Today, there are a number of methods for deploying desktop software across the enterprise. Many companies use a time-consuming, manual installation process that requires technicians to walk from machine to machine with DVDs. A more efficient method involves third-party solutions that automatically deploy software to multiple machines and then initiate a silent installation. However, these solutions require a special installer package to be created prior to deployment. Previously, in this packaging step an IT specialist had to manually create and edit XML files, without being able to validate their settings or check for errors, which often led to problems.
The Adobe Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit enables a more efficient and reliable end-to-end silent installation process, by simplifying the packaging step for enterprise deployment. Featuring an easy-to-use Adobe AIR interface, the toolkit allows IT managers to automatically enter and validate serial numbers, choose which applications are installed, disable automatic updates, turn off manual registration, and delete the installer at the end of the installation process. The toolkit has been tested for use with the Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) and the Apple Remote Desktop™ (ARD).
The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is offered as a complimentary tool to members of the CLP licensing program. The Creative Suite Deployment toolkit is available for purchase by members of the TLP licensing program. Contact your local Adobe channel partners or account manager for more information.
For more information, download the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit Guide (PDF: 318k )
FAQ
- What is the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- The Adobe Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is a configuration application that packages Creative Suite software for silent enterprise deployment. Featuring an easy-to-use Adobe AIR interface, it allows IT managers to automatically enter and validate serial numbers prior to installation, choose which applications are installed, disable automatic updates, turn off manual registration, and delete the installer at the end of the installation process.
- Why has Adobe developed the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- Adobe developed the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit as a way to begin to address some of the challenges that our customers face when deploying Creative Suite software on more than one computer. The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is designed to help make installation of Creative Suite 4 software across the enterprise quicker and easier.
- Who would benefit from using the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- Any customer who installs multiple copies of Creative Suite 4. The toolkit is especially useful for those who are configuring Creative Suite software for silent installation or who have been reluctant to do so because of the complexity of that process.
- Is there a charge for the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment toolkit is offered as a complimentary tool to members of the CLP licensing program. The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is available for purchase by members of the TLP licensing program. Contact your local Adobe channel partner or account manager for more information.
- Is the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit available for education customers?
- Yes.
- What applications can the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit configure for silent installation?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit enables you to package all Creative Suite 4 applications, including those that were purchased as a suite or as standalone CS4 products. For example, Adobe InCopy CS4 is not part of any suite, however it can be packaged using the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit.
- Can I define my desktop Creative Suite preferences with the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- The settings packaged by the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit are those which are installed by default. At this time it is not possible to create and package user-defined settings such as PDF and Color presets.
- Can I choose which applications from a suite are included in the package?
- Yes.
- What platforms does the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit support?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is available in Mac and Windows versions.
- Can I use the Windows toolkit to create installer packages for Mac computers, and vice versa?
- No. You must use the toolkit for the platform you intend to install on. For example, if you are deploying to Mac computers, you must use the Mac version; if you're deploying to Windows computers, you must use the Windows version.
- How many copies of the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit will I need?
- If you are planning to install the Creative Suite 4 software on a single platform, you only need a single copy of the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit. If you are installing on both Mac and Windows, you need a version of the deployment toolkit for each.
- Is the standalone version of Acrobat 9 considered a Creative Suite 4 application? If so, can I use the Create Suite Deployment Toolkit to package it?
- No. The Creative Suite Deployment toolkit is only able to install the version of Acrobat 9 that comes as part of the Creative Suite. Instead, you should use the Acrobat 9 Installer Wizard, which is available for Windows.
- Can Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit package Creative Suite 3 or earlier applications?
- No.
- Is silent installation the same as silent activation?
- No.
- Once I have created an installer configured for silent installation using the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit, how do I deliver and initiate the installer on remote computers on my network?
-
Once an installer package has been created, you will require a mechanism to physically deploy and initiate the packages across your network. You can do this manually, by walking from machine to machine, copying the packages locally. This will be quicker and easier than installing the software with a DVD, because it does not require you to stand over the machine and click through multiple screens.
However, when the number of the installations reaches a certain level, the packages are typically installed from a server using additional third party deployment software such as Apple Remote Desktop™ (ARD) on the Mac or Microsoft Systems Management Services (SMS) on Windows. - Which third-party deployment tools does Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit support?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit has been tested for use with Apple Remote Desktop™ (ARD) on the Mac and Microsoft Systems Management Services (SMS) on Windows.
- What if I don't use one of the supported third party deployment tools?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit creates installer packages as executable files. There is no reason these files should not work with other third-party deployment software.
- Can I create packages that are compatible with MSI and PKG installs?
- No. Because of the complexity of the Creative Suite installation process, Adobe has created custom installers to ensure the correct installation of the software and their shared components.
- Can I create snap shot images using the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is not designed to create a snapshot image of the Creative Suite.
- How does Adobe support the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
- The Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit is supported in the same way as other Adobe software via the Adobe Open Options (AOO) licensing program. AOO customers receive free support to ensure that they install the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit successfully. There is additional documentation available free of charge. For details about further product support options, please see Adobe product support.
- How do I obtain a copy of the Creative Suite Deployment Toolkit?
- Customers in the CLP licensing program receive the Creative Suite Deployment Toolkit automatically as part of any Creative Suite 4 purchase. They can request that it be delivered either on CD media or via electronic download. CLP customers do not need to order the Creative Suite Deployment Toolkit as an additional item. Customers in the TLP licensing program who purchase the Creative Suite Deployment Toolkit can request that the software be delivered either as CD media or via electronic download.
- What are the system requirements for the Creative Suite 4 Deployment Toolkit?
-
Windows
1 GHz or faster processor
Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (Service Pack 3 recommended) or Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1 (certified for 32-bit Windows XP and Windows Vista)
25MB of available hard-disk space for installation
512MB of RAM
1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
DVD-ROM driveMac OS
PowerPC® G5 or multicore Intel® processor
Mac OS X v10.4.11–10.5.4
70MB of available hard-disk space for installation
512MB of RAM
1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
DVD-ROM drive
