The 6.6 version offers new ready to use, predefined prerequisites, from .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, SQL Server Express to Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8. A brand-new Repository allows you to store any prerequisite you define yourself and reuse it in other projects.

The 6.5 version completes the full implementation of Windows Installer 4.5 features. Embed multiple MSIs in a unified setup package and install them chained in a single, atomic transaction.

Microsoft OSs come with a built-in personal firewall which provides a barrier against network-based intrusions. Advanced Installer helps integrate your networking applications with Windows Firewall, providing the best possible firewall experience for your users.

Most applications have a standard setup process which basically involves installing files and creating registry entries. However, there are situations when the built-in Windows Installer actions are not sufficient for more complex deployment tasks.

The 6.4 version adds full transaction support for SQL Databases Integration and the ability to automatically discover and display Microsoft SQL Servers available on the network at install time.

The Games Explorer provides game developers with a secure and attractive way to present their games to users in Windows 7. As part of its extensive Windows 7 support, Advanced Installer offers one-click integration in Games Explorer and registration in Windows Media Center.

When creating MSI setups it is of great help if you can get a head start and don't have to start from scratch. Advanced Installer's powerful import capabilities allow you to leverage your existing installers and projects by importing or converting them into Advanced Installer projects.

The 6.3 version delivers tremendous time-saving features for game developers: one-click integration in Windows Vista's Games Explorer and registration in Windows Media Center.

The 6.2 version focuses on further shortening the time required to create new MSI installers. Import your existing Eclipse projects for your Java products, take advantage of the new wizards to quickly create unified 32/64-bit installers, save ready-to-use templates for your future projects.

Starting with the 6.1 version you can create unified 32/64-bit installers for simpler deployment and lower maintenance costs. The installers run as 32-bit on 32-bit platforms and as 64-bit on 64-bit platforms.

Starting with the 6.0 version you can import third party MSI packages into your own Advanced Installer Projects for further editing and customization. Switching to Advanced Installer has never been easier.

Your ability to address customer issues in a timely and cost-effective manner is crucial to your product's success. Using Advanced Installer patches you can quickly create and distribute application fixes and improvements.

The 5.2 version adds support for installing Control Panel Applets, nested IIS Virtual Directories and many other smaller features and enhancements.

The 5.1 version adds support for sequencing patches, specifying custom connection strings for running SQL Databases Integration, configuring different install parameters per each build and the ability to permit selecting the language when installing multi-language packages.

The 5.0 version greatly simplifies the task of creating MSI installers for applications already using other install engines by offering the ability to painlessly capture and repackage existing installations.

The 4.9 version introduces the ability to share folders on install, support for authoring removable patches and the option to improve .NET applications performance and startup time by precompiling them to native images on install.

The 4.8 version delivers full CD/DVD AutoRun support, complete with a Vista-compliant Autorun launcher. Other Windows Vista installer improvements are Default Programs support, digitally signing patches and enabling least-privileged patching without UAC prompts.

An installer's packaging can vary a lot, depending on the goals it has to meet. The installer may be required to allow running the product directly from a CD or DVD, it may need to be as small as possible for quick online downloads or to be a standard MSI for corporate network deployment. Advanced Installer supports all these scenarios and more, allowing you to select the best installer compression for your situation.

The 4.7 version greatly improves the Windows Installer Vista User Account Control (UAC) experience with automatically added (optional) shield icons on MSI dialog buttons, the ability to digitally sign any individual file included in the installation and to configure required execution levels for executable and MSI files.

Staying up to date with the latest installer events can be challenging, considering the fast pace things usually move at. For your convenience, Advanced Installer is now offering two free web feeds you can subscribe to.