Software Deployment

First of all, I am a Wise user. So that's clear. Let's move on.

Out of curiosity I have downloaded and tested a lot of msi packagers just to see how they compare to my own just-for-fun hobby project I recently started (a repackager-to-MSI). To cut along story short, I am shocked by the low quality msi's these programs create. Some points of failure I noticed are no logical names for components, no structured components, no exclusion lists, no use of advertising tables, a component for every registry key, lot's of ice errors, no conflict database, no use of file references, and so on. And Emco does not understand guids, but at least its output is viewable in Wise somehow... The interface is... interesting. I can only add files one by one? And after every file the directory structure collapses so you have to open the tree again. I only had a quick look so I may have missed something.

Now take Wise. None of the above applies! It is not perfect (hey I need something to do too or else I would have a boring job) but the resulting snapshot is a good starting point for creating a solid desktop environment for your company.

You both should check out InstallSite.org. Stefan has done a great job for a long time keeping up on these technologies and he gives honest reviews on the different vendors' products.

http://www.installsite.org/

hi Rod,

Nice to see you over these ways..

pgiesbergen

I too have done the same and agree whole heartedly with your comments about the other products. I looked at Emco wasn't really impressed.