InstallShield 2014 was just released a few weeks ago and includes a host of new features.
Some of the major improvements in this new release include the following:
You can read the full Release Notes here: http://helpnet.installshield.com/installshield21helplib/ReleaseNotes.htm
Unfortunately, there are several features which have still not been improved in this latest release of InstallShield:
If your company is already using InstallShield, this new version is definitely a welcome improvement over prior versions.
However, if you are evaluating a new installation and packaging tool for your organization and considering InstallShield 2014, I would definitely consider Advanced Installer as a better and cheaper alternative. Advanced Installer offers a much, much FASTER release cycle (think updates and new features nearly EVERY MONTH vs. EVERY YEAR http://www.advancedinstaller.com/version-history.html). In addition, it offers many of the features currently missing in InstallShield and many, many more. You can check out Advanced Installer here: http://www.advancedinstaller.com/download.html
Some of the major improvements in this new release include the following:
- Support for SQL Server 2014.
- The ability to run the RemoveFiles action directly through the Files and Folders view. Previously, this always had to be done through the MSI Direct Table Editor.
- The ability to run Managed Actions in the Advanced Suite installations.
- There is a new installation package type called a Multi-Tier installation.
- The ability to launch a VM and directly copy the installation package into the targeted VM. This is especially useful if you frequently use tools such as VMWare Workstation to test out your installations.
- You can now deploy Web Deploy packages directly through InstallShield.
You can read the full Release Notes here: http://helpnet.installshield.com/installshield21helplib/ReleaseNotes.htm
Unfortunately, there are several features which have still not been improved in this latest release of InstallShield:
- No improved support for PowerShell Custom Actions. You still cannot pass parameters to a PowerShell Custom Action.
- No additional Themes for User Interface design.
- No additional capabilities for customizing the installation and deployment to IIS using the IIS deployment tooling within the IDE. For example, there is still no built-in dialog to be able to select a website for targeting to deploy your installation.
If your company is already using InstallShield, this new version is definitely a welcome improvement over prior versions.
However, if you are evaluating a new installation and packaging tool for your organization and considering InstallShield 2014, I would definitely consider Advanced Installer as a better and cheaper alternative. Advanced Installer offers a much, much FASTER release cycle (think updates and new features nearly EVERY MONTH vs. EVERY YEAR http://www.advancedinstaller.com/version-history.html). In addition, it offers many of the features currently missing in InstallShield and many, many more. You can check out Advanced Installer here: http://www.advancedinstaller.com/download.html
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