Description:
Java applications are always an issue when trying to deliver the application in an enterprise environment. There are numerous java applications that have to be manually installed because there is no way to silently deploy them through SCCM. IBM’s iACS Emulator is such an application. This application installs to the user profile or AllUsers. This is not how majority of enterprises like to have applications installed. This application is a great candidate for App-V. However, for purposes of this instruction, we will look how to configure the application for MSI install.
Why Create an MSI?
The vendor install does not support deploying preconfigured \ silent installs by default. Nor does it add entries to show it is installed on a device and may not get picked up during a SCCM inventory. Capturing an MSI allows for preconfigured deployments, silent install, entries in programs and features and means to silent remove the application. With converting to MSI, we can now do a silent installs, uninstalls or upgrade when needed. You can also manage the lifecycle of the application.
Recipe
Note: I will not be show the steps on how to capture with a packaging or sequencing tool. You should already know how to do those steps. This is the steps how to configure the application between captures. Java should already be installed as a dependency prior to the initial capture.
- Install the java script based on the OS it is being installed on.
- Do Not Launch shortcuts yet!
- If AllUsers was selected, it will install to the C:\Users\Public\IBM directory
- Move the IBM directory to C:\program files\
- Remember to give users modify permission to this installation directory. The emulator settings will be configured here.
- Change the paths for the shortcuts. Be sure to remember to point the shortcuts to the new locations. C:\program files\ibm……
- Go to the acsconfig.properties file and edit it. It exists under c:\program files\ibm\clientsolutions
- Edit the line: ibm.iaccess.acsbasediretory= by adding {PRODUCTDIR}
- Note: This will set all the settings to be installed in the installation directory. This can be changed by the variable you provide. If you are installing per machine and want everyone to have the same defaults, this is a solution.
- Edit the line: ibm.iaccess.acsbasediretory= by adding {PRODUCTDIR}
- Now launch the application. Set your default settings and emulator instances.
- Complete your capture
- If using RayPack, PaceSuite, or Admin Studio; remember to give permissions to the install directory.
Keep in mind, most java applications have a way to config the default settings in order to move the install around when creating the MSI. The biggest issue is finding the config file.