Encountering an ODBC connect timeout error during an MSI installation is uncommon but not unheard of.

For the past 10+ years, I have worked with various projects and types of organizations as an Application Packager. During that time, I have witnessed some "elementary" mistakes that could have been easily avoided by having a clear understanding of the end-to-end application packaging process.

As we head into 2025, the application packaging world feels familiar—like a well-worn tool that still gets the job done. While there’s always talk of “the next big thing,” much of what worked in 2024 will keep working. Let’s break down what to expect.

The role of a software packaging engineer is often misunderstood. Is it just a small part of a bigger process? Is it a “one-man show”? And do you really need one in your company?

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just getting started, Windows Sandbox is designed to make your application installer testing process smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Back in the days of Windows XP and the early stages of application repackaging for enterprise needs, quality assurance teams often needed to verify that the repackaged MSI package had the same structure as the original installation package.

This is not a new issue – it dates back to the transition days between Windows Vista, XP, and Windows 7.

Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) tool made by Microsoft to build code, and publish applications. It is mainly used to develop different types of software—from computer programs to web services.

After creating a software application, the next step is to create an MSI installer for it.

PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) is the go-to solution for enterprises aiming to standardize their software deployment process.

Digital Signing should be a formality for professionals. It’s been almost 30 years since the first software was digitally signed but we still have many users who don’t know how or why they should use a code signing certificate. We need it to protect their intellectual property and enhance the cybersecurity of their end-users.

MSI deployments, while effective, are often marred by common errors.

Installing MSI packages through PowerShell is a widely known technique that simplifies the deployment of software across multiple systems, especially for system administrators and IT professionals.

Creating a seamless user experience for an application often involves the use of shortcuts.

At the 2022 Microsoft Build event, a new opportunity was announced for developers: the ability to upload MSI and EXE applications directly to the Microsoft Store.

As one of the most prominent programming languages in the world, Python is supported by many tools and modules. It is easy to learn and provides a nicely constructed code -- which opens the door for many solutions and endless possibilities.

MSIX is a game-changer for software application distribution. However, it’s not all smooth sailing - there are challenges to face. A big one? Configuring your application.

With Microsoft's transition from MSI to MSIX, notable changes have emerged in application deployment, particularly in the software activation process.

Developing in C++ means creating powerful and efficient applications. But once the development is done, how do we package such an app for the end users?

C# is a widely used programming language for developing various applications - from desktop apps to games and websites.