ceterion Packaging Framework - Community Platform
Standardized. Automated. Managed.

The ceterion Packaging Framework is an open, PowerShell-based platform for professional application packaging – built from real-world project requirements, continuously refined since 2019, and proven in day-to-day operations.

The Community Platform is available without functional limitations.
Where requested, support implementation, integration, and ongoing evolution of the framework.

Download cPF (Github)
Discuss implementation and execution

Why the ceterion Packaging Framework?

The ceterion Packaging Framework is a standalone, modular platform with a clearly defined architecture, structured extension points, and long-term maintainability.

It evolved from the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit. Its engine components were thoroughly refactored, modularized, and enhanced with custom functions, variables, and extensions to meet real-world project and enterprise requirements.

Since 2017, the framework has been following its own development path —with its own API as well as its own release, signing, and support procedures. To date, more than 40 internal iterations have been incorporated into 29 public releases.

Architectural Principle

Applications are packaged once in a structured and standardized manner. The deployment system remains interchangeable while the package architecture stays unchanged.

Deployment tools are solely responsible for distribution. Packaging and delivery are consistently separated.

This makes application packaging reproducible, controllable, and independently scalable in the long term.

Result of the Architectural Principle

The consistent separation of package architecture and deployment creates clear structural advantages:

Consistent Packaging Processes

Standardized structure, defined conventions, and clear workflows.

Reproducible Installations

Consistent results across different environments.

Versioning & Auditability

Traceable and audit-proof processes.

Scalability

From pilot operation to enterprise-wide scaling.

Modularly Extensible

Extension through clearly defined modules and integration points.

Transparent Logging

Uniform logging and control mechanisms for complete traceability.

This makes application packaging plannable, reproducible, and maintainable in the long term – regardless of the deployed deployment system.

Technical Foundation & Open Source

The ceterion Packaging Framework integrates selected components of the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (Version 3.7.0) as its technical foundation. These components have been fundamentally refactored, modularized, and enhanced with proprietary functions, variables, and extensions to address real-world project and enterprise requirements.

Since 2019, the framework has been continuously developed, and its architecture has been expanded over more than 30 iterations.

Today, it constitutes an independent, modular platform with a clearly defined architecture, structured extension points, and long-term maintainability.

Community Platform & Professional Services

The ceterion Packaging Framework is available free of charge as a fully functional Community Platform.

The open-source core is production-ready and forms a stable foundation for standardized, structured application packaging. The platform is suitable for in-house operation as well as for the gradual standardization of existing packaging processes – without reliance on proprietary black-box solutions.

For companies with more complex requirements, we also offer Professional Services:
These include implementation, architectural consulting, integration into existing deployment environments, as well as targeted further development and training. 

Community and Professional Services are clearly delineated and technically consistent. 

Your Next Step

Are you planning a reorientation of your packaging strategy or a transition of your installation procedures?

Discuss implementation and execution

ceterion supports you with the analysis, migration, and implementation of clear packaging standards – structured, tool-independent, and maintainable in the long term.

PSAppDeployToolkit and ceterion Packaging Framework –
The Differences?

PSAppDeployToolkit is a proven toolkit for the structured implementation of software installations.

The ceterion Packaging Framework utilizes selected stable components as its technical foundation, but it pursues a more comprehensive, architectural approach:

While PSADT primarily provides installation logic, the Packaging Framework defines a mandatory package architecture with clearly defined standards for structure, configuration, and lifecycle. Installation logic and configuration are distinctly separated, external configuration sources are supported, and the package logic is consistently decoupled from the deployment system.

Thus, the framework not only answers the question “How do I install an application?” but rather “How do I operate application packaging in a standardized, traceable, and tool-independent manner over the long term?”.

PSADT remains a technical foundation. The ceterion Packaging Framework defines the architecture for sustainable, scalable, and maintainable packaging standards. Existing PSADT packages can be integrated and gradually migrated. A complete rebuild is not required.

In short:

  • PSADT focuses on installation logic.
  • The ceterion Packaging Framework defines the long-term structure for standardized packaging.

PowerShell as the Foundation – No Vendor Lock-in

The ceterion Packaging Framework is consistently based on PowerShell. The package logic is completely decoupled from the deployed deployment system. This makes the deployment tool an interchangeable infrastructure component – not the defining architecture.  

Applications are packaged once in a standardized manner. Distribution can occur via Ivanti, SCCM, Intune, Workspace ONE, Recast or other platforms without altering the package structure.  

Tool dependency is eliminated – control remains with the operator.

Specifically, this means:

  • No vendor lock-in in software deployment
  • No rebuilds when changing tools or platforms
  • Parallel operation of multiple deployment systems
  • Clear ownership of package architecture, versioning, and lifecycle

One Package.
Any Deployment Platforms.
 Architecture over dependencies.

Questions? We are happy to help.

Find quick answers here – or feel free to contact us directly.

Community Platform

Yes. It is fully functional and designed for productive operation. 

No. The package logic is decoupled from the deployment system. Distribution can occur across different platforms without structural adjustments. 

Yes. Configuration values are sourced externally, eliminating hardcoding. 

Supported Sources:

  • MECM / SCCM (e.g., Task Sequence or Collection Variables)
  • INI and JSON files
  • REST-APIs

The values are available as variables during execution.

Yes. Identical packages can be deployed flexibly through external parametrization.  

The following options are available:

  • Test, Pilot, and Production Environments
  • Location- or tenant-specific configuration
  • Concurrent deployment across multiple systems
  • Multi-tenancy for Service Providers

The package logic remains unchanged—only the configuration values vary. 

The framework combines automation with clear traceability:

  • Structured logging and consistent exit codes
  • GUID-based package identification
  • JSON-driven parameters and rules
  • Centralized Hooks (Invoke-PackageStart / Invoke-PackageEnd)

All processes are explicitly defined – no hidden mechanisms.

Yes. Security requirements are structurally integrated.

  • Code Signing for scripts and modules
  • Automatic AppLocker rules from package definitions
  • Management of firewall rules and NTFS permissions
  • Audit-compliant logging

Yes. It integrates into existing deployment structures – without creating a parallel environment.

Supported systems include:

  • MECM / SCCM
  • Microsoft Intune
  • Omnissa Workspace ONE
  • Recast Application Workspace (since version 2510 in the Community Platform)
  • Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server (until 2025)

Professional Services

Yes – optional.

  • Implementation and Customization
  • Integration into Existing Environments
  • Training and Workshops
  • Technical Support
  • SLA-based Enterprise Support

Yes. Converters are available for, among others, the following platforms:

  • Ivanti DSM
  • Wise Script
  • NSIS Script
  • Matrix42

Deployment is provided as part of Professional Services.

Yes. Deployment is provided as part of Professional Services.

Yes. External sources can be integrated into the package lifecycle in a controlled manner.

Deployment is provided as part of Professional Services.

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