Using Microsoft SCCM 2007

This section explains how to install the AIR runtime and an AIR application using Microsoft SCCM, including the creation of packages, programs, distribution points, and advertisements. The basic steps are the same as if you used Microsoft SMS with minor differences in terms of the settings.

Creating the installation package

An SCCM 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 the directory name AIRInstall.
3. If you want to install an AIR application at the same time as the runtime, download the AIR file and save it in the AIRInstall directory. The screenshots that follow demonstrate installing the FMS (Flash Media Server) Explorer, a developer learning tool.
4. Open the Configuration Manager console and navigate to Site Database > Computer Management > Software Distribution > Packages.
5. Right-click Packages and choose New > Package.

6. On the General page of the New Package Wizard you must assign a name to the package. It is recommended that you also fill in the version, manufacturer, language, and comment fields.

   

   Figure 6. Specifying package properties, including name, version, manufacturer, language, and comment in Configuration Manager

7. Click Next. On the Data Source page, set your source directory. This is the folder that contains the extracted AIR installation files. Adjust the rest of the settings on the Data Source page based on your network configuration.
8. Adjust the settings in the Data Access, Distribution, and Reporting pages based on your network configuration and preferences.
9. Ensure the settings on the Security page are correct for your network configuration.
10. Verify that your settings look correct on the Summary panel, and then click Next. SCCM will create your AIR installation package and display the results.

Creating the program

An SCCM program defines the executable and any installation parameters to be used during installation. Follow these steps to create a new program in SCCM:

1. In the SCCM console, right-click on Programs under your AIR package and choose New > Program.

2. Click General and 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 AIR 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 7).

   

   Figure 7. Specifying the program name and command line options in Configuration Manager

3. Click Next. On the Requirements page, specify minimum requirements for the 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 space 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 page. Because there is no need for the user to interact with the application or runtime during installation, choose to allow the installer to run whether or not a user is logged on. Select the setting "Run with administrative rights" or the installation will fail.
6. Use the default settings on the Advanced tab.

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

   

   Figure 8. Importing the Windows Installer product code in Configuration Manager

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

8. Verify your settings on the Summary page and then click Next. SCCM will create the program for your package and display the results.

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 clients, which 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 9).

   

   Figure 9. Specifying the distribution point in Configuration Manager

   SCCM will add the distribution point to your package and display the results.

2. 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. An 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 choose New > Advertisement.

2. On the General page, choose a package from the dropdown menu. Then choose the AIR Installer program. Finally, browse to select the collection to be used for the advertisement (see Figure 10).

   

   Figure 10. Specifying advertisement properties in Configuration Manager

3. On the Schedule page, 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 impact on network performance or the users' experience.
4. On the Distribution Points page you can choose to run the program directly from the distribution point or have each client download it first. The former option will result in more traffic to your distribution point during the installation. You will need to adjust these settings to fit your environment.
5. Configure the settings on the Interaction and Security pages as needed for your network.
6. Verify your settings on the Summary steps and then click Next. SCCM will create the new Advertisement and display the results.

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.

When the client checks in with SCCM, a message will appear in the user's system tray to notify them of the new program installation. Upon completion of the installation, AIR 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.

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