Eddiejackson.net



What is the packaging process?1---------Acquire vendor softwareI will obtain the software required to begin development. I usually receive the source files from a field tech, server admin, or the vendor.Once I have the software, I will install it to familiarize myself with its basic features.2 ---------Silent installUsing the vendor's installation documentation, create a silent deployment that requires no interaction from the end-user or the field tech. Note, there is the possibility the vendor documentation will be of no use, i.e. there is no silent install. Be prepared to create an EXE or MSI from scratch. I will create a process for installing the software silently - this can range anywhere from a small segment of standard code using documented switches (plus branding and customization), to having to take a snapshot and work on building a custom, silent install method from scratch; this seems to be becoming the standard lately. I recommend using Prism Deploy, and capture an installation from a reference machine.3 ---------Custom configurationAdd customized settings and configurations.At this time, I will add serial numbers, IP addresses, server names, ODBC information and any other pre and post installation steps to the process. These “custom” settings can be added to scripts, reg keys, snapshots, etc.4---------Script itUsing scripting languages, combine the silent vendor install with your customizations into one master scripted file. I call this file the sequence file. This can be in batch, VBScript, PowerShell, HTA, AutoIT, etc.At this point, I will code each of the steps into a sequencing file known as the master scripted file; this can be in VBScript, shell, JavaScript, HTA, HTML, etc. This file will include creating entries in the computer's event log, stamping the registry for LANDesk queries, and all other required sequencing steps.For testing, I follow industry standard testing procedures for creating and modifying software: Unit/Component testing, Alpha testing, Beta testing, and Piloting testing - and sometimes, I perform regression testing when the task or project timeline allows for more advanced quality assurance testing.5 ---------CompileAdd company branding and application pile the master scripted file, with all setup files into one secure, deployment file. I use the EXEScript compiler to package and secure all setup files with the master scripted file. I will also add branding and application specific versioning information to the final executable file.6---------Ready for DeploymentAutomated package is ready to be deployed via your deployment software (I use LANDesk) as a 0-touch installation or by a field tech as 1-touch installation.I upload and test the package to LANDesk for general use and deployment. ................
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