Another method in which SMS can be deployed is through SMS, or Systems Management Server. The purpose of the SMS style of installation is to automate the deployment of this tool in a manner that can help you avoid desktop visits, as well as human error.

By using the SMS method, Silverlight can be distributed electronically via the network to a primary location on the target computers. You will first need to choose the target computers that you want to install the package on, and it will also be necessary to pick the dates and times in which the installation will take place.

The SMS installation method is highly flexible, and can allow you to bypass the network congestion which may occur with the other methods.

One thing that many people like about the SMS installation method is that the deployment will take place once the users have had enough time to get the necessary training which is needed for installation. When Silverlight is installed via this method, user interaction is not needed.

In addition to this, the software can be installed even in situations where the user may not have the necessary administrative permissions. It is not necessary for the users to log on to either the servers or any computer which are Windows NT compliant when it comes to updates.

The good thing about this is that it makes SMS a great installation tool during off hours. Status reports will also be sent out so that you can remain informed of when the software has completed its installation. To generate the SMS package for Silverlight, there are a number of steps you will want to follow.

Starting the SMS package for Silverlight

a. To begin this process, you will first want to access the "SMS Administrator Console," where you will then want to click on "Start," then "All Programs," and then point to the "Systems Management Server." After this, you will then want to click on the "SMS Administrator Console."

b. In the left side of the menu, you will want to expand the "Site Database."

c. You will next want to right click on "Packages", then click "New," and then press "Package."

d. You will next want to click on the "General" tab, and then press the name for the package, then its publisher, language, and version. A descriptive statement will need to be added as well. One thing that I should also note is that the only value which must be filled in for this tab is "Name."

e. You must next click on the "Data Source" tab.

f. Once you are under the "Data Source" menu, you will next want to pick "This Package Contains Source Files" radio box.

g. Once you are in the "Source Directory" menu, you will next want to press "Set to open the Set Source Directory dialog."

h. Type in the needed path for the Silverlight Setup files. You also have the option of pressing "Browse" to find the directory.

i. Once you have done this, you will next need to go back to the "Data Source" menu, and you will want to press the "Distribution Settings" menu. Once this is done, it will next be necessary to pick the priority and sender which you want to use.

At the bare minimum, each SMS package must have one program which is responsible for defining the command line parameters which must be used while running the Setup. Many pacakges may have numerous programs. The next thing you will need to do is create the program itself.

Next Page: Creating the Program using SMS Package