AdminStudio or InstallShield: Which one is right for you?
Blog|by Leanne Bevan|12 February 2025
When it comes to packaging and deploying your software, streamlining the software preparation process for release is essential for efficiency. Software packaging solutions reduce errors and ensure your users have a positive experience.
AdminStudio and InstallShield are two great options that you should consider for this. But which one is right for you? They serve different purposes and cater to different needs. Let’s dive into what each tool offers and how they compare so you can better understand which one suits your needs.
AdminStudio: Your comprehensive packaging solution
If you need a comprehensive solution for managing the entire application lifecycle, from packaging to deployment and beyond, AdminStudio is the better choice.
AdminStudio is a robust suite designed to streamline your application packaging process. It includes several tools that help you manage and deploy applications efficiently.
Key features of AdminStudio include:
- Repackager: Convert legacy setups to Windows Installer (MSI) packages.
- Tuner: Customise your MSI packages to meet specific requirements.
- Compatibility Testing: Ensure your applications are compatible with the latest OS versions and updates for better security.
- Virtualisation: AdminStudio supports application virtualisation for platforms like Microsoft App-V and VMware ThinApp. Virtualisation offers better security, scalability and flexibility.
- Catalogue management: Maintain a repository of applications for bulk compatibility checks and testing. This makes it much easier for you to manage and saves time.
InstallShield: The industry standard for installers
If you need to create polished and professional installation experiences for your users, then InstallShield is perfect for you. InstallShield is a well-known tool for creating professional and reliable installers. It focuses on the creation and customization of installation packages.
Key features of InstallShield include:
- MSI and EXE installers: Creates both MSI and EXE installers for your Windows applications.
- Custom actions: Add custom scripts and actions during installation. This enables you to tweak it to better suit your needs.
- User interface customisation: Customise the installation user interface to your preferred layout and designed.
- Support for the latest tech: Keeps up with the latest Windows technologies and standards. This means you’re more secure and less likely to experience any glitches or errors.
- Repackaging: The premium version includes repackaging capabilities, similar to AdminStudio.
Choosing Between AdminStudio and InstallShield
While both tools have overlapping features, they cater to different audiences and use cases:
- Scope: AdminStudio offers a broader range of tools for your application management, while InstallShield focuses on installer creation.
- Target users: AdminStudio is geared towards IT professionals managing large-scale deployments, whereas InstallShield is aimed at developers and software vendors.
- Features: For extra scalability and efficiency, AdminStudio includes tools for compatibility testing and virtualisation, which are not present in InstallShield.
So, which do you choose? If you require a comprehensive solution for managing the entire application lifecycle, AdminStudio is the way to go. However, if your primary goal is to create professional installers, InstallShield is your best choice.
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