InstallAware: Simplifying Software Installations Across Platforms for Two Decades

Key Points:

• InstallAware has been simplifying software installations for 20 years.
• Offers cross-platform deployment for Windows, macOS, and Linux with a single-source solution.
• Features include blockchain integration, tight compression, and Partial Web Deployment.
• Recently launched InstallAware X17 with Azure Trusted Signing and a 30% CPU speed boost.
• Known for its developer-first approach and independence from platform dependencies.
• Recognized with awards like the Visual Studio Magazine Reader’s Choice Gold Award.
• Helps developers save time, lower costs, and create bullet-proof setups.

Software installation has come a long way since the early days of computing. What used to be a tedious, complex process has become increasingly streamlined—thanks to innovators like InstallAware, who have been making software installation easier and more accessible for 20 years.

A Mission Rooted in Simplicity

InstallAware’s mission has always been clear: to make software installation simple for developers. “We’ve been helping software developers build Installers Without Rocket Science™ for two decades now,” says Jason Strathmore, SVP of Marketing at InstallAware Software. “When Microsoft introduced Windows Installer technology (MSI), it became so complex that building setup programs required weeks of specialized training. We changed that.”

By simplifying this process, InstallAware empowered developers to focus on their actual products rather than navigating the challenges of deployment.

Unifying Cross-Platform Deployment

One of InstallAware’s biggest achievements is its ability to unify the fragmented world of software deployment. The software landscape today is rife with conflicting standards like App-V, APPX, and MSIX for Windows; PKG and DMG for macOS; and DEB, RPM, and APT for Linux. This fragmentation often creates inefficiencies and confusion for developers.

With the launch of InstallAware Multi Platform, the company achieved the unthinkable: a single-source solution that can deploy software across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Installers built for Windows can now be recompiled for other operating systems with just a single click, offering seamless adaptability. “A setup built in InstallAware not only looks the same on all platforms but also adapts to their unique nuances, entirely transparently to the developer,” adds Jason.

Pioneering Technology and Firsts in the Industry

InstallAware has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, offering features that remain unparalleled in the industry.

• Blockchain Integration: Developers can sell software using Ethereum during installation and store activation records on the blockchain, enabling easier reinstallation.
• Partial Web Deployment: This feature lets developers split setups into “Web Media Blocks,” offering offline installers for users without an internet connection.
• Compression Expertise: InstallAware boasts the tightest compression in the industry. A notable milestone was its 2004 achievement of compressing Microsoft’s .NET 1.1 Framework from 23 MB to just 11 MB.

Their most recent release, InstallAware X17, further pushes the boundaries. It introduces Azure Trusted Signing, which eliminates the need for physical dongles, offering secure and efficient electronic code signing. Additionally, its updated compression engine delivers a 30% CPU speed boost and ensures that setups are smaller and faster than ever before.

20 Years of Making Developers’ Lives Easier

InstallAware isn’t just about technology—it’s about understanding the struggles of developers. “We are a company by developers, for developers,” emphasizes Jason. “We know their pain points, and we’re here to help them lower costs and focus on their products.”

Over the years, the company has helped clients achieve the impossible, such as when Borland reduced its 43 setup projects to just one intelligent setup after switching to InstallAware. Their solutions have also received numerous accolades, including the Visual Studio Magazine Reader’s Choice Gold Award in 2023.

Why InstallAware Stands Out

The key to InstallAware’s success lies in its developer-first approach. Unlike many solutions that impose dependencies or require proprietary package managers, InstallAware setups are completely independent. This ensures the highest success rates, impresses end-users, and reduces support costs for developers.

One InstallAware client even called it the “convenience of obviousness,” a fitting description for a company that’s spent 20 years making what once seemed complex, incredibly straightforward.

Looking Ahead

As InstallAware celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in software installation. Whether it’s integrating blockchain, embracing new compression technologies, or supporting the latest runtimes, InstallAware remains committed to its mission of simplifying deployment for developers everywhere.

“Only InstallAware helps you retain 100% control over your distribution and sales process while ensuring 100% success during deployment,” says Jason. “Reward yourself with this simplicity today.”