NETWORK MANAGEMENT TOOL
REMINSTALL

The problem
As the number of program applications used across major networks increases, keeping up-to-date can be a major headache for the IT team, as even installing a single application can be time consuming. When numerous workstations are involved and multiple applications are required the tasks can consume significant staff time.

The solution - RemInstall
RemInstall provides a solution to the problem by automating the application deployment process. Although Microsoft provides an application deployment mechanism using the active directory this still has many drawbacks. For instance, using active directory deployment, it is very difficult to install an application on a selected range of workstations. RemInstall can deploy applications from one to all workstations in the network based on their physical location. The deployment can be carried out while the workstation is still in use or can be scheduled at a time when the network is less busy. The more workstations in a network the greater the time saving efficiency RemInstall delivers.

Remote software installation
Akhter RemInstall enables IT staff to install applications over an entire network of computers remotely from one central location. It can be from the server on the network or, via a Remote Desktop session. Applications can be deployed (subject to the vendor's license) in a fraction of the time it would take to visit each individual Workstation with CDs.

Simple to use
Akhter RemInstall has been designed with the non-technical User in mind. The drag and drop simplicity of RemInstall means that even the least experienced User will be able to take advantage of its powerful features. The current version of RemInstall has been designed for use with Windows 2000 and 2003 servers and Windows 98, 2000 and XP clients.

Application auditing
RemInstall can remotely audit the applications deployed throughout a network by either application or workstation. This provides an overall picture of application usage, which, in turn assists decisions as to where programs are needed and in removing applications that are rarely used. The cost of applications is a major financial factor in running a large network and therefore RemInstall can provide a return on investment very quickly.

Patch deployment
In addition to deploying entire applications, RemInstall can be used to distribute patches and fixes to keep your network fully up-to-date.

Scheduling
RemInstall has a built in scheduler which allows you to specify the exact date and time to deploy the application(s) or to execute a RemInstall script. Applications can therefore be deployed at times when the network is quiet.

Scripting
RemInstall includes a built in scripting system. A RemInstall script can be used to install one or more applications, uninstall one or more applications, re-start the system, shut down the system, wake up the system and perform other functions in any sequence. A script can be scheduled to execute at a specific time. A typical use for a RemInstall script would be to shut down selected Workstations at a specific time or to wake up selected workstations at a specific time (workstations require Wake-On-LAN support for this feature).

Uninstall
The process to uninstall applications is just as straightforward as deploying them. Simply select the packages you wish to uninstall from the package list and select the target workstations. Uninstalls may also be scheduled or included within a RemInstall script.

Self-healing software
The days of having to install a complete application just because a single file was deleted are now over. Applications installed using Akhter RemInstall incorporate a feature that will detect when application files are missing and will reinstall them automatically. If program files are accidentally deleted, a seamless automatic installation procedure means that you won't even know it was lost.

Reallocate applications
RemInstall allows you to maximise your application licenses. Using RemInstall you can easily uninstall an expensive application and reinstall it where it is required.

Standard application sets
Adding a new workstation to a network will often require the installation of a number of standard applications. RemInstall can assist in this situation by maintaining a database of applications which need to be deployed to a specified location. Simply specify the location of the new workstation and RemInstall will automatically ensure that it has the required applications, if necessary and removing those applications not in defined in the application set.

Conflict checking
RemInstall now includes a system for identifying potential conflicts in application DLLs. Such conflicts can cause applications to break or function incorrectly. The RemInstall conflict checker scans applications which are to be deployed and will report DLL or version conflicts allowing the administrator to perform additional pre-deployment testing.

Lower cost hardware
As RemInstall removes the need to install applications at the individual workstation it is possible to use workstations without floppy or CD ROM drives. Advantages in an educational environment would include:
• Removing the risk of computer virus infection transfer via diskettes.
• Reducing the cost of hardware and insurance cover.
• Fewer components to wear out or to be broken.

RemInstall - major features at a glance
• Central repository of application packages
• Location system - integrates with InterJigsaw
• Simple drag and drop user interface
• Deploy multiple applications in a single
RemInstall session
• Deploy applications to selected workstations or by location
• Set the max concurrent installs to limit network bandwidth usage
• Automatic retry mechanism
• Audit deployed applications by application or workstation
• Uninstall one or more applications in a single session
• Define standard application sets for each location
• Built in scheduler
• Built in scripting system
• DLL/Version conflict checking
• Remote workstation shutdown/wake up

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