Software Deployment

Well, Installshield is $6,000 and Wise is about $8000 a license.

Those two are head-and-shoulders above the rest with almost identical features. I personally think Installshield is more "Windows-ee" and easier to learn.

If you don't want to spend that much, then perhaps someone else has some ideas? Bob has a list of tools on this site that might be helpful to you.

The vast majority of people on this board use Wise or Installshield.

But the standard version of Wise is around $2000 US. I would say that 90% of the features you will ever use come in the standard version. The sharepoint and conflict checker are nice to haves but make the price much higher. I am sure InstallShield has a cheaper version too.

Especially because you say that you're not that experienced with Windows Installer technology I'd recommend to use a professional software to create packages because they are more helpful (with features like Exclusion lists) than some of the Freeware tools.

You can use *ORCA* for basic customizations.

You can't repackage with Orca.. you could with WinInstall LT, which is also a free Microsoft tool, but really that's pretty mickey mouse.

Kkaminsk is right, the prices I quoted are for the full suite of applications.

Installshield very recently began throwing the repackager in with the Editor for free (probably to combat Wise in pricing in the stripped-down market). You'd have to contact them for pricing.

If you have an SMS server, there is a version of adminstudio for it (seperate download). However, it's pretty basic and limited.

Stick with Wise Package Studio Professional, you can get the license for around $3,000 not $6,000 from Altiris which bought Wise.

I have been creating and testing application packages for 6 years, I have used both products and find that Wise is much easier to use and has a very simple interface to get around in.

With Versions 6 and 7, you are required to have the Wise Package Studio Server side installed, Wise Share Point installed and the 3 SQL databases created to be able and install the packaging Client on your DEV box.

Stick with version 6.1, version 7.0 has alot of issues and especially since it has only been out since around July of this year. Look at the Altiris Forum under Package Studio and see haw many people regret upgrading to verison 7 and have gone back to version 6 for atleast another year until Altiris fixes the issues. They just released Service Pack 1 for version 7 which may have fixed some issues.

I have created a guide on using Wise Package Studio and some other tools available on my web site, this guide goes over installing and configuring Wise Package Studio, the Share Point and the SQL databases with screen shots. The guide also goes over using InstallShield Tuner for Acrobat 7 to create the Transform, Office 2003 Resource Kit to create the Transforms for Office MSI packages and other Microsoft MSI applications, Microsoft Active Setup to install, uninstall and update HKCU (Current User) keys for each logged in User when Self Healing does not work, RegMon and FileMon for use in locked down environments to help find Access Denied isssues in your package so yo can then add the rights to you package for Files and or Registry keys.

KJ

Wise Packager

I need a good and "fairly" simple software to repackage some Installshield and Windows Installer software.
If these IS and/or Wise packages are already in the MSI for you should not repackage these as this will break future released vendor updates/patches. These tools are not the only once to create MSIs, but if you are after to create installations I would go with one of the two major vendors (Wise or Installshield) when choosing a tool for this task. InstallShield Tuner for Acrobat 7 is free to download that will create your transforms for InstallShield based MSIs. Wise/Altiris had InstallTailor for free for download, but seems they have removed this download and is only available through Wise Package Studio. ORCA will not repackage but will do for create transforms and add/change settings to it, also editing MSIs will do. You will need a fair good understanding of the MSI tables when using ORCA.

I personally feel Installshield is much easier to learn. The GUI is easier to navigate and the Help is much more comprehensive.

That said, it's a personal choice.. it's like comparing Coke to Pepsi. Download both trials and give them both a drive (give yourself several hours to get Wise running properly).

I did this for a room of 6 packagers that had never created an MSI before and Installshield won 6-0. ;)

ORIGINAL: turbokitty

I did this for a room of 6 packagers that had never created an MSI before and Installshield won 6-0. ;)

You must have done something wrong [:D]
Your next class; ORCA or WiX, who do you think will win?

Oh god.. Orca or WIX? That's like comparing Notepad to Microsoft Works. Can both lose?

[:)][:)]

Can both lose?
I assume you're refering to Notepad or Microsoft Works [8D]

Why should they loose?
ORCA is a excellent tool that one wouldn't want to be without.
Find a tool that will create cleaner MSIs then using WiX would be impressive.