Home > Reviews > AdminStudio 5.5
  
InstallShield AdminStudio Professional 5.5 
by Bob Kelly

Page 5 of 5

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

AppDeploy.com search engine keywords: deployment, remote, installation, software, applications, updates, hotfixes, hot fixes, hotfix, service pack, sp1, sp2, sp3, sp4, sp5, sp6, IE, Microsoft, SMS, installer, install, pdf, package, definition, file, script, KiXtart, kix, logon, logoff, bat, NT, shell, batch, installation software, software installation, remote installation, installer, wise installer, SMS installer, window installer, windows installer, ghost image, imageing, drive image, drive image pro, warez drive image, drive image download, drive image powerquest, powerquest drive image, warez drive image, appz, drive image 3, imaging software, disk imaging software, free imaging software, perl script, vb script, free script, shell script

 
 Other Editions


One thing not provided by AdminStudio (or any other repackaging product for that matter) is some help deciding what does and does not belong in your deployment package. The exclusion list has been updated for some time and does a great job of helping you to eliminate items that should never be in your package. However, it traditionally takes experience to learn why some items may cause you problems- and what problems. A new tool to complement AdminStudio and provide this valuable information is now available, called PackageCleaner. It scans and reports on AdminStudio MSI files and tells you which items you may not want, what they are, what may happen if you leave them in, and even situations where it may be necessary to include them. Have a look for yourself at PackageCleaner.com.
This review has focused on the features of AdminStudio Professional edition; Standard and Enterprise versions are also available. The standard edition removes ConflictSolver and QualityMonitor as features. The enterprise edition adds lifecycle management by providing a package management portal, editable process templates, role-based security, task assignment and real-time packaging status reporting.


 Summary
I’ve often heard it said that InstallShield focus its tools toward developers (MSI authoring) and is less focused when it comes to producing tools for administrators (repackaging). With the release of AdminStudio v5.5, InstallShield shows it is very serious about addressing the needs of administrators- and that they know how to go about it. The quality tools provided in the AdminStudio suite are an impressive set of top-notch utilities that provide excellent integration. There seems little room for improvement, so I for one cannot wait to see what InstallShield comes up with next!

1/7/2004
Bob Kelly
AppDeploy.com
 

[Page 5 of 5]      1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5