Software Distribution Agent
The Software Distribution Agent installs software packages on Clients. It is installed on each Client as part of the Client kit and runs as a background application on Windows 95, 98 and Me systems or as a service on Windows NT, 2000, XP and 2003.
The Agent installs software using the following procedure:
1 The Agent checks the Client's offline area for a distribution job when the Client PC is rebooted, or at the interval specified by the SWMPushHoursInterval parameter in the LUCLIENT.INI file.
2 If the Agent finds a distribution job, it copies the files that contain the details of the installation to the Client's Vector Asset Management directory. The LUDIST.MOD file contains details needed to run the job, such as account details and start time. The PD file contains the information required to install the software package.
3 The Agent uses the information in the copied files to connect to the PC where the software package is located and starts the installation using the install software supplied with the package.
4 When the installation finishes, the Agent checks the package is installed correctly by searching for specified files in the check path of the PD file.
5 If the software is installed correctly, the Agent asks the Client user if they want to reboot their PC and closes down.
During installations, the Agent monitors the progress of the installation and makes status and error information available through the Software Distribution Job Viewer, and the progress and error logs specified in the Software Distribution Wizard.