Distribution software decision
Hi all. Just discovered this site, what a great resource, wish I'd know about it sooner!
I look after a smallish firm with about 80 users in 2 offices, possibly growing to 150 over the next year or 2.
Currently we're a mixed environment Windows AD and Netware 6.
Most of my packaging is now MSI, but I'm still using an old version of Zenworks for distribution.
We want to move away from Netware for several reasons. I'm Tired of the Netware client issues (performance, oplock problem), tired of supporting 2 environments, a few of our main applications force us to use Windows servers anyway (SQL), and we're growing, so don't want to buy more licenses for both environments.
So my question.
I'm looking for an application distribution method that can push installs by group, and also allow users to install apps available to them (like NAL app launcher) Preferrably the product will include some packaging tools, as I'm using freebie tools right now, and they're a bit limiting.
Now I know that newer versions of Zenworks supposedly can work without the Netware server. If it will work with no client on the workstation, and with AD only, (no more Edir) then I may lean toward upgrading to the new Zen. Can any Zen users confirm?
What other products I should be considering?
I don't want to spend too much, as a few other un-scheduled projects have us a tad over budget. $1000-$2000 won't be too hard to sell.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
I look after a smallish firm with about 80 users in 2 offices, possibly growing to 150 over the next year or 2.
Currently we're a mixed environment Windows AD and Netware 6.
Most of my packaging is now MSI, but I'm still using an old version of Zenworks for distribution.
We want to move away from Netware for several reasons. I'm Tired of the Netware client issues (performance, oplock problem), tired of supporting 2 environments, a few of our main applications force us to use Windows servers anyway (SQL), and we're growing, so don't want to buy more licenses for both environments.
So my question.
I'm looking for an application distribution method that can push installs by group, and also allow users to install apps available to them (like NAL app launcher) Preferrably the product will include some packaging tools, as I'm using freebie tools right now, and they're a bit limiting.
Now I know that newer versions of Zenworks supposedly can work without the Netware server. If it will work with no client on the workstation, and with AD only, (no more Edir) then I may lean toward upgrading to the new Zen. Can any Zen users confirm?
What other products I should be considering?
I don't want to spend too much, as a few other un-scheduled projects have us a tad over budget. $1000-$2000 won't be too hard to sell.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
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Posted by:
Martin.Appel
18 years ago
Smason,
you might consider looking at NetInstall.
It supports automatic installation as well as a "shopping basket" option for the end user, it contains a built-in packager and can handle MSIs as well as PnP-drivers and OS-Patches.
The pricing should be well within in your limits.
you can download a trial version at www.enteo.com
Regards,
Martin Appel
you might consider looking at NetInstall.
It supports automatic installation as well as a "shopping basket" option for the end user, it contains a built-in packager and can handle MSIs as well as PnP-drivers and OS-Patches.
The pricing should be well within in your limits.
you can download a trial version at www.enteo.com
Regards,
Martin Appel
Posted by:
rpfenninger
18 years ago
Steve
Yes it's true. You can run ZENworks for Desktops 7 in a pure Microsoft environment. However, as far as I know, you still need the eDirectory (which runs in pure Microsoft environments as well). Novell plans to include a separate directory (Virtual Directory) with ZENworks 8.
You don't need to install Novell Client anymore but you need the ZENworks for Desktops Management Agent installed locally on your workstations.
With ZENworks you get a limited InstallShield Admin Studio to package your software.
I'd recommend Wise Package Studio. However the price for WPS Professional will be somewhere on top of your limits... check it out.
Roland
Yes it's true. You can run ZENworks for Desktops 7 in a pure Microsoft environment. However, as far as I know, you still need the eDirectory (which runs in pure Microsoft environments as well). Novell plans to include a separate directory (Virtual Directory) with ZENworks 8.
You don't need to install Novell Client anymore but you need the ZENworks for Desktops Management Agent installed locally on your workstations.
With ZENworks you get a limited InstallShield Admin Studio to package your software.
I'd recommend Wise Package Studio. However the price for WPS Professional will be somewhere on top of your limits... check it out.
Roland
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