Software Deployment

Are you really sure you want to get into software packaging?? It's a really boring dead-end job![:(][:(][:(]

I'd try and find something more interesting to do if I was you.[;)]

Thanks..

I'll second Wise User here. Although the money can be OK, it's usually short term. Very few people can do this, it's so tedious. Package, repackage, rebuild, wash, rinse, repeat! [:@]

Wow what a negative response!

While parts of the job are boring and tedious I still enjoy it and would recommend it. Every app presents a new challenge and at the mo the skills are in demand therefore the money is good - particularly if you deceide to do contract based work.

The two leading packaging suites are from Wise and Install Shield - which provide a huge range of functionality. If you are looking at packaging as a career then definately look to learn one of these. As you said there are loads of alternatives out there too which are a lot cheaper but still decent enough - like MaSaI Editor, Prism Pack, WinInstall (eugh) etc and will be fine for you to start off with.

The more basics you can learn about how the windows installer system works, how the tables link together, how to fix validation errors etc to start with the better off you'll be long term in my opinion.

Don't let these guys put you off - they are just trying to safe gaurd their jobs... [;)]


Cheers,
Rob.

ORIGINAL: MSIPackager

Don't let these guys put you off - they are just trying to safe gaurd their jobs... [;)]

Cheers,
Rob.


Thanks a lot, Rob! Now you've gone and done it.

[:)]

We could always end up busking.. I can just about play the guitar if you can sing?!

Wingnut caught me at a good time - I'd probably have given a totally different response if he'd asked when I was tearing my hair out over upgrading Acrobat Reader and Writer v5 to v6 last year [;)] Still you've gotta take the rough with the smooth in this job just as you would any job. Just waiting to be asked to do upgrades to v7 now, then I'll quit.

I still say go for it - even if I do end up a pauper...

I think I agree with Rob on this one in one respect. While its sometimes really boring and frustrating you will get something more out of it in the end.

After you have worked for a place and packaged up all the apps, then the packaging team can move into more interesting work as part of BAU.

The packaging team will have invaluable knowledge of the platform and how it all hangs together and will be required to assist/consultant new and upcoming projects within the business to get them over the line in deployment terms.

I have already done project consulting work within the place I am at in order to make sure that the project understood the new processes (packaging and distribution etc) as well as the new rules in place concerning apps. I also deal with vendors to get them compliant to our processes now.

This is the sort of thing that will happen naturally when you move into Business As Usual.