Software Distribution System Design using HP Client Automation  

Key Steps:

• Investigation
  • Which applications are currently actively in use
    (as opposed to just installed)?
  • Which applications are required and of those which are key?
  • What is the position with licensing, are the applications adequately
    or even over licensed?
  • How are the applications installed, are there instructions available
    and installation media?
• Audit of Requirements
  • A full application audit, either automated and/or manual will help to define the requirements
  • Hardware audits will identify the target environment and devices
• Compatibility Checks
  • If an operating system migration is also planned it will be necessary to check whether each application functions and is supported on the target operating system

Key Steps:

• Standards Definition
  • Standards for the installation types (operating system, software and patches) need to be defined and documented
• Automation
  • The installations should be completely automated where possible to avoid human error
  • The applications must be packaged or scripted for automated delivery.
  • All installation processes must be thoroughly tested and ideally piloted by key application users
• Software Distribution Design
  • The software distribution system will need to be tailored to fit your organisation’s layout (geographical or otherwise) to ensure that all user types can receive their updates without issues

Key Steps:

• Training
  • Support personnel will need to be trained on the new software distribution process
  • Support personnel will need to be trained on packaging applications to maintain the process
  • Support personnel will require training on the software distribution system
  • End users may need to receive training on the new software distribution process depending upon how it has been implemented