Introduction › Packager

Packager

The Software Management Packager for Windows (Packager) packages software or data into products, which can be registered in the software package library, and then installed on target computers in your network.

The Packager is installed separately on a dedicated Windows-based computer, called the Packaging Computer. The only software (except the Packager) that must be installed on this Packaging Computer is the operating system.

Packaging Format

For all supported Windows platforms, the Packager packages software, data, or parameters in the SXP format. Packages in the SXP format are called SXP products. If they contain parameters they are also called parameter products. SXP products can be converted into MSI products in the Microsoft Installer (MSI) packaging format.

Packaging Methods

You can package products using one of two methods:

• Automatic Method

  The automatic method to package software products provides two modes of processing, the Standard mode, which requires only minimum settings, and the Custom mode, which provides enhanced configuration possibilities for experienced users.

  Generally, when using the automatic method, you install the software product to be packaged on the Packaging Computer, running the original installation program, such as setup.exe. After the installation completes, the Packager records the changes on the computer system and generates the SXP product. Then, the Packager sets the reference system of the Packaging Computer, which consists of the file system, the installed services, and the registry, back to its original state.

• Manual Method

  The manual method is mainly used when packaging products to be installed in unattended mode, with their original setup programs, on the target computer. The manual method creates empty archive files, in which you must enter specifications. The manual method generates an SXP product that contains the original product data and additional SXP files. To apply this method, the product to be packaged must meet the following requirements:

  • The product must supply a response file with its setup program, to enable unattended installation.
  • The original setup program must be able to run unattended.

  The manual method requires detailed knowledge of both the Packager and Installer software along with the software to be installed. When the package is installed on target computers, the application's original setup program is invoked.

Packaging Storage Methods

• Software and data is stored in the product archive.
• Parameters are stored in parameter archive files (.ini format) created by the Packager.