Question

Awhile ago there was a debate whether we should use a third party installer or write our own. We’ve had 2 generations of internally developed installers that just do services, msmq, com+, gac and sql script by shelling out to exe’s.

So I was wondering who out there is using a custom written installer for your companies specific needs? If you have any comments on our approach then let me know.

Thanks

Answer 1

We have our own installer package and doing it that way is not part of my list of ‘What not to do…’

While I do agree that many installers have very restricted feature sets and somewhat (cripling) capabilities others offer more flexibility. This being said I have not yet begun to search for alternatives but it will be something I will do in the comming year. I need something in which I can :

1. Create my own modules, plugins or whatever the supported extention model, in a real programming language (java, .NET… whatever, if the supported language of the installer tool starts with the name of the company of the name of the tool this is a MAJOR turnoff)
2. Supports all major versions of Windows.
3. Supports Linux
4. Supports silent installs

I do not think it is too much to ask and I am certain someone did something that will allow me to build on. Also quite certain that there is an open source packaging system that will do just that.

I much prefer maintaining a few specialized tools and plugins than a complete system for multi-platform deployement.

IMHO creating your own of anything should be a last resort option.