Re: Opinions wanted regarding how to install ISV software

Speaking from the customer/user side, whatever you decide needs to be -very- user friendly!

We have several application packages that are extremely well-behaved-- you download the update package, run the install process, and it checks for compatability, resources, version, etc. etc. and installs itself.

Other applications require a lot of hand holding, both from us as the customer and from the vendor, with all the questions we have about the process and the not-always-user-friendly documentation.

There are also applications that install part of themselves into the IFS. Ideally, these applications should be able to find any previous versions, and either replace them or archive them in a known location.

Some applications are along-side installs-- the new version creates a totally new set of libraries, copies in the old data, and is ready to go. Some applications create backup libraries then update the 'live' library. Either is acceptable, but an application that can be un-done or restarted (automatically, please!) is a must!

No matter how the applilcation performs the update, it MUST be smart enough to:
(1) figure out any compatability issues and TELL US before the process starts!
(2) All failures must be self-documenting! Don't assume your process will run successfully! No mysterious failures that require a romp through the joblog and a call to customer support!
(3) No calls to customer support about an error to hear "Oh, the install always gets that message. It's safe to continue." If the install always gets that message, INCLUDE THAT INFORMATION IN THE DOCUMENTATION!
(4) Step-by-step documentation! If your grandmother can read and follow directions, she should be able to run the install process successfully!
(5) If your product is also used in the AIX world, make sure you have separate documentation for AIX and IBM I! Don't let the AIX team write the documentation and 'assume' that all AIX commands are available on the IBM I side!

Remember-- your customer/user doesn't have your knowledge about how the process is supposed to work; your installer has to work on its own!

--Paul E Musselman
PaulMmn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx