For optimal functioning, businesses must maintain an appropriate software environment on their computers. It is critical in the workplace to securely provide and manage software-related operations. In any firm, fast-paced software management necessitates software distribution. Through software distribution, the software may be installed on several machines. In a nutshell, software distribution is critical for organizations to manage, deploy, and control software.
Simply put, software distribution is the process of making software available to end-users from the creator. It provides the business with a secure and uniform way of packaging, delivering, and tracking software changes across the enterprise. Through software distribution, software rollout initiatives may be completed swiftly and effectively while remaining hassle-free.
What Is Software Distribution?
Programs are commands associated with a Configuration Manager package that instruct a client on what should happen on the client machine when the package is received. Almost every activity may be linked to the software. A program can be used to install new software on clients, disseminate data files, execute virus-detection software, or change client settings, for example.
Every deployable package must have at least one program, but you can specify more if necessary. A package is frequently coupled with many applications, allowing the package to be run in different ways on different clients. This is frequently the case when installing a new application on a client's computer and wishing to write programs to do a conventional, minimal, or bespoke installation.
Although the package includes the application, data, or information that must be installed on client computers, the program is in charge of specifying how that application is to be utilized. As a result, any required references to script files or command switches must be included in the application. When you have clients who use multiple operating systems, the program also defines the platform and environment in which the package may be executed, which means you may have a program for each acceptable platform.
The Benefits
Enhancing Software Security
A good software distribution service keeps track of software performance across several workstations. It monitors the software's health and can automatically track any upgrades that are required. Various maintenance tasks such as uninstalling, configuring, and so on may also be conducted safely with effective software distribution.
Keeping Track of User Actions
Comprehensive or customized reports generated from software distribution systems can be used to provide statistics and analytics. It may be used to track user activity on workstations concerning certain applications. This can aid in the establishment of a regulated work environment in which the organization can monitor the behavior of users.
Saving Time
Software distribution provides extensive deployment choices as well as techniques to modify the installation. Packages may be sent to users in a matter of hours rather than days. Remote software installations can save both time and effort. The procedure may be completed without human intervention, allowing the IT staff to focus on other tasks.
Automated Updates
Important updates may be tracked and sent to individual workstations inside an organization via software distribution. The IT personnel are not required to visit each computer and conduct maintenance tasks. The software distribution system locates and arranges all critical application upgrades.
Why Is Software Distribution Significant for Companies?
Today, enterprises of all sizes rely on a diverse set of software to carry out their everyday activities. Manually distributing and administering such critical apps is an onerous undertaking, prone to delays, mistakes, and omissions that may harm both user and IT productivity while also leaving the firm open to security breaches. Managing the endpoints and applications that connect to your network is as simple as clicking a few buttons with automated software delivery.
Software Distribution Steps
The process of distributing software consists of four steps:
- Creating the package to distribute and publish it to the master/relay in the Package Factory.
- Assigning and delivering the package to the target device.
- Installing the package on the target.
- Keeping track of the installation's progress and outcomes.
Types of Software Distribution
Normal installation
This is the most common sort of package installation, and it may be used for any type of installation. It is also the default installation type and the only one that is enabled by default.
Administrative installation
In this scenario, administrative installation implies that the package is not downloaded to the target client, but instead remains on the relay, and the installation is carried out from the relay. The package is placed on the network via an administrator installation, and the targets simply run the installed package. The benefit of an administrator installation over a network installation is the application of fixes to packages: If the package is patched, future target clients will automatically install the patched version. If a network installation is utilized, customers must first install the version without the patch before installing the patch. This installation method is only relevant to MSI packages.
Network installation
The network installation is quite similar to the administrative installation, except that the package is simply extracted at the relay and the clients initiate a regular installation via the network. MSI and custom packages can be installed across a network.
Note: Please keep in mind that network and administrator installation is only available for packages developed with a packager version 5.3.1 or later. If you want to utilize packages developed with a previous version, you must return them to a packager, edit them (the checksum must change), and then republish them.
Scenarios for Software Distribution
A software distribution system enables system administrators to handle the time-consuming job of program distribution and backup. Software is distributed through local networks as well as to faraway workplaces. With work from home being introduced in all enterprises, a strong software distribution platform supports the deployment of software to staff working from home as well as mobile users. In the following cases, software distribution tools come in helpful.
- When new software is deployed in the company and has to be distributed to all network endpoints
- When old computers are replaced and all software must be installed on the new systems.
- When a fresh group of workers joins the company and their laptops need to be loaded with all the essential software