IDT688+-+Networking+and+Facilities+Design

=IDT688 - Networking and Facilities Design=

Software Deployment
In order to define remote software deployment, we must first understand software deployment. Software deployment is a series of activities that makes a software system available for use. Some of the activities can include [|release], [|install], [|activate], [|deactivate], [|adapt] (update), [|uninstall], and [|retire] of the program.

Release
Release of a software program is the activity of determining what resources the software program needs in order for it to be operational at the consumer site. For this reason it would appear that release is a part of the software deployment process that is done by the manufacturer and not the deployer. However, some of the resources needed may be alternate programs or "players" for the program to run properly. For example, the program may need the most updated version of Flash Player to be installed on the consumer computer in order for the program to run successfully. Therefore, the consumer will need to update this resource before installation. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

Installation
Installation of a software program is the initial insertion of a software program into the consumer computer(s). This activity is typically the most complex of all the deployment activities, because it needs to assemble all the resources for the program to work properly. While it is the most complex activity it is also the activity that is best completed and supported by specialized tools. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

Activation
"Activation is the activity of starting up the executable components of a system." What this means for simple systems is placing a clickable icon on the desktop or in the start menu for the user to use to open the program. For more complex systems it could mean creating a button that starts servers or daemons before the software is activated. A daemon is a computer program that runs in the background instead of under the control of the user. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

Deactivation
Deactivation is exactly what it sounds like. It is the opposite of activation. In essence it is like quitting out of the program. Deactivation is typically needed in order to update the program or fix problems. For example, if you use an online gradebook you may have received an email from your technician that you need to quit out of the gradebook program for a few hours while it is either updated or fixed. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

Adaptation (update)
Adaptation is an activity that allows the program to be modified or updated for future use. The update activity is much like the installation activity except since the program and its necessary resources are already on the computer the process is typically less complex and less time consuming. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

Uninstall
Uninstalling a program is simply removing it from the computer when it is no longer needed. Uninstallation can only be completed when the system has already been deactivated. Uninstallation could involve reconfiguring other systems that worked with the system. Uninstallation can be tricky because while the specific program may not longer be needed it may be supporting other activities and uninstallation of the program could become problematic for programs that were dependent on the program being uninstalled. Also, during the installation process other resources may have been added to the computer system, uninstallation of these components could be part of the overall uninstallation process which could in turn lead to problems using other programs. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

Retirement
Retirement is when a program is determined to be obsolete and therefore support (by the producer) is no longer available. It is important that companies notify consumers of retirement so that the consumer knows there will no longer be support of the program and that they should therefore make any necessary changes. (Carzaniga, Fuggetta, Hall, )

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