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.

man smiling at desk
man smiling at desk
Icons representing software deployment benefitsIcons representing software deployment benefits

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.

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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 Deploy & Inventory and PDQ Connect.

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.

Scheduling UI i PDQ Deploy with Timer iconScheduling UI i PDQ Deploy with Timer icon

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!

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.

Retry queue

Initiate software deployments when an offline computer comes back online. Never leave a machine behind again!

Visibility

To keep systems secure and up to date, you need a window into your environment. A software deployment solution should give insights on your fleet, allowing you to target machines and confirm packages deployed without a hitch.

Report UI in PDQ Inventory with chart iconReport UI in PDQ Inventory with chart icon

Device collections

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.

On prem vs. Remote scene illustrationOn prem vs. Remote scene illustration

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, Deploy and Connect make it easy.

Mockup of different applications PDQ offers as Prebuilt PackagesMockup of different applications PDQ offers as Prebuilt Packages

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.

PDQ Inventory Uninstall UI with Uninstall iconPDQ Inventory Uninstall UI with Uninstall icon

Forced reboots

Reboot devices to complete installations.

Uninstallation at scale

Remove unused apps to free up hard drive space and improve performance.

Software deployment for remote devices

Use our new 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.

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PDQ Connect homepagePDQ Connect homepage

PDQ vs. leading software deployment competitors

PDQ Deploy & Inventory’s software deployment

PDQ Connect's software deployment

Leading competitors

Custom computer groups

yes

yes

yes

Automated deployment

yes

yes

yes

Agentless over-network deployment

yes

no

no

Agent-based deployment

no

yes

yes

Extensive ready-to-deploy Package Library

yes

yes

no

Custom script deployment

yes

yes

no

Integrated inventory management & software deployment

yes

yes

no

Easy setup and use

yes

yes

no

Extensive knowledge base

yes

yes

no

Customer service from former sysadmins

yes

yes

no

Software deployment FAQs

What are the benefits of software deployment?

Software deployment improves 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 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

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 

  • Develop a software deployment policy 

  • Create a testing environment 

  • Automate, automate, automate

What are software deployment best practices?

Following 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 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 

  • 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.