In the digital age, computers, access to the internet and applications are completely tailored to the processes within the organisation. In order for employees to be able to use a required software, first of all it is necessary to install the relevant software on the workstations. This process is also called software deployment and can be achieved in different ways.
What is Software Deployment?
Software deployment describes the installation of software on individual computers or servers. Even only a few years ago it was common and necessary to install the required software manually on each individual device. However, nowadays there are many different ways to achieve correct software installation efficiently and reliably. This is a critical process as when deploying software, other security relevant applications such as anti-virus programmes or email software are installed, configured and maintained. The loss or incorrect installation of such applications can cause cost intensive downtimes, but also IT vulnerabilities.
Challenges and Requirements during Software Deployment
Systems administrators often face many challenges with conventional software deployment as the individual requirements of the company have to be met by the software. First, this means selection of a suitable software, followed by the installation on computers and servers of the organisation. Besides being time-intensive, relevant expertise is also required. After successful installation of the software, it then needs to be updated or exchanged regularly. The aim of modern software deployment is to ideally automate all of these steps and guarantee a secure as well as reliable operation. Here an almost homogenous software equipment of the corporate IT is helpful.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Software Deployment
Software deployment provides a number of advantages to an organisation. Through targeted application, it is possible to control exactly on which servers and computers the required software is run. Installation is easy, convenient and can be carried out without specialist knowledge. With modern methods of software deployment, it is also no longer necessary to sit directly in front of the relevant computer with an installation medium. Installation can be done simply with the relevant device via a central interface or a remote connection. Furthermore, an orderly software deployment process can lead to a reduction of downtimes, disruptions and IT security.
However, software deployment also has some disadvantages. First of all, there are of course the costs associated with suitable software and specialists. Often, modern SaaS solutions need a functioning network or internet connection to be able to access the cloud and install the required software. In addition, companies and IT departments are generally restricted to the software made available by SaaS and cloud providers. Due to the numerous advantages, these disadvantages are however negligible.
Software Deployment – modern Solutions
Over past few years much has changed. Conventional software deployment, where an administrator had to manually install the software on every computer with a CD or another installation medium, hardly exists any more. Software vendors and service providers have dealt with the problem. As a result, cloud solutions such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and other alternatives have evolved. They make software deployment much easier, while also saving time. One such option is, for example, available from oneclick. The vendor enables installation or activation of the software by the click of a mouse, using a central administration menu. Simple and clearly arranged, the customer can then select from the available software, activate or install it with one click and then make it available to all users who require this software. In this way the entire software deployment will save time, become more simple, and no longer require specialist knowledge.
Generally, SaaS and cloud services are associated with monthly costs. In return, companies receive a functional software with only one click and also have certainty, that the software is always up-to-date. Tedious and time-intensive updates on every single client are a thing of the past.
Conclusion
Software deployment is an important topic for every organisation. Servers and workstations have to be equipped with the required software, which also has to be kept up-to-date. Manual software deployment is very expensive and can only be carried out by specialists. Therefore, over the past few years more and more cloud services have evolved to enable quick, uncomplicated and central software deployment – often with just a few clicks.
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