Applications packaging capabilities

Creating trustworthy installation packages for Microsoft System Installer (MSI) is time consuming and requires considerable expertise to ensure that applications deploy, install, update and uninstall reliably.

Access to the right packaging skills at the right time is a major challenge for most organisations. With new packaging technologies on the way (such as Microsoft Vista’s updated installer and security models) keeping these skills up to date is a major issue

Skills and Expertise

As a specialist in application deployment, our experienced MSI specialists provides our clients with the skills that they need in the quantity that they require, from a single package to entire application portfolios.

Summervale Consultants provides the services that you need to fulfil your application deployment requirements from design of desktop integration and deployment standards, package configuration, MSI Internal Consistency Evaluation (ICE) testing, conflict management, and deployment support, through to post deployment tasks including knowledge transfer and maintenance of the packages to accommodate updates and new product releases.

Tools and Technology

We are experienced in the use of packaging tools from the leading vendors such as Microsoft, Wise and Macrovision (InstallShield) and leading deployment systems including Microsoft SMS, Altiris and Radia.

Our skill in resolving MSI consistency errors to ensure stable and functional packages is achieved by applying industry tools to the task in hand.

MSI Conversion

Organisations looking to move from legacy packaging formats to Microsoft System Installer (MSI) face a number of challenges. Firstly, there is typically a large estate of legacy packages that need to be converted, a large task that requires dedicated resources. Secondly, introducing a new technology requires access to new knowledge and skills that, in most cases, are not yet mature within the organisation itself.

Our consultants are well versed in supporting clients through MSI conversion projects; helping them to develop the necessary standards, processes and skills needed for both the conversion and subsequent ongoing packaging to MSI. We are on hand to provide additional resources and specialist skills as required by the client.

Functional Compatibility

Some applications will only function with the exact files supplied by the vendor, our skillset provides verification that the converted MSI package installs exactly the same files, registry keys, etc. as the legacy package.