Custom software update

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Bionic

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Hi All,

I'm not sure if this is possible. We are in the process of deploying a custom designed software. It will be installed at about 500 sites. What the software currently lacks is the self update functionality. It must be able to install the update once we load the release on our SFTP site . It must also be able to update and not re-install the application. Is there a software that is designed for this special requirement.Any other solution is welcome. Thanks
 
There are many software deployment solutions out there that can do various things.

You can either create deployment packages with a less known software solution or you can use an enterprise solution like Altiris. Some cheaper solutions only allow you to directly overwrite files. After that you have to write custom scripts to import registry files in batches. Remember, before every release, no matter what solution you choose, it has to be tested. You cannot just execute and know it will work on every workstation.

There are so many you can try, but without more info it's difficult to steer you in the right direction. Some are simple but limited. Others are long term and a major job to implement. The fact that it's 500 sites steers me towards something like Altiris. The problem with that is it sounds like time isn't on your side?

Are all the sites part of the same network?
Is the hardware/software combinations fairly the same?
How many workstations at each site?
Are there any laptops to be deployed to?
How often will the app be updated?
How much is your company's budget vs SLA/OLA?

There are many variables you need to consider.

If you answer these questions, I can advise you up to the point that you only have a few choices that you need to decide on after testing yourself.

The problem that has caused your conundrum is the lack of an auto update capability as I'm sure you banging your head against the wall already. The developers fell way short. Recovering will be a difficult road. Believe me, I know- I speak from experience. But it can be done.

Pm me and we can talk more. I can write a 50 page POC of my research and experience, but that isn't likely. I'm a techie. I hate paper and the work that comes with it :)
 
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Hi D3athD00r,

Thanks for the detailed response. My comments below

Are all the sites part of the same network? No. They are not on an MPLS. They all work independently. They have a basic ADSL setup.
Is the hardware/software combinations fairly the same? - They vary however they are 95% Dell build.
How many workstations at each site? - It varies. About 60% have 1 at each site and the rest has about 2- 3 extra.
Are there any laptops to be deployed to? Yes but less than 10%
How often will the app be updated? Not sure. This is a new product. Only the vendor will know.
How much is your company's budget vs SLA/OLA? - Unable to respond.
 
I know our products written in .NET do this.
Each time you start the application it checks a url for an update version against itself, and then if need be, updates itself.
 
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