Software and content distribution

erazor51 · 14 Sep 2015 at 17:20

I'm looking for a software that can can be used to distribute software to around 250+ users. Also having the ability for users to select from a list of available software they can install on their machines.

We currently have a software suite for MAC's that does this which is called Casper. Is there something similar for windows machines?

Thanks

dovey · 14 Sep 2015 at 17:52

System Center configuration mananger can manage software distribution and deliver an application catalog to users. Not exactly a cheap solution buy it might be worth a look.

erazor51 · 14 Sep 2015 at 18:16

dovey said:
System Center configuration mananger can manage software distribution and deliver an application catalog to users. Not exactly a cheap solution buy it might be worth a look.

Thanks, I had a look at this but it's too expensive and we don't need all the other packages that come with it.

Do you or anyone know of any other solutions?

Thanks

liamcrane · 14 Sep 2015 at 19:54

I believe manage engine have a product called desktop central might be worth a look. Used it before in an old service desk role i was in

dovey · 14 Sep 2015 at 20:22

erazor51 said:
Thanks, I had a look at this but it's too expensive and we don't need all the other packages that come with it.

Thanks

Yeah it would be about £13k for 250x System Center config manager client management licenses. You have to buy software assurance with the license on initial purchase which increases the price a bit but does give you version updates for 3 years. The only way I guess it would stack up is if alternatives charge on a subscription basis instead of a perpetual license.

Little_Crow · 15 Sep 2015 at 09:29

We use ZENWorks - no idea what the costs are per workstation.
The base product will happily do software deployment, it also contains an imaging suite, and remote control.

There are bolt on's for other components like port control, full disk encryption, patch management, but they're optional if you think you need them.

erazor51 · 15 Sep 2015 at 11:10

Thanks guys, I will look into manage engine desktop central and ZENWorks.

DustyMiller · 15 Sep 2015 at 13:22

Columbus from Brainware is a good cost effective package.