The Server-Side Installer Experience
InstallAnywhere also includes features that can be used in the installation of server-side products. The needs of a server product installation are often different from those of a client application. Server-side installations normally require more information from the user, and the installation may or may not run in a graphical environment.
Using the same intuitive development interface as client-side installations and, in graphical environments, the same graphic installer, the user can be presented configuration choices to assist with the configuration of the installation.
Figure 2.11. Installer Branding. As in a client-side installer, InstallAnywhere pro-vides you the opportunity to brand your product. For server-side installations, InstallAnywhere also provides the option to use Console-mode installers (which require no graphical environment) and/or Silent-mode installers that either accept all defaults or retrieve configuration information from a response file.
Figure 2.12. Presenting Information. The Introduction panel allows you to present your end-user with information about the installer, the installed product, or any configuration steps that may be necessary.
Figure 2.13. License Agreement Panel. The License Agreement panel presents your users with a license agreement and requires them to accept the agreement before continuing. There is an analogous console available for Console-mode installs.
Figure 2.14. Get User Input Panel. Using InstallAnywhere's Get User Input panel, the user is able to choose configuration options, in this case, which database to use for the installed product's data storage operations.
Figure 2.15. Configure Get User Input Panel. Again, using InstallAnywhere's Get User Input panel, the developer requests input from the user. This panel requires the user to choose an application server. The Get User Input panel does not require you, as a developer, to write any code and can be configured in a matter of seconds.
Figure 2.16. More Get User Input Options. In another instance of the Get User Input panel, the user is asked to choose a hostname and server port for the install-ation. Note that the Get User Input panels we have seen in this demonstration allow radio buttons and text fields. You can also choose to include check boxes, lists, or pop-up items.
Figure 2.17. Provide User with Configuration Options. The installer asks the user where to install the shortcuts, or links, allowing the user to manage the installed product.
Figure 2.18. Server-Side Summary. Like the previous client-side installer, Install-Anywhere allows you to present the end-user with a summary of the choices made in the installer. This panel can be customized to reflect whatever information you would like. This panel is replicated in Console mode as well.
Figure 2.19. Billboards. During installation, the installer displays “billboards” to the user through the installation process. These images can be customized to present product or marketing information, or even entertainment.
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