2 What Is Managed Software Deployment

You should know the following terms:

• Access Management
• Automation
• Centralized Control
• Compliance
• Levels of Access
• Licensing 
• Managed Software Deployment 
• Patch Management 
• Remote Management
• Scalability
• Standardization
• Updates and Patches
• User Profiles

Managed software deployment involves the centralized control and automation of software installation, configuration, updates, and maintenance across all of an organization's devices. This approach is particularly beneficial in school environments where a range of devices may be used by students, teachers, and other staff.

By understanding the core principles of managed software deployment and its benefits, you will be better equipped to support your organization’s technology needs effectively.

Benefits of Managed Software Deployment

Security

When you have control over the software on the computing devices in your organization, it leads to improved security and unifies the management of devices maintained by your location. Deploying software in a structured manner across multiple devices means that you can ensure the security of one software application instead of worrying about every single device in your organization. This contrasts with approaches that rely on technicians physically visiting and managing every device or allowing individual users to download and update their own software,  Security benefits also include:

• Centralized control. IT administrators can enforce security policies consistently across all devices, ensuring that every device complies with organizational and legal security standards. Part of this includes ensuring software installed on district- or school-owned devices follows the licensing agreements for acceptable use.

• Patch management. Ensuring all devices operate with the most current software updates and patches improves security and helps prevent against cyberattacks. Automated deployment of updates and patches ensures that all devices are protected against the latest vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of security breaches.

• Access Management. Managed deployment tools allow for precise control over who can install or use specific software, reducing the risk of unauthorized software on district-owned devices that could then pose security threats to your entire network.

Efficiency

Software deployment helps to cut down on time spent administering the devices and applications your organization supports. When it is set up correctly, the process of software installation and patching can be completed in just a few hours. What’s even more beneficial is that the software deployment can be completed automatically, with little to no human intervention. Key efficiency features of managed deployment include:

• Automation. Automating software installation and updates saves time and reduces the workload on IT staff, giving you more time for other tasks.

• Scalability. Managed deployment solutions can easily scale to accommodate a growing number of devices and users without a significant increase in administrative effort.

• Remote management. IT administrators can use software to access and manage devices remotely, reducing the need for physical access to each device and speeding up the deployment process.

Consistency

Software deployment software enables you to have the control you desire for managing software and applications for your end-users. Through this kind of software, you also have access to information about whether all software is operating as it should and the identification of potential issues. Managed deployment improves consistency through:

• Standardization. Managed deployment ensures that all devices are running the same software versions and configurations, reducing compatibility issues and simplifying support.

• Uniform policies. Applying uniform policies across all devices helps maintain a consistent user experience and operational environment.

• Compliance. Centralized management makes it easier to track and enforce compliance with software licensing agreements and regulatory requirements.

Supporting Different Device Types

Even an organization that tries to standardize the types of devices it provides to students and staff can have variation across those device types because of the specific applications necessary at different grade levels and staff positions. Some districts may support multiple device and operating system types, especially when trying to provide an age-appropriate computing device to students. Some districts may currently support Windows PCs and laptops, ChromeBooks, Macs, and iPads all at the same time.

To support each device, it’s essential your centralized management tools are appropriate for each device type. For example, your district may use one or more of the following:

• Microsoft InTune for Windows PCs and laptops; 

• Google Admin Console for ChromeBooks; and/or

• Apple School Manager for Macs and iPads.

Level 1 Techs may be responsible for ensuring every district-supported device is properly enrolled in the management system for seamless software deployment. 

Supporting Different User Profiles

Elementary students probably don’t need access to programs like geometric modeling applications or computer-aided drawing, while older students should age out of applications that support basic literacy and numeracy. Some teachers will require specialized applications for their subject area, and staff may require access to financial or human resource applications that general educators do not use. You should know the levels of access provided to different users based on the user profiles your department has created. User profiles can be set up for different roles and permissions to access resources can be granted or limited based on the device type and user role. Some considerations for different types of user profiles may include:

Students

• Educational software. Students require access to necessary educational resources and applications, sometimes delineated by grade level, subject area, or student learning needs.

• Internet Safety. Online resources should go through web filtering and monitoring to ensure safe online learning activities.

Teachers

• Teaching Tools. Teachers require access to teaching aids and classroom management software, often delineated by grade level and subject area.

• Training. Determine necessary training so new software and tools are used appropriately and effectively.

Administrative Staff

• Productivity Tools. Ensure access to office productivity software and secure communication tools.

• Data Security. Implement measures to protect sensitive administrative data, such as financial data or employment records.

Complete the following task or self-assessment:

Know your role in software deployment. Ask about existing policies, protocols, and any documentation related to software deployment. Clarify your role and responsibilities in the process. Be sure to request access to any training materials, guides, or documentation that the IT department may have.

Look for any available written policies and procedures related to software deployment, security, and compliance. If you see something missing, determine how it can be documented and shared with others.

Before going through your first software deployment, review past deployment records to understand the typical process and any common issues faced. You may want to do this with a partner or a small team to fully understand the scope of the process and the roles different team members play.