Server Software Rollout

[CelebornT]

Hello,

I am trying to find out what the ‘standard’ software/process is on Mac OS to push out new software to clients in large organizations. Can anyone advise what this is and any available documentation for it?

The next question comes to the use of serial systems. Can you activate software on the admin client side and then it is automatically pushed out to the clients so they do not need to enter a serial? Can this be done through Package Maker or can a license file be pushed to all users after the initial installation of the software?

Thanks!

[Rusty Myers]

I’m afraid this is a question that is too broad to effectively answer in one post, but this is what I can say:

There are a lot of different tools and methods to deploy software to OS X clients. JAMF’s Casper Suite has the ability to deploy packaged software to clients, as does BigFix, Absolute Manage (LanRev). I can also think of Apple’s Remote Desktop, Radmind, Munki, DeployStudio, command line, etc….

As for serials and deploying them through packages, again this is a broad question. For most software applications, you are able to package them with the license file. Some software doesn’t like to share it’s license. Depending on your software, you may have a difficult time deploying it.

Start to look for network or site licenses when looking at deploying a product, especially if the license has to be linked to a certain machine (Studiocode, Boardmaker, MacDicate, etc.). If you get heavy into sharing licenses, Sassafras KeyServer does a great job at managing the licenses.

Hope this helps, perhaps a more specific question would be helpful to further the discussion.

Rusty

[tlarkin]

I use the Casper Suite at work, and man it is a Godsend! It can do everything you want, and in fact it’s real limits depends on your knowledge/skills. I accomplish everything I do at work with it. The only down side is that it ruins you as a System’s Administrator and you will never ever want to work with out it.

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