Deploying and Distributing Applications and .Sdb Files

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

After adding application compatibility fixes and modes to your custom application compatibility databases (.sdb files), you must deploy or distribute the .sdb files to destination computers in your organization. Usually, you also must deploy or distribute the applications to which the fixes apply. In this context, deploying means you are installing .sdb files and applications during an operating system rollout. Distributing means that you are installing .sdb files and applications as part of your ongoing operations after rolling out an operating system.

Typically, an automated installation method, such as image-based installation or unattended installation, is used to deploy .sdb files and applications to destination computers during an operating system rollout. By contrast, a software management mechanism, such as Group Policy Software Installation, logon scripts, or Software Update Services (SUS), is typically used to distribute .sdb files and applications to destination computers that already have an operating system installed.

Your deployment team is usually responsible for deploying applications and .sdb files during an operating system rollout. Your operations team is usually responsible for distributing applications and .sdb files on destination computers that already have operating systems installed.

Figure 3.11 shows where the deployment and distribution tasks fit into the overall application compatibility planning, testing, and deployment process.

Figure 3.11   Deploying and Distributing Applications and .Sdb Files

This section describes how to use various tools to deploy and distribute applications and .sdb files. This section does not help you choose a deployment or distribution tool. That choice depends on several factors, including your deployment design, your IT standards and practices, and your operational procedures. It is assumed that you have already chosen a deployment or distribution tool based on these factors. For more information about choosing an automated deployment tool, see "Choosing an Automated Installation Method" in Automating and Customizing Installations of this kit. For more information about choosing an application distribution tool, see the "Application Deployment Using Microsoft Management Technologies" white paper, available through the Application Deployment link on the Web Resources page at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/reskits/webresources.