Best software distribution software.

[josuevillegas]

My company is moving from Novell to Active Directory and are looking
for software to replace our Zenworks program. Basically we want an
application that will package and deploy an application. Allow us to
update/uninstall applications remotely. We would like it to image but
doesn'thave to (we use Ghost for that). Remote Control of desktops is
a must. We are starting to look at apps like, Altiris, SMS w/Wise,
LANDesk, Livestart. I am just wondering what kind of program other
companies are using with Active Directory out there. Any suggestions
or information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Herb Martin]

My company is moving from Novell to Active Directory and are looking
for software to replace our Zenworks program. Basically we want an
application that will package and deploy an application. Allow us to
update/uninstall applications remotely. We would like it to image but
doesn'thave to (we use Ghost for that). Remote Control of desktops is
a must. We are starting to look at apps like, Altiris, SMS w/Wise,
LANDesk, Livestart. I am just wondering what kind of program other
companies are using with Active Directory out there. Any suggestions
or information would be appreciated.

You may get lots of useful answers but notice there is no "best"
in this category. Every such system has its own advantages and
disadvantages.

For starts there is the built-in (and therefore free) Group Policy
"Software Settings" for installing and updating software on a
domain, OU, or even Site basis.

And of course, the built-in "remote desktop" for remote control.

Neither is perfect; both are useful.

Add-ons free from MS include "SUS", today updating and the
name changed to), or Windows Update Services which works
very well for "Microsoft" stuff including updating the OS itself.

SMS has a good user base but costs extra. It does the remote
control even for older machines and adds significant inventory
database capabilities and excellent complex site management.

Other extra costs add-ons compete with or exceed the SMS capabilities.

Even free/purchased add-ons like VNC can get you remote control of a
machine when you need to logon remotely.