (registry entries, installed files/folders, environment variables)
    3. Does it have dependencies and/or prerequisites? (drive mappings, dongles, .NET framework, java runtime etc)
    4. Can it be sequenced over App-V? (Use something like DNA Apptitude in the first instance here)
    5. If not can it be packaged as an MSI?
    6. Does it have runtime dependencies (temporary drive mappings/reg entries/environment variables/ODBC connections etc)?

    There is quite a big picture for deploying apps, you can be an expert in APP-V, MSI packaging, SCCM (radia/altiris), Appsense.

    I've been unable to find any difinitive app packaging training path or certification so my traiing plan is:

    Learn MSI packaging, download VMware server (free), get a trial version of Installshield and follow the tutorials. package as many apps as you can, ranging from easy ones to the real b'stard ones.

    Learn APP-V and get a cert (I'm going for 70-669)

    Learn and get a cert in SCCM - (looking at 70-401)

    Learn a bit of appsense/powershell/XML and other stuff that helps.

    It's a very niche area but the money is very good. Here's a forum dedicated just to packaging and app deployment:

    http://www.appdeploy.com/
     
    Certifications: MCP (NT4) CCNA
    WIP: 70-669, Learning MSI packaging

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