* Software distribution might be a good task to outsource
When IT managers make their list of tasks to outsource, software distribution is usually not at the top of the list. Most IT organizations see software packaging and deployment solely as an internal function – but there are some shifts in the industry that may change that view.
First, there is a growing number of providers offering software distribution services. In addition to vendors such as Marimba that can help enterprises develop their own software deployment services, electronic software delivery (ESD) service providers such as Intraware and Apprise are now stretching their customer bases beyond the independent software vendor market and bringing their services to large enterprises.
More importantly, however, enterprises are now looking at software distribution through new eyes. Thanks to a difficult economy, there is new emphasis on technologies and processes that can improve formerly inefficient IT tasks – and software distribution clearly has become one of those inefficiencies.
There are many reasons for the shortfall of enterprise ESD processes and/or technology, but most fall into one of three categories:
* Inability to handle the load. Although most corporations are not growing rapidly, most software deployment efforts are. The recent wave of security threats has given rise to a whole category of patch management tools and processes. In addition, most software vendors are now issuing new releases in smaller, less comprehensive versions and modules, making the releases cheaper and easier to buy – but more numerous. And because IT staffs are not growing, outsourcing the software deployment task is becoming a more attractive alternative all the time.
* High rates of deployment failure. While there are many ESD tools available to help automate the software distribution process, many of them do not have a strong track record for successful installation of applications on the first attempt. Many automatic installations fail due to system incompatibilities, conflicts between applications, or lack of adequate memory on the target machine. A third-party service could bring greater order, and fewer errors, to the distribution process.
* Lack of integration with other software development and management processes. While software distribution once was seen as a discrete function, most organizations are now finding it critical for ESD tools to accept a “handoff” from development and/or packaging tools, while also being able to hand off data to configuration management or applications management tools. An outside service provider can help companies to do this integration.
These problems may once have been seen as minor nuisances – or even as acceptable hurdles – in the scheme of IT management. With the downturn in the economy, however, such inefficiencies may have a very real impact on the bottom line. High failure rates in software deployment can lead to significant employee downtime and delays in implementing new business processes, not to mention significant loss of precious IT staff and resources. In today’s economic environment, out-tasking software distribution may be a means to overcome these obstacles.
Is your organization facing any of these software distribution problems, or perhaps others not mentioned here? If these issues are familiar – or even if you feel you’ve conquered the ESD monster – we’d like to have your input. Over the next two weeks (starting July 15), Enterprise Management Associates will be conducting a brief survey on electronic software distribution processes, strategies and tools. The survey, which takes just a few minutes to complete, asks some questions about your priorities in ESD, and the obstacles that you face.
Please take a moment to answer the questions at:
https://www.enterprisemanagement.com/survey/swd
Your responses will be kept confidential (even anonymous, if you prefer), and a randomly selected respondent will win a prize from EMA. If enough readers complete the survey, we’ll share the results in a future installment of this column.
