In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to perform software deployment on multiple computers, or servers at once via EXE or MSI using Goverlan’s Process Automation framework and a software package.
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To be able to implement this tutorial, you will need access to the full version of Goverlan Reach and its Process Automation framework. If you don’t currently own a valid license you can download a free version of our remote access software on our website. The 15-day trial is free and no credit card is required.
IT Workflow Automation Pre-requisite
Goverlan can deploy MSIs and EXEs on any Windows-based machine, Windows XP SP3/Server 2003 or higher. In this example, we will be installing Java via the EXE and MSI Software Package methods.
Process Automation Step 1
If you have never automated a workflow with our Process Automation framework, you may watch the below video or read our Scope Action Creation Basics article for more information.
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Process Automation Step 2
1. After selecting your Scope of Target Objects as shown in the video above, proceed to the Action module area. The Action we will be using is Execute Computer Action > Software Products > Install Software Package.
Goverlan gives you the ability to create Software Packages for Team Collaboration and streamlining the creation of future Action modules for quick deployment.
2. Click on the ‘…’ button(this will bring up any previously created Software Packages) then Manage, as shown below.
Installing an application via a Goverlan Software Package
1. After clicking Manage, the Goverlan Objects Manager will appear. Click the + button then select Setup Executable Package.
2. This is the EXE Software Package configuration screen. As seen below, creating an EXE Software Package is as simple as entering a Name, selecting the path to the EXE, and inserting any vendor-specific switches.
Enter the appropriate silent switches in the Argument String area obtained from the specific software vendor to make the installation Silent. All switches are not the same for all EXEs. If no silent switches are specified, client machines will get prompted to install the software. In this case for Java, we referred to Java’s website support area for the silent switch “/s”. A resource we use to find various silent switches is www.ITNINJA.com.
3. After configuring all of the Software Package settings, Click Ok. The Software Package will now appear in the Software Package Manager list.
4. Click Ok once more to close the Goverlan Object Manager. Now select the Software Package that was just created.
5. After selecting the Software Package, the Scope Action should resemble the below and is now ready to be executed.
Installing MSI via a Goverlan Software Package
1. After clicking Manage, the Goverlan Objects Manager will appear. Click the + button then select Setup Executable Package.
2. This is the MSI Software Package configuration screen. As seen below, creating a MSI Software Package is as simple as entering a Name, selecting the path to the MSI, choosing to execute the MSI from the Source Path or locally, for all users or just the logged in user, including leaving a copy of the MSI on the machine for repairs and inserting any vendor-specific switches.
For all MSI package installations, Goverlan auto-inserts the silent switch for MSIs since they are universal(unlike EXEs). So in the case of MSI, Command Options are optional and not required, unless the Vendor of the Software trying to installed requires additional command line options to install silently via MSI.
3. After configuring all of the Software Package settings, Click Ok. The Software Package will now appear in the Software Package Manager list.
4. Click Ok once more to close the Goverlan Object Manager. Now select the Software Package that was just created.
5. After selecting the Software Package, the Scope Action should resemble the below and is now ready to be executed.
