Deploy software using Group Policy
Since Specops Deploy uses Group Policy technology, additional infrastructure besides Active Directory and Group Policy is not required. Software Deployment(Software Distribution) has never been this straight forward before. And if you are using Group Policy Software Installation today for software distribution/software deployment, Specops Deploy will amaze you!
Specops Deploy is a major upgrade from Microsoft's native Group Policy Software Installation software distribution. Feel free to contact us for more information on how to upgrade from GPSI (Group Policy Software Installation) to a more mature software deployment/software distribution process using Group Policy + Specops Deploy.
Software deployment
Specops Deploy's Software Deployment/Software Distribution functionality snaps right in to the Group Policy Management console (GPMC). The user interface is very consistent, clear and helpful making software distribution quick. Context aware help is always available helping you as you move along. There is no need to read through thick manuals before getting started with this Group Policy based Software distribution tool.
Use Specops Deploy to deploy the 2007 Microsoft Office system. Deploying Office is usually quite cumbersome. But not anymore if you use Specops Deploy. Read more about this in our documentation.
Reporting
Specops Deploy offers detailed feedback of all software deployment, reporting that is not available natively in Group Policy Software Installation (GPSI).
This information is displayed both as numbers, updated in real-time, and as graphs depicting success rate and deployment events over time. It is possible to drill down to specific client error messages, if needed.
Getting good feedback is the key to a successful software deployment/software distribution process.
Product reviews
AppDeploy
"The option to expand upon Group Policy instead of replacing it is the real beauty of Specops Deploy"
"There is a new Specops in town and this one is called v3.1. A minor point release? Yes. Significant updates worth covering? Very yes!" Read more »
Redmond Magazine
Score: 8.9 of 10
"Many companies have developed software deployment tools, but few have done it as simply as Special Operations Software. That simplicity is what makes Specops Deploy so attractive..."
"Microsoft should take a long hard look at this product ..." Read more »
Desktop Engineer
"Specops Deploy makes group policy deployment a practical reality in many situations where it was previously very labor intensive and lacked appropriate status reporting." Read more »
Utilizing Group Policy
Regardless of your level of active directory knowledge, Specops Deploy can provide benefits to you and your organization. Bringing together the best of both worlds, Specops Deploy allows you to use the native group policy functionality and interface while getting all the additional functionality that your organization requires. Group policy is an integral part of the active directory, so why not maximize the potential of the existing infrastructure? Think of this concept as using existing roads for all types of vehicles, as opposed to building separate roads for red cars, blue cars etc.
Specops Deploy main product features
After downloading Specops Deploy, you should have your first software package installed on a client in less than one hour. The new systems administrator will find the simple GUI in Specops Deploy easy to navigate. More advanced administrators (such as those working with GPEdit, GPMC etc.) will discover a vast array of additional features for more effective deployment.
Specops Deploy technical feature set
- Underlying GPX engine is completely based on Group Policy and leverages the existing infrastructure to provide a whole new level of functionality
- Installation over weak network links including VPN links (using BITS technology)
- Supports Windows installer packages or legacy setups such as setup.exe
- Live feedback reporting indicating which software/updates/patches/security fixes were installed correctly, as well as installs that failed or had warnings
- Extensive reporting to provide effective monitoring of the entire software deployment process
- Supports background installations during runtime or boot/login
- No reboots needed on target systems after deploying software
- Advanced software targeting mechanism using optimal client side evaluation
- Extensive end user interaction features
- Scheduling of installations
- Possible to prioritize installations for urgent deployments
Customer quote
Bill Barnes (RHCE Bloomsburg University):
"In an academic library settings, client reimaging has become a common procedure. When you reimage often, many software distribution management packages fail or are tricky to get working correctly. We chose Specops Deploy to fill the gap between the built in Group Policy Software installation and SMS. It is working so reliably for us, we're starting to remove SMS clients off the public computers, using Specops Deploy!"