[OPLINTECH] Application distribution techniques

[Chad Neeper (list)]

Background:

I have a long history with Novell software and for years and years I've 
had the ability to very easily distribute applications (among other 
things) ranging from the most complex (think MS Office) to the least 
complex (think single program file, single Windows registry change, 
single change to an .ini config file, etc.). In a nutshell, the process 
is as simple as taking a picture of a workstation, installing the 
program or making a change, and taking a second picture of the 
workstation. The difference between the two is the installed program and 
whatever else has changed on the workstation. The program can then 
plugged into the server's directory, registry entries and program files 
modified if need be, and then assigned to users and/or workstations. A 
shortcut to the program is automatically placed on the user's computer. 
When the user clicks on the shortcut, if the program has never been run 
on the workstation before, the program very quickly self-installs from 
the original image I created and then executes as normal. I also have 
the ability to take that program, "ball it up", and easily insert it 
into another of my clients' networks. This saves huge amounts of time 
and benefits everyone. There is much more than I've described, but this 
is the gist of this particular feature.

A little more current background:
With the introduction of Vista, most of my libraries are facing 
significant server upgrades to accommodate the new OS. This provides us 
with a good opportunity to take a look around and see if there is now a 
better way to operate. One notable benefit if we stick with the same 
path we're on:  we will have a good transition point into Linux, since 
Novell has ported most of their software portfolio onto the Linux 
platform and we're now able to use the same software on either a Netware 
or Linux platform on the back-end and on the front-end, we have a choice 
of a strong Linux desktop platform or Windows.

Question:
Without getting into the whole tired and un-winnable argument of Netware 
vs Windows vs Linux on the back-end, I'm curious as to how some of you 
are managing and automating the distribution of applications, etc. to 
your desktops and how flexible and happy you are with your system.

Thanks in advance,
Chad


-- 

-----------------------
Chad Neeper
Senior Systems Engineer

Level 9 Networks
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

--   Full LAN/WAN consulting services   --
-- Specialized in libraries and schools --