9 Techniques to Master the Craft of Software Installation

9 Techniques to Master the Craft of Software Installation

IT administrators encounter pressure from various fronts. In addition to overseeing and safeguarding data across multiple devices, they are tasked with managing an evolving inventory of physical and digital assets while striving to align with executive directives aimed at leveraging technology for growth.

The process of software Installation can prove particularly formidable. While deploying software through an automated solution may seem as simple as clicking a button, what pitfalls should be avoided?

Here are nine strategies: 

1) Eliminate obsolete or redundant software instances: It is crucial to ensure that only the most recent version of the software pertinent to your system exists. Additional instances or outdated software can obstruct the installation process. Employ a software management solution that conducts pre-configuration checks to verify the absence of prior versions during the deployment phase. 

2) Terminate active processes: Deploying software becomes arduous when active processes persist. Utilize a solution capable of terminating ongoing processes to facilitate uninterrupted deployment. 

3) Execute the installer with administrative privileges: Different departments necessitate distinct applications. Administrators must authorize the installation of software tailored to individual users’ needs. Failure to do so might result in installation errors, such as the inability to write to specific directories or outright refusal to execute. Grant users administrative rights for standard applications to enable autonomous installation. 

4) Minimize deployment delays: Recognize that not all software installations can be completed within the typical two-hour window. Therefore, set the deployment time limit to a maximum of six hours to ensure successful completion, even if the process extends beyond two hours. 

5) Ensure adequate disk space availability: Insufficient disk space can impede software installation, particularly when installing resource-intensive applications like Microsoft Office or Adobe products. Instead of manually checking disk space before each installation, employ a tool capable of verifying free disk space adequacy beforehand. 

6) Employ a scheduling tool for installation: Given that software installations often demand several hours, scheduling installations during non-working hours minimizes disruptions to productivity. 

7) Introduce an enterprise app store to empower users: Minor issues such as application installation for a limited user base often result in a surge of help desk tickets. Providing users with access to an app store facilitates self-service installation, thereby enhancing efficiency for both users and the help desk. 

8) Understand user application privileges: Implementing endpoint privilege management ensures appropriate distribution of administrative privileges among users, mitigating the risk of misuse. Eliminate unnecessary local admin accounts while enabling users to elevate select access privileges if belonging to the appropriate Custom Group. 

9) Employ blocklisting and safe listing mechanisms: Employ a tool enabling organizations to simultaneously leverage blocklisting and safe listing to meet unique requirements, thereby enhancing security and ensuring the trustworthiness of applications. 

Does the adoption of multiple solutions expedite IT issue resolution or exacerbate fragmentation? With a comprehensive, unified endpoint management (UEM) solution, issues stemming from tool sprawl and integration challenges can be mitigated. Implementing a UEM strategy enhances team collaboration, improves workflow efficiency, reduces risk, and fortifies a company’s security posture. Many enterprise IT decision-makers regard the single-pane-of-glass feature of UEM as its most significant advantage. 

ManageEngine Endpoint Central emerges as a panacea for IT management challenges. Offering a wide array of products ranging from patch management and asset management to software and application management, Endpoint Central presents a holistic solution for endpoint management and network administration. 

Endpoint Central’s software deployment module facilitates the following: 

Automated deployment and distribution of software and applications without user intervention. 

– Scheduling deployments during non-working hours to minimize productivity disruptions. 

– Pre- and post-deployment checks to ensure adequate disk space availability and detect outdated or duplicate software instances. 

– Termination of ongoing processes through pre-deployment configuration. 

– Configuration deployment post-deployment using pre- and post-deployment configurations. 

– Empowerment of end-users through deployment of an enterprise app store, enabling installation of select applications for users belonging to the appropriate Custom Group.

This comprehensive approach aims to reduce software and application installation-related tickets, thereby streamlining IT operations. 

Ready to streamline your IT operations and simplify software deployment processes? Contact Sanatech Global Solutions today to learn more about how ManageEngine‘s Endpoint Central can empower your organization with efficient endpoint management solutions. 

Reach out to us at Sanatech Global Solutions to schedule a consultation or request a demo. Let’s embark on a journey towards enhanced productivity, streamlined workflows, and fortified security posture together.