Software deployment software
Deploying software can equip your team with the tools they need to address vulnerabilities and keep machines operating at peak performance. Whether you’re installing new software, patching your operating system, or updating an existing software application, the PDQ product suite makes the software deployment process quick and easy.
Must-have software deployment features
The best solution for your business can make software installation and updates painless. However, you'll need the right features to get the most bang for your buck. Here are features you might look for in a software deployment solution, like PDQ.
Automation
Your schedule is busy enough as it is. A software deployment solution should be able to automatically and silently install updates across any number of systems. Automated software deployment limits interruptions for both you and your users.
Automatic software deployment
Schedule remote software deployment when it’s most convenient. You don’t even need to be in the office. Finally take those vacation days!
Retry queue
Initiate software deployments when an offline computer comes back online. Never leave a machine behind again!
Scripted commands
Automate tasks using PowerShell (.PS1). If Visual Basic (.VBS), registry file (.REG), or batch file (.BAT) are more your style, Deploy & Inventory have you covered.
Visibility
To keep systems secure and up to date, you need a window into your environment. A software deployment solution like PDQ gives insights into your fleet, allowing you to target machines and confirm packages deployed without a hitch.
Device collections & groups
Use prebuilt or custom groups to monitor software versions. Then, target machines with outdated software for updates.
Status updates
In Deploy, set notifications to see how things went. No more nail-biting tension wondering if your deployments succeeded!
Reports
Document software and hardware details to show your boss who’s — well ... boss.
Remote and on-prem deployment
With more and more employees working remotely, you need to reach Windows devices wherever they may be. PDQ’s product suite offers agent-based and agentless solutions built for the job.
Remote deployment
With PDQ Connect, you can distribute software to any remote Windows device with the agent installed as long as it’s connected to the internet. That means you don’t have to keep wrangling users to connect to VPN!
Agentless deployment on local networks
No need to get out of your chair! With Deploy, you can distribute software to on-prem and VPN-connected machines with just a few clicks.
Prebuilt and custom packages
Whether you want to deploy popular packages or customize to your heart’s content, PDQ makes it easy.
Software package library
Push out popular solutions quickly and silently with ready-to-deploy applications for popular applications like Chrome.
Custom multi-application deployments
Distribute several applications in one deployment for awe-inspiring efficiency.
Customizable installation
You know your environment better than anyone, so the PDQ suite puts you in control of your deployments.
Forced reboots
Reboot devices to complete installations.
Uninstallation at scale
Remove unused apps to free up hard drive space and improve performance.
What are the benefits of software deployment?
Software deployment with the PDQ suite can improve security and efficiency. Any business that uses multiple computers can’t escape the need for streamlined deployment. Thankfully, a software deployment tool maximizes the advantages while limiting potential hurdles. Pairing a convenient software deployment tool like PDQ with an effective process can reap a wide range of benefits:
Heightened efficiency and productivity
Enhanced security
Improved patch management
Expanded user insight
Increased software update frequency
Software deployment for remote devices
Use our agent-based solution, PDQ Connect, to keep your fleet up to date and secure via the cloud. View real-time data, deploy software using custom or prebuilt packages, and automate IT tasks — from one platform to any internet-connected Windows device.
PDQ vs. leading software deployment competitors
PDQ Deploy & Inventory’s software deployment | PDQ Connect's software deployment | Leading competitors | |
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Custom computer groups |
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Automated deployment |
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Agentless over-network deployment |
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Agent-based deployment |
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Extensive ready-to-deploy Package Library |
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Custom script deployment |
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Integrated inventory management & software deployment |
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Easy setup and use |
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Extensive Knowledge Base |
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Customer service from former sysadmins |
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Software deployment FAQs
What is software deployment?
An effective software deployment process includes the tasks that make a software system available to users — from software development to testing to monitoring. For enterprises, software and application deployment most often entail installing, updating, and uninstalling third-party software. The PDQ suite includes convenient features up to the task.
What is a software deployment process?
A software deployment process includes all the steps involved in distributing software to users, including the following:
Plan your software deployment strategy
Build a deployment package
Test the package outside of the production environment
Schedule deployment
Confirm the deployment
Monitor for any relevant software release or new feature
Update software as needed
Uninstall software as needed
The PDQ suite simplifies this process by providing prebuilt deployment packages for common software; allowing you to schedule deployments and automate patches; and enhancing visibility. In short, it helps support a scalable and successful deployment system.
What other functions are related to software deployment?
Software deployment is a component of broader IT operations, and it is closely linked with several other functions:
Endpoint management
Asset management
Change management
Software license management
Configuration management
Security management
IT service management
Release management
To support these processes, the PDQ suite offers powerful features, including software deployment, patch management, inventory management, vulnerability scanning, and more.
How do you incorporate software deployment?
To incorporate a software deployment process, follow these steps:
Assess your needs
Maintain a network inventory
Choose the best tool for the job (ideally, PDQ)
Develop a software deployment policy
Create a testing environment
Automate, automate, automate
What are software deployment best practices?
Implementing PDQ and software deployment best practices can reduce system downtime, limit errors, and make your IT team’s job a little easier. Each best practice could help optimize your process and improve your efficiency, so consider these tips:
Establish a clear process with a designated checklist
Get rid of unnecessary software
Apply patches quickly
Automate processes whenever possible
Review deployment metrics
Have a rollback plan in place
It’s worth considering any and all best practices, but only your team can determine what’s ideal for your environment.
How do you choose the right software deployment solution?
Whether you just want to install the occasional Windows Update or maintain a diverse collection of apps, selecting the right software deployment tools requires weighing your needs and goals against a solution’s features. Generally, a remote software deployment tool — like PDQ Connect — gives your team members more flexibility since they don’t have to physically access each machine in the fleet. However, consider these steps to decide what’s best for your business:
Assess your budget
Determine whether you need a remote installer
Consider the solution’s functionality
Evaluate any included package library or software repository
Weigh how the solution fits into your process
Before committing to a solution, schedule a demo to see how it works. Having an expert walk you through the functionality can give you a better idea of how your deployments will play out.
How do you deploy software to remote devices?
The easiest way to deploy software to remote endpoints is through an agent-based solution. Remote software deployment tools, such as PDQ Connect, are designed specifically for the unique needs of remote and hybrid environments. Once an agent is installed on the target Windows device, you can collect data and deploy software whenever that device connects to the internet.
If your fleet is on-prem or hybrid, PDQ Deploy & Inventory might fit the bill. These solutions work for devices connected to your LAN, but they can also deploy to remote endpoints connected to your VPN.