Keys to a Successful Software Management Process: Packaging and Virtualization

Wise Package Studio and Altiris Software Virtualization Solution (SVS) are two key components of a successful software management process. Software management is the process of managing your applications throughout their lifecycle, including preparation, deployment, management and support, patching, upgrading and retiring.

Wise Package Studio prepares applications and patches for deployment by properly configuring them to the unique requirements of computers in the target population. Software Virtualization Solution complements Wise Package Studio by running applications in a virtual environment. The key benefits of Software Virtualization Solution include:

• Eliminate application conflicts
• Instantly repair damaged applications
• Significantly reduce testing time for application rollouts
• On-demand application provisioning

Applications prepared with Wise Package Studio capitalize on these benefits to decrease the risk of application conflicts and to provision applications on-demand.

• Get more information about how Software Virtualization Solution can impact your organization.
• Get access to the Altiris Juice, the exciting new site packed with SVS articles, tips and tools. 

How Do Wise Package Studio and Software Virtualization Solutions Work Together?

Wise Package Studio and Software Virtualization Solution are complementary technologies that work together to properly configure applications for deployment and reduce the risk of application conflicts. By combining both technologies, you have a best-of-breed approach that helps minimize or eliminate software management issues. 

Create, edit, and manage packages for virtual applications

Wise Package Studio 7 supports the creation, editing and management of virtual software archive (.VSA) packages. These packages enable applications to run in a virtual environment when used with Altiris Software Virtualization Solution.

• Create virtual software archive (.VSA) packages that work with Altiris Software Virtualization Solution using SetupCapture.
• SetupCapture now uses virtual technology when a snapshot of an application is created. This means that clean-up of your development PC post-SetupCapture is easier since the captured application’s virtual software layer can be deleted or de-activated to restore the PC to its original state.
• Create and edit virtual software archive packages using the Virtual Package Editor. These .VSA packages can include installation logic to ensure the target system is properly configured to the virtual application’s requirements.
• Manage .VSA packages using the Software Manager. Import a .VSA into the Wise Software Repository and analyze it to determine if it will be adversely affected by the future deployment of a patch or hot fix.

Virtual "Wrappers"

Wise Package Studio can embed an existing .MSI in a "wrapper" that will install the application into a virtual layer if Software Virtualization Solution is installed on the target computer. This offers a best-of-both-worlds approach because the target system is properly configured by the installation logic of the .MSI and the application will run virtually. 

Impact Assessment for OS Dependencies

Many applications are dependent on files in the operating system to function properly. If these operating system dependencies are overwritten by a patch, applications may be negatively affected. Neither conventionally installed packages nor virtualized packages are insulated from issues arising from OS dependencies that are overwritten. To solve these issues, you can use Wise Package Studio's Impact Assessment tool to determine if an application will be affected by a patch that overwrites OS dependencies. You can then take the necessary steps to protect the conventionally installed or virtualized application from negative repercussions.

More about Altiris Software Virtualization Solution