Using Microsoft SMS 2003

This section covers the main steps in installing the AIR runtime and an AIR application using Microsoft SMS, including the creation of packages, programs, distribution points, and advertisements.

Creating the installation package

An SMS package is the data set containing any installation files to be installed on the workstations. Follow these steps to create a package:

1. Download the bundled Adobe AIR runtime from Adobe.com. The download link is provided via e-mail after you applied for permission and are approved to redistribute the runtime.

2. Extract the installation files from the ZIP file to a local directory. This example uses a directory named AIRInstall.
3. If you want to install an AIR application at the same time as the runtime, download the AIR application file and save it in the AIRInstall directory. The screenshots that follow demonstrate installing the Flash Media Server (FMS) Explorer, a developer learning tool.
4. Open the SMS Administrator console.
5. Right-click Packages and select New > Package.

6. On the General tab of the Package Properties dialog box you must assign a name to the package. It is recommended that you also fill in the version, language, and comment fields (see Figure 1).

   

   Figure 1. Specifying package properties, including name, version, language, and comment in SMS

7. Click the Data Source tab and specify the source directory. This is the folder that contains the extracted AIR installation files. Set the remaining Data Source options based on your network configuration.
8. Adjust the settings in the Data Access, Distribution, and Reporting tabs based on your network configuration and preferences.
9. Verify the settings on the Security tab are correct for your network configuration and then click OK. SMS will create your AIR installation package.

Creating the program

An SMS program defines the executable and any installation parameters to be used during installation. Follow these steps to create a new program for your package:

1. In the SMS Administrator console, right-click on Programs under your AIR package and select New > Program.

2. On the General tab assign properties for the program. You can choose any name for your program. This example uses the name Adobe AIR. For the command line, browse to the install folder and select the Adobe AIR Installer.exe file. To install the AIR runtime and an AIR application, append the following options to the end of the command line:

   Note: As indicated in the introduction, you are required to obtain a redistribution agreement to install and distribute the Adobe AIR runtime in this manner. The documentation provided after being approved to distribute the AIR runtime details additional parameters for enterprise users. For more information about licensing and the license application, visit the Adobe AIR runtime distribution page.

   -silent -desktopShortcut -programMenu fms_explorer.air

   Note: -silent is required to run without user interaction during installation; -desktopShortcut adds a desktop shortcut for the AIR application; -programMenu adds a Start Menu shortcut for the AIR application; and fms_explorer.air refers to the AIR application being installed.

   The entire command line should look like this:

   "Adobe AIR Installer.exe" -silent -desktopShortcut -programMenu fms_explorer.air

   These options tell the AIR installer to run without user interaction, install the FMS Explorer AIR application, and create both desktop and Start menu shortcuts for it.

   If the AIR runtime is being installed without an AIR application, the command line should look like this:

   "Adobe AIR Installer.exe" -silent

   Installing AIR does not require a reboot, so you can leave the rest of the settings as they are (see Figure 2).

   

   Figure 2. Specifying the program name and command line in SMS

3. Click the Requirements tab and specify minimum requirements for target workstations. If a workstation does not meet these requirements, the application will not be installed on it. Set an estimated disk space of 100MB. The final installation size of the AIR runtime is less than 30MB. If the destination computer has at least 100MB free, you will have ample program as well as temp space for the AIR installation files.

4. Select compatible operating systems to ensure that AIR will not be installed on an incompatible machine. AIR requires one of the following:

   • Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later
   • Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
   • Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise including 64-bit editions
   • Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
   • Windows 2003 Server
5. Assign settings on the Environment tab. Because there is no need for the user to interact with the application or runtime during installation, allow the installer to run whether or not a user is logged on. Select the setting "Run with administrative rigths" or the installation will fail.
6. Use the default settings on the Advanced tab.

7. On the Windows Installer tab, click Import and browse to the AIR setup.msi file, which is found in the bundled install files you downloaded from Adobe (see Figure 3). This will import the Windows Installer product code.

   

   Figure 3. Importing the Windows Installer product code

   Note: If Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) is implemented on your network, adjust settings as necessary on the MOM tab.

8. Click OK. SMS will create the program for your package.

Creating the distribution points and collections

The next step is to create a distribution point and collection for the package. The distribution point is the server location where the files will reside for distribution to the client. Clients will pull the package from this location. A collection defines the groups of workstations that are intended to receive the distribution.

1. Right-click on Distribution Points under your AIR package and then choose New Distribution Point. Use the wizard to choose the server (or servers) that will be the distribution point for the AIR package (see Figure 4).

   

   Figure 4. Specifying the distribution point in SMS

2. After the package is distributed to the selected distribution point, create your collection. Use the default collection: All Windows Workstation or Professional Systems. Advanced users may create a custom collection at this point.

Advertising the new software

An advertisement tells all workstations in the collection that there is new software available to install. This advertisement ties together the package, program, and collection. The workstations will install the software package based on a pre-configured interval defined within the site configuration. To create a new advertisement, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on Advertisements and select New > Advertisement.

2. On the General tab, choose a package from the dropdown menu. Then, choose the AIR Installer program. Finally, browse to and select the collection for the advertisement (see Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5. Specifying advertisement properties in SMS

3. On the Schedule tab, set an advertisement start time. Set a Mandatory Assignment of "As soon as possible." In a large network or with a larger program, you should schedule for a time that minimizes any negative effects on network performance or the users' experience.
4. On the Advanced Client tab you can choose to run the installation directly from the distribution point or cache it locally prior to installation. The former option will result in more traffic to your distribution point during installation. You will need to adjust these settings to fit your environment.
5. Click OK. SMS will create the new advertisement.

Advertisement polling varies between environments and depends on network connectivity, speed, and availability. As clients check in, they will receive the advertisement and perform the installation. A message will appear in the system tray to notify the user, if logged on, of the new program installation.

Upon completion of installation, the AIR runtime and the AIR application will be installed on the client. Based on the configuration choices outlined earlier, the AIR application's shortcut will appear in the Start menu and on the desktop.

The Advertisement Status in the SMS Admin Console will show installation results for clients.

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