VMware InstallBuilder is a development tool for creating cross-platform installers for desktop and server software. With InstallBuilder, you can quickly create dynamic, professional installers for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Solaris, and other platforms from a single project file and build environment. In addition to installers, InstallBuilder can generate RPM and Debian packages, as well as multi-platform CDs/DVDs. The automatic update feature allows you to easily deliver updates directly to users after they install your software.
Powerful User Interface for Installer Development
• Develop installers using an intuitive GUI or by editing XML-based installer project files.
• Built-in actions automate adding commonly needed features to installers.
• Make platform-specific customizations while maintaining a single project file for all platforms.
Installers for Any Desktop or Server Environment
• Create installers for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, IRIX, FreeBSD, and more.
• Create RPMs, Debian packages, and multi-platform DVDs or CD-ROMs.
• Installers run in graphical, text-based, and unattended modes.
Developer-Friendly
• Included debugger allows you to test installers as you develop and identify areas for troubleshooting.
• Command-line interface provides integration with build and test systems.
• Human-friendly XML-based project files support version control integration and installer customization using external scripts.
Dynamic Parameter Support
• Enhanced parameter support allows you to create dynamic pages that will automatically reconfigure based on user input. This allows for a more personalized and simplified installation experience for your users.
Expanded InstallBuilder component functionality
provides support for downloadable components and component groups, including support for sub-components. Downloadable components will only be downloaded at runtime if the user chooses to install them, reducing the size of installer downloads. The InstallBuilder component system allows you to group individual components and build feature sets to appear in a tree structure (“sub-components”). It also allows users to add and remove specific components from existing installations.
Expanded Documentation
InstallBuilder now has over 350 pages of documentation. The documentation not only explains all of InstallBuilder’s features, but also provides code samples for a wide range of installer functions, such as bundling the Java runtime environment, determining system prerequisites, offering basic and advanced installation modes, and more.