Managing Package Folders

For all types of packages, folders can be created. Similar as for any other type of object in the BMC Client Management, Package Folders are created as organisational containers for different types of packages. They can contain any number of package folders and packages for the management of the client system.

It also contains the following subnodes:

• One node for each package folder created under it.
• One node for each package of the respective type that was created directly under the node.

The following topics provide information about managing package folders:

Creating a new package folder

To create a new package folder, proceed as follows:

1. Select the respective Packages node in the left window pane under the Package Factory.
2. Select Edit> Create Packages Folder .
   The Package Folder Name window appears.
3. Enter the name for the new folder.
4. Click OK.
   The new folder will automatically be created and be displayed in the right pane.

Adding a package to a folder

Depending on their type, packages are either added or created: MSI and RPM packages are added as the MSI and RPM package already exists it only needs to be "wrapped" by the in the proper format to be handled. Custom and Snapshot packages are created from the beginning. To add either an MSI or an RPM package, proceed as follows:

1. Select the respective Packages node in the left window pane.
2. Select Edit > Add Package .
   The respective Packages window will appear on the screen. This dialog box provides you with a list of all available drives from which you can select the package to add to the folder.
3. To find the package browse down into the directory tree. Be aware that the package will be copied to its new location, not moved.
4. Below the list of drives select the Archive type in which the package is to be stored. You have the choice between the .zip format and the BMC Client Management - Software Distribution proprietary .pkg format. Which type to select depends on your network environment, because it does not have any impact on the software distribution process itself. For example, if your virus scan software scans .zip files, it is recommended to select the .pkg archive type, to avoid the virus scan taking 100% CPU.
5. Click OK to confirm the operation and to close the window.

When you add an MSI package or an RPM package it will be stored in a newly created folder with its own name under the data/PackagerMsi subdirectory, data/PackagerRpm , of the local installation directory on the remote computer.

Creating a new package in a folder

Depending on their type packages are either added or created: MSI and RPM packages are added while Custom and Snapshot packages are created from the beginning. To create a new package proceed as follows:

1. Select the respective Packages node in the left window pane.
2. Click Edit > Create Package .
   The respective Create a Custom Package window appears.
3. Enter the name for the new package into the respective field.
4. Through the following check box you can define if the contents of the package are to be compressed or not.
5. Below the list of drives select the Archive type in which the package is to be stored. You have the choice between the .zip format and the BMC Client Management - Software Distribution proprietary .pkg format. Which type to select depends on your network environment, because it does not have any impact on the software distribution process itself. For example, if your virus scan software scans .zip files , it is recommended to select the .pkg archive type, to avoid the virus scan taking 100% CPU.
6. Click OK at the bottom of the window to confirm the new package or Cancel to abandon the action.

When a new custom or snapshot package is created, it will be stored in a newly created folder with its own name under the data/PackagerCustom subdirectory, data/PackagerSnapshot , of the local installation directory on the remote computer.

Renaming an existing package or package folder

You can rename a folder as long as it has no children. After it contains packages it cannot be renamed, because the folder name is integrated into the package path and not modifiable. The name of a package can be changed at any time. To change the name, proceed as follows:

1. Select the package folder node in the left window pane.
2. Right-click you mouse on it and select the Properties  menu item from the pop-up menu that appears.
   The Package Folder Name window appears.
3. Enter the desired name for the folder in the Folder Name field.
4. Click OK to confirm the operation and to close the window.