Software deployment with Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007 (I)
One of the main features of Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007, is software distribution. Although this functionality has evolved from Active-Directory GPOs software distribution capabilities, SCCM offers a myriad of features that provide a high added value such as deployment reports, possibility of applying the software based on collections of computers that change dynamically, detailed customization, etc..
Today we will see how to create a software deployment package in SCCM as a first step for deployment. To do this we need the software available on a local route on the SCCM server or on any network path accessible by the ConfigMgr service account.
We have chosen to distribute the adSage for Facebook application that is available for download as a Windows Installer Package (.msi); once we got it on our network share and we have confirmed that the ConfigMgr service account has access, we can proceed to create the package from the SCCM console.
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In the Configuration Manager console, navigate to System Center Configuration Manager / Site Database / Computer Management / Software Distribution.
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Right-click Packages, point to New, and then click Package from Definition.
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Click Next on the wizard’s Welcome Screen.
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Click Browse to locate the source installation file and extract the Publisher and click Next.
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Select Always obtain files from a source directory and click Next.
Always obtain files from a source directory specifies that the package requires source files that its programs must run, and that you must indicate the location of those source files. Each time a distribution point is refreshed, Configuration Manager 2007 will obtain the package source files from the path specified in the Source directory box. Use this option if the source files are likely to remain at the specified path, such as a share on a server.
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On the Source directory page confirm the source path from where the files will be available and click Next.
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Review the summary page and click Finish.
At this point you will obtain a package ready to be announced to any collection for deployment. Anyway, we recommend you to check distribution points and programs options.
More information is available through Microsoft’s TechNet on the link below: