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**IDT688 - Networking and Facilities Design**
Remote software deployment is used to deploy software to numerous computers at the same time. For example, when you purchase a new program for you computer you upload the program by inserting a CD or other storage device into your computer and following step by step instructions. Imagine that you are responsible for uploading that program or updating the program on every computer in your school district. This is how some districts, including mine, upload new programs and/or updates. However, it is not necessary. Remote software deployment allows technicians to spend less time going from computer to computer and uploading new operating systems, programs, and/or patches. ((Wikipedia), 2007)
 * Why use remote software deployment?**

Is remote software deployment a threat?
At this time it is not a threat to school districts. In fact, it could be used to assist the technology department.

Real-time deployment is when the deployer clicks on the proper button that has the deployment activity begin. Scheduled deployment is when the deployer specifies a time for the deployment to begin. Many remote software deployment packages allow deployment to be done in real-time or scheduled for installation. Scheduling installation after normal work hours can keep school districts and/or businesses from needing to break for installation. (Remotescope, 2007)
 * Real-time versus Scheduled Installation**

Remote software deployment is done over LAN or WAN networks. In order for the deployment to take place the computers in the network must be connected to the network and turned on. Some software deployment packages include software that enables the deployer to turn on computers remotely which solves the problem of computers not being turned on during the scheduled time. However, if the computers are not connected to the network, they will not be included in the deployment. Connection problems are not as much of a problem for desktop computers as they are for laptop computers that use wireless. Since laptops can leave the LAN or WAN area they could be left out of deployment activities if their users are not aware of the necessity of the deployment activity. (Remotescope, 2007)
 * How does it work?**

Push versus Pull
Some software deployment programs allow for two types of deployment. First, there is the traditional "[|push based]" software deployment which is where the IT department controls the deployment from their office and pushes whatever program(s) the wish onto the computers throughout the network. The second type is "[|pull based]". Pull based software allows users to choose which applications they need and then choose to upload those from the central location. Of course the software they choose must be provided by the IT department. Both the push and pull based remote software deployment types have their advantages. For example, it may be determined that all the computers in the network should be equipped with antivirus software updates and therefore they can push the update to all computers in the network. On the other hand, if a program will only be used by various people the IT department can allow the users to choose whether they need the program. It should be noted that the push based programs allow for software to only be pushed to certain computers so you do not have to push all updates and new programs to every computer. (Vector, 2006)

BRANDS
Remote Scope is a Microsoft Certified remote software deployment company. They offer various packages. To learn more about Remote Scope click [|here]. Below you will find links to other software deployment programs. [|ATM Software International] [|Remote Software Installation Utility 2007] [|Trust To User] [|Manage Engine] There are various modes of remote software deployment including MSI, Windows Installer, and InstallShield.