Managing software updates and deployments efficiently is critical to maintaining a secure and functional IT infrastructure. We are excited to announce a significant enhancement to our SoftwareCentral solution, previously known as SoftwareCentral Plus. This update is designed to address the critical needs and challenges in IT administration, ensuring smoother software management and deployment.

Key enhancements

• Expansive software packaging library: SoftwareCentral now includes Robopack’s extensive library of over 36,000 packages. This integration ensures that you have a broad range of pre-configured software packages at your disposal, streamlining the deployment process within Microsoft Configuration Manager environments.
• Simplified software conversion and deployment: The new integration allows for seamless conversion of MSI files into MSIX, App-V, or IntuneWin formats using a straightforward drag-and-drop interface. This enhancement reduces the time and complexity involved in preparing applications for deployment, ensuring the systems are always up-to-date and secure.
• Automated patch management: With Robopack’s automated patch management now part of SoftwareCentral, you can rest assured that all the applications are updated with the latest security patches and features. This automated approach mitigates the risks associated with outdated software and reduces the administrative burden on your IT team.
• Real-time notifications and updates: Stay ahead with real-time notifications for new software versions. This feature ensures that your IT department can deploy updates promptly, maintaining optimal security and performance across all managed systems.
• Auto download feature: Robopack integration includes an auto-download feature that automatically downloads, imports, and deploys applications to both Microsoft Configuration Manager and multiple Intune Tenants as soon as a new version is released. This ensures that your systems are always running the latest versions without manual intervention.
• Deployment templates: The addition of new deployment templates helps control automated deployments to both Microsoft Configuration Manager and multiple Intune Tenants, further simplifying the management process. These templates allow for a more streamlined and efficient deployment workflow.
• Test deployments for Intune: The capability to create test deployments for Intune is now available, allowing for thorough testing before full-scale deployment. This feature ensures that any potential issues can be identified and resolved in a controlled environment.
• Phased (wave) deployments for Microsoft Configuration Manager: You can now create phased deployments for Microsoft Configuration Manager, ensuring a smooth rollout of applications across the organization. This helps in minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless user experience during deployments.
• Status Window for phased deployments: The status of phased deployments can now be viewed directly in the status window, providing clear visibility into deployment progress. This feature allows for better tracking and management of ongoing deployments.
• Thorough testing of packages: All packages are thoroughly tested on demand and made available within 30 minutes after the vendor releases a new version, ensuring quick and reliable updates. This ensures that your IT environment is always secure and up-to-date with the latest software versions.

Addressing common challenges

• Efficient large-scale software deployment: Conducting expansive software rollouts without disrupting business operations is a key challenge. The enhanced SoftwareCentral, with Robopack’s capabilities, allows for meticulous planning and execution of deployments, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.
• Automated processes to reduce manual effort: The integration of Robopack introduces automated processes for software conversion and patch management, significantly reducing the manual effort required. This enhancement allows IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks.
• Maintaining up-to-date security: Keeping applications updated with the latest security patches is crucial for maintaining system integrity. The automated patch management feature ensures that all applications are consistently updated, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.
• Simplifying deployment with new interfaces: The new and simpler interface for importing new applications reduces complexity, making it easier for IT administrators to manage and deploy applications.
• Handling complex environments with phased and test deployments: The capability to create phased deployments for Microsoft Configuration Manager and test deployments for Intune helps in handling complex environments by allowing careful planning and controlled rollouts.
• Real-time visibility into deployment status: The new status window feature for phased deployments provides clear visibility into deployment progress, enabling better tracking and management of software rollouts.

Organizational benefits

• Enhanced IT efficiency: Automation and streamlined processes reduce manual intervention, speeding up deployments and minimizing errors. This efficiency leads to lower operational costs and higher system reliability.
• Improved security and compliance: Automated patch management ensures that all applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches, reducing vulnerabilities and helping maintain compliance with industry standards.
• User satisfaction and productivity: Efficient and timely software deployments enhance the user experience by minimizing disruptions and ensuring systems are always running optimally. This leads to increased productivity and satisfaction among end-users.
• Strategic IT planning: With a more efficient software management solution, IT teams can focus on strategic planning and innovation, driving the organization toward future growth and technological advancement.
• Quicker response to vendor updates: All packages are thoroughly tested and made available within 30 minutes after the vendor releases a new version, ensuring quick and reliable updates. This allows IT teams to respond faster to new software versions, maintaining optimal security and functionality.
• Simplified management across multiple tenants: The new deployment templates and the capability to automatically download, import, and deploy applications to multiple Intune Tenants streamline the management process, making it easier to handle multiple environments.
• Reduced downtime with phased deployments: The ability to create phased deployments for Microsoft Configuration Manager helps in minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth rollout process, which is critical for maintaining business continuity.

Embracing the future of software management

The integration of Robopack into SoftwareCentral is set to revolutionize software management processes. By addressing key challenges and providing advanced capabilities, this upgrade promises to make IT operations more efficient, secure, and reliable.

Looking ahead, this powerful combination opens the door to endless possibilities. With these enhanced tools, IT teams can not only manage their current environments more effectively but also confidently embrace future technological advancements. This integration sets a new standard for software management, paving the way for a more streamlined, secure, and innovative IT landscape.

Explore the full potential of the enhanced SoftwareCentral today. For more information contact our sales team or schedule a demo.