Remote Software Deployment: How to Successfully Launch Your First App
Want to know how to test your software before launching it? We’ll show you how in this guide!
Remote software deployment requires a lot of planning and communication with your team. Like with any IT project, issues are bound to occur. So that’s why in this guide we’re here to help you avoid issues and help your team move forward with the project.
Double Hopping
“Double hopping” is an issue that web server administrators know well. When it occurs, users tend to receive a “Login failed (null)” error which makes it difficult for users to set up a good server.
You need to discuss this issue with your remote software deployment team. The problem occurs when one user requests access to one computer but receive access to the third computer instead.
The details are a bit in-depth, but there are times when your installer has to receive files from the server, but doesn’t has access to it. This is when the installer runs without having a primary token.
Windows uses secondary security tokens. These tokens are used to connect to different computers remotely. You’ll have access to the files, registry, and programs of that machine. But, secondary tokens don’t have access to computers past that. You’ll need a primary token if you want to have complete access over another computer.
Here are two ways to solve the double hopping issue.
- Kerberos and Delegation. Search in your active directory, but this is going to need changes that’s won’t fully work in your environment.
- Using primary tokens by giving a username and password when running the installer. Most tools have this option, but it doesn’t fully encrypt the information. If you’re trying to encrypt data, use the Admin Arsenal.
Silent Options
This is an important thing to remember when installing remote software. An installer that operates on the windows and generates a pop-up window to ask a question that stays there forever.
Even if your employee is using the computer, they won’t be able to respond or click the button due to Window’s restrictions.
Here are a few steps to find the silent option:
- Try searching through Google. Look for things such as “Firefox silent install” can lead you to the right answer.
- Trial and error. Start by running some silent options and see if they prevent certain windows from appearing. Try using a few commands such as /silent, /q, /noui, and /s to help with this process.
- Ask your development team. Most will have documentation or support forms to find it.
Test Your Software Again and Again
Lastly, you need to test your app multiple times before launching it. Understand that software deployment can be very nerve-racking. You should always test the installer before launching it to the public to tamper with the files. Even if you’re sending your app to multiple computers at once. Test the deployment to ensure that the software is operating properly.
What’s Next?
To conclude, your remote software’s quality will depend on how well you test it. This means that you have to use the right remote software deployment tools to help your deployment team complete this process.
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