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When a system software component or an application that runs on
numerous workstations located at different sites has to be updated or
upgraded, Software Distribution can completely automate the procedure.
You can prepare and package software at one workstation, send it to the
affected target workstations, and install it automatically.
You can facilitate the administration of software installation and
maintenance on large numbers of heterogeneous workstations by taking
advantage of Software Distribution's dynamic functions. By organizing
your target workstations into dynamic groups whose members change
according to the criteria you establish, you can selectively administer
software. You can also organize the content of software packages
dynamically in order to install only certain files on certain workstations.
• Keep track of hardware and software installed across the network on
server and client workstations.
Software Distribution automatically stores a history and inventory record
of all the hardware and software installed on each workstation in a
network. This means that you are always aware of the configuration of all
the workstations in your network and, consequently, of the activities that
need to be performed to ensure consistency where you require it.
• Distribute and collect data.
System data files and user data files (such as user flat files or database
exports) can be exchanged between the central site and target
workstations and across workstations in the network. You can distribute
data from the central site to targets by grouping workstations that need to
receive the same files. Data distribution operations also provide data
compression and page code translation options.
• Manage a multiplatform environment.
• You can take advantage of the benefits of Software Distribution in a
multiplatform environment.
Workstations running OS/2, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, or Windows NT
can be controlled from a Software Distribution server. Software
Distribution servers can also interoperate with servers running different
operating systems (such as AIX and Windows NT) in the same network. A
NetView Distribution Manager for MVS Release 6 or Software Distribution
for AIX site can also act as a central site for software and data distribution.
Software Distribution can, therefore, become a key element in ensuring the
productivity and efficiency of your workstations and users by providing you
with the means to:
• Save resources, time and money
26 The OS/2 Warp 4 CID Software Distribution Guide