Replacement of a software distribution system based on Ivanti DSM within a specified timeframe. Conversion of the entire software portfolio into a platform-independent format without a migration project.
Background
A public administration organization with approximately 1,800 clients wanted to replace its software distribution system based on enteo NetInstall, now known as Ivanti DSM. The inventory, which had grown over the years, comprised 643 packages, all of which had to be retained.
Two requirements took center stage. First, the timeframe: an ongoing procurement deadline did not allow for a migration project lasting several months. Second, the goal of not tying the packages to a single distribution system again. Repackaging them into a vendor-specific format would have required the same amount of effort all over again during the next platform change.
Based on an estimated five hours per package, a complete repackaging effort would have required approximately 400 person-days. Neither internal nor external resources were available to meet this demand within the deadline.
Solution
ceterion has migrated its package inventory to the ceterion Packaging Framework using a standardized conversion process. The packages are organized there in a modular, PowerShell-based structure in which installation logic and metadata are kept separate.
This architecture forms the basis for the required independence. The same package definition can be deployed via Microsoft Intune, MECM, or Recast Application Workspace. In this particular case, the deployment was subsequently moved to a deployment platform outside the Microsoft stack. Thus, the proof of platform independence is not merely theoretical but has been demonstrated.
393 of the 643 packages were accepted as-is. The remaining 250 were manually revised. The total effort, including analysis, rework, testing, and preparation for production, amounted to 20 person-days, distributed among two employees over 30 calendar days. The project duration was determined by the testing cycles, not by the conversion effort.
Outcome
- 20 person-days of actual effort compared to about 400 for manual repackaging
- 61 percent of packages were accepted without requiring additional processing (393 out of 643)
- 30 days from contract signing to go-live
The package inventory is available in a platform-independent, maintainable format and is no longer tied to the replaced distribution system. The replacement was completed within the contract period, without the need for additional project organization or temporary external resources.