http://www.installshield.com
Industry Leader Premieres Advanced Patching Technology, Complete Control of Windows Installer,
and Mobile Computing Support
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., October 15, 2002 - InstallShield® Software Corporation today announced availability of Developer 8, the newest version of the industry-standard installation authoring solution for Windows Installer (MSI) setups.
Developer 8 continues InstallShieldÂ’s leadership in installation development strength, flexibility and efficiency for delivering any type of software-desktop, enterprise, and Web. Major product enhancements include revolutionary patching and updating technology, ultimate control over Windows Installer packaging with direct access to all properties through a user-friendly interface, extensive support for Windows CE-based applications, and support for clean build systems.
“InstallShield Developer 8 proves again that InstallShield is at the forefront of the needs of the installation developer by giving us the robust control required to deliver crucial applications,” said Joseph Sanders, Software Engineer for Fujifilm. “The new QuickPatchÔ technology and enhanced MSI editing capabilities address our most important needs for MSI installations.”
InstallShield enables developers to easily create MSI installations with any level of complexity-even allowing development directly in the MSI file format. This functionality, in addition to easy Web distribution, support for Web services and the Microsoft .NET Framework, and full integration with Visual Studio .NET, helps developers rapidly meet the next generation of customer installation requirements.
“Developer 8 provides an unmatched level of power and flexibility when creating Windows Installer setups,” said InstallShield CEO and co-founder Viresh Bhatia. “Based on feedback from thousands of leading software development shops using our products, we are delivering the most robust and feature-packed release of our flagship development tool.”
Advanced Patching and Upgrading
The new QuickPatch project type in Developer 8 enables creation of simple and reliable patches to change files and registry entries in previously deployed packages. Developers simply point to an existing software package, identify the changes to be made, and deploy the patch. Further, a dedicated view to create more extensive patches allows developers to modify all aspects of a previously deployed package by identifying the starting and end-state MSI-based software packages. The differences are then captured automatically. Configuring a patch or a full build as an upgrade is now as easy as identifying the target installations to upgrade. Validation for all patch and upgrade solutions occurs automatically.
Complete Windows Installer Control
InstallShield Developer 8 provides the highest and most detailed level of control over packages by enabling direct editing of all MSI file properties and settings, while still utilizing InstallShieldÂ’s rich, user-friendly development environment. The intuitive interface allows efficient and extensive customization of MSI files, for testing or last minute package changes, without a full build process. A new Transform project type also boosts productivity and control, enabling developers to create transforms by opening an existing MSI file and editing it. The transforms can be shipped with the base MSI package to provide additional installation options to end-users.
Mobile Computing Support
Developer 8 users can now create installations for Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC and other Windows CE-based devices using a wizard-driven InstallShield Object. The fast-growing hand-held application market is now more accessible than ever with this easy-to-use feature.
Additional Productivity Enhancements
· The new clean build system functionality makes it easy to maintain a tightly controlled production environment. Only the part of InstallShield Developer that compiles the installations is installed. The module installs to a single directory and requires no registry changes, enabling users to meet strict production guidelines.
· Developer 8 now allows users to create InstallScript Objects, which provide a way to reuse work in multiple projects. Support for InstallScript™ enables broad customization in the shared modules.
“InstallShield has shown decade-long support for the needs of the Windows installation developer,” said Sam Henry, product manager for the Developer Platform Evangelism Division at Microsoft Corp. “InstallShield Developer 8’s new features extend its robust support for Windows Installer and its full integration with Visual Studio .NET. Developer 8 is yet another outstanding release from InstallShield that securely covers the Windows Installer installation.”
Continuing Success
InstallShield Developer offers maximum power and flexibility for Windows Installer setups. Its wide range of features allows developers to quickly and efficiently create reliable, customized installations. Developer 8 meets new installation-authoring needs with revolutionary patching and upgrading technology, direct MSI file creation and editing, and custom script support. In addition, InstallShield Developer 8 creates installations for Windows Powered Pocket PC and other Windows CE-based devices, continuing a tradition of technical leadership for emerging platforms, including complete support for the Microsoft .NET Framework, Web services, and integration with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET.
Pricing and Availability
InstallShield Developer is available immediately from InstallShield, its online eShop, and through a network of authorized resellers and distributors worldwide. For new customers the product is available for $1,199 (US-MSRP). Upgrades are available for previous owners of any InstallShield Developer or InstallShield Professional for $599 (US-MSRP). Previous owners of full InstallShield Express products can upgrade for $899 (US-MSRP). A convenient Subscription Plan is available for $599 (US) entitling owners to all upgrades within a one-year period from date of purchase. For a limited time, InstallShield is offering a $200 rebate on full product, upgrade, and Subscription Plan purchases. Information on InstallShieldÂ’s complete line of products, training classes, and professional services is available from www.installshield.com or by calling 800-374-4353.
About InstallShield Software Corp.
InstallShield Software Corp. is the acknowledged leader in software-distribution and software-deployment solutions for independent software vendors and corporate IT systems administrators. InstallShield technology powers deployment for the top 100 independent software vendors and is used by more than 200,000 corporate and commercial software developers and systems administrators worldwide. InstallShield is headquartered outside of Chicago in Schaumburg, Ill., with European headquarters in Bristol, England. For more information, visit www.installshield.com.
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© 2002 InstallShield Software Corporation. All rights reserved. InstallShield is a registered trademark and InstallShield Developer, QuickPatch and InstallScript are trademarks of InstallShield Software Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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