CrossTec EMS provides a multi-delivery option for Software Distribution.

Firstly, an Operator will define a software package to be deployed, either a collection of Files and Folders specified with appropriate action parameters once successfully delivered to a target system or by recording and scripting any user prompts required during an application install so that the package can be deployed onto a users' system without the need for intervention.

Once created, the application package can be automatically "Pushed" to the target PCs for deployment or alternatively "Published" centrally on the EMS server. Once published, a user can check to see which applications are available for their PC, based on their departmental membership and install these on demand.

However, when initiating large scale deployments, the need to minimize network traffic congestion becomes a priority. In this case, CrossTec EMS allows a Client PC, ideally local to the target machines, to be nominated as a "Distribution Warehouse". When the package is deployed, rather than distributing the package individually to each PC, it delivers the package directly to the "Warehouse" Client which then takes over and distributes it to the target PCs on its local LAN segment.

Schedule

When operating across a range of locations and networks, the timing of any major package deployment is critical as this may result in a detrimental effect on other critical applications and services, in terms of performance degradation. To reduce this threat, CrossTec EMS offers a "Scheduling" facility, whereby a specific date and time can be scheduled by an Operator for initiating the package deployment - usually out of core office hours when network traffic is at its lowest.

To further simplify the package deployment process, EMS includes an "Application Packager", designed for situations where the application to be rolled out does not include its own silent install routine. The Packager enables the operator to record and playback a 3rd party installer, including all the necessary keystrokes and movements. These are stored in a script which is then replayed back at the Client PC without the need for user intervention.