| Why
do your developers hate writing installs?
Lot’s of reasons. It’s a thankless task—installs
only get noticed when they fail. Installs require specialized knowledge
not relevant to the rest of their job. Writing installs usually means
using a limited script-based tool (more on that later). And you know
there’s still plenty of work left on the product itself.
But you also know that a good install is really
important; it’s the first impression your customers will have.
A good install can reduce support costs, inspire confidence, and minimize
returns.
We can help. Setups are one of Jetstream's specialties.
We developed InstallWizard® for MFC, a completely new way to create
installs. Unlike inflexible script-based tools, InstallWizard is a source-based
tool with comprehensive C++ setup classes. We can apply to your setups
the experience we’ve gained writing InstallWizard, just as we’ve
done for Xerox, AT & T, and Microsoft, among others.
|
“Just
copy a few files and
an icon or two”
Installs always seem to start out simple. But they don’t
often stay that way. Today’s complex applications are harder to install.
If your application relies on DLLs, OCXs, VBXs or other components, it
is essential that your setup do proper version checking. And customers
have come to expect more control over the install, like the ability to
upgrade from a previous version, add or remove portions of your product,
or remove the application entirely. In fact, uninstall capability is a
requirement for using the Microsoft® Windows™ 95 logo.
Cut Support Costs
Software publishers report that 40% or more of technical support calls
are related to setup.* A faulty setup can dramatically increase technical
support costs, product returns, and customer dissatisfaction.
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