A template is a predefined format that can be applied. Endpoint Central (formerly known as Desktop Central) offers over 8000 software templates that can be used to create packages automatically. This functionality downloads software binaries from the respective vendors' web sites and aid in package creation of that particular software. The benefits of creating packages using template are as follows -
Pre-filled fields such as installation/uninstallation commands
Save time by just defining the targets and the package is good to be deployed
Ensure that you define valid proxy credentials and provide access rights for automating the package creation process from the Templates section of Software Deployment.
A package once created, can be used several times for deploying a software. This package will be stored in the software repository. You can create a single package or multiple packages from the Templates tab by following the steps given below:
Navigate to Software Deployment -->Templates.
Select the required application. Select multiple applications if you want to create multiple packages.
Click the Create Package button. If the package creation type is manual, click Learn More to know the steps on how to create the package manually.
You are required to confirm if you want to download the binaries related to the package(s) you have chosen. If you do not want to download the binaries, click Cancel.
The download process of the respective binaries will begin. The download process status will be updated once the package creation is completed.
Click View packages
You have successfully created a package. The package can now be modified or deployed like manually created packages.
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When you create a package, you are required to download the binary from the vendor's web site. You can access the executable link for each package location through the application details. To access the executable links for the location of a package, follow the steps given below:
Navigate to Software Deployment -->Templates and click on the required application.
In the Application Details window, click on the link against Location for accessing the location of the application.
Ensure that the URL of the executable link is added to the exception list in the proxy server.
You can now recreate the package and deploy it.
These links will redirect you to the location from which the package is being downloaded. The possibility of getting a download error reduces if the link is accessible. However, if you get an error while trying to access the link, then you will get an error while trying to download the required binaries, from the Endpoint Central server. You should verify the functionality of the executable links for packages only from the system on which the Endpoint Central server is installed. Refer our KB document for error while downloading binaries.
Software templates can be updated automatically, meaning, every time there is a latest version of the software, the corresponding template will be updated automatically. This gives you an edge when it becomes momentous for every software to be updated to the latest version. Autoupdate Templates is applicable only for Windows and will be carried out after every successful sync, once everyday.
The perks of updating your software templates automatically are -
