9.3 Distributing Software

ZENworks Configuration Management provides great flexibility in distributing software. You can distribute applications and individual files; simply make modifications to existing files on a device; install, remove, and roll back applications on your devices.

Software is distributed though the use of bundles. A bundle consists of all the files, configuration settings, installation instructions, and so forth required to deploy and manage the application or files on a device. When you assign a bundle to a device, you can install and launch it on the device according to the schedules (distribution, launch, and availability) that you define.

There are four types of bundles you can create:

  • Linux Bundle: Allows you to configure and manage applications on Linux devices.

  • Linux Dependency Bundle: Allows the software packages to be available on Linux devices to resolve package dependencies.

  • Macintosh Bundle: Allows you to configure and manage applications on Macintosh devices.

  • Preboot Bundle: Allows you to perform a set of tasks on a managed or unmanaged device before the operating system boots up on the device.

  • Windows Bundle: Allows you to configure and manage applications on Windows devices.

The software included with a bundle is uploaded to the ZENworks Server repository. This enables the ZENworks Server and ZENworks Adaptive Agent to distribute the software without requiring access to any other network locations.

Watch the following videos to learn about distributing software to Windows, Linux, and Macintosh devices:

9.3.1 Creating a Bundle

To create a software bundle, you use the Create New Bundle Wizard. In addition to helping you create the bundle, the wizard also lets you assign it to devices and users and create distribution, launch, and availability schedules.

  1. In ZENworks Control Center, click the Bundles tab.

  2. In the Bundles panel, click New > Bundle to launch the Create New Bundle Wizard.

  3. Follow the prompts to create the bundle.

    Click the Help button on each wizard page for detailed information about the page.

    When you complete the wizard, the bundle is added to the Bundles panel. You can click the bundle to view and modify the bundle’s details.

  4. Continue with the next section, Assigning a Bundle.

You can also use the bundle-create command in the zman utility to create a software bundle. For more information, see Bundle Commands in the ZENworks 11 SP4 Command Line Utilities Reference.

9.3.2 Assigning a Bundle

After you create a bundle, you need to assign it to the devices where you want it installed. You can make assignments to devices or to users.

  1. In the Bundles panel, select the bundle you want to assign by selecting the check box next to it.

  2. Click Action > Assign to Device.

    or

    Click Action > Assign to User.

  3. Follow the prompts to assign the bundle.

    Click the Help button on each wizard page for detailed information about the page.

    When you complete the wizard, the assigned devices or users are added to the bundle’s Relationships page. You can click the bundle to view the assignments.

You can also use the bundle-assign command in the zman utility to assign a bundle. For more information, see Bundle Commands in the ZENworks 11 SP4 Command Line Utilities Reference.

9.3.3 Where to Find More Information

For more information about distributing software, see the ZENworks 11 SP4 Software Distribution Reference.