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SCCM admins managing software deployment face a choice between Packages and Applications. While both serve similar purposes, they have key differences that impact their usage.
Packages are a legacy solution that installs software without dependencies or requirements checks, while Applications, a newer model, leverage detection rules, dependencies, and supersedence for more flexible and efficient deployment.
The Application model offers several benefits over Packages. For instance, it allows for smarter distribution based on machine state, reduces the risk of conflicts by checking dependencies, and facilitates easier management with supersedence. However, the Package model is still appropriate for certain scenarios where simpler installation is required or when migrating to Applications isn’t feasible.
To optimize your SCCM environment, we recommend using the Application model for all new software deployments, leveraging detection rules and supersedence, migrating critical packages to applications where possible, and retiring unused packages. Additionally, best practices for naming and organizing SCCM applications include using consistent naming conventions, grouping related applications together, and avoiding duplicates.
Migrating Existing Packages
When migrating existing packages to the Application model, consider the following steps:
1. Identify critical packages that require migration
2. Create a new application for each package
3. Configure detection methods and dependencies
4. Test the new application before deploying it
5. Retire or update the original package as needed
Conclusion
Choosing the right approach to software deployment in SCCM is crucial for maintaining a well-managed environment. For more guidance on mastering SCCM, visit our SCCM Training page.
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Written by Mohammed Akhter
Founder of ITP Training. 50,000+ students trained across 30+ countries in Microsoft endpoint and cloud security. Learn more →