In the ever-evolving landscape of IT management, finding efficient solutions to deploy and update software across Windows environments is crucial. Enter Chocolatey for Automate 3.6, a powerful software package manager designed to simplify the lives of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT management teams. Let's delve into the capabilities and enhancements offered by Chocolatey for Automate 3.6, paving the way for seamless software management.
Automate Software Deployment and Updates with Ease
Are you tired of the daily grind of manually managing software updates? Chocolatey for Automate is here to rescue you from this time-consuming task. This innovative tool empowers MSPs and management teams to deploy and update common software titles across their Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) systems effortlessly. Here's how it works:
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Client Enablement and Configuration: Once you've configured a client, Chocolatey for Automate takes the reins. It automates Chocolatey deployment across the environment, manages repository sources, auto-installs approved software (if configured), and updates any packages managed by Chocolatey. No more daily management headaches!
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Manual Package Management: Need to install or update specific packages quickly? Chocolatey for Automate offers a user-friendly plugin to manually install any available package and process updates swiftly. Engineers gain quick access to deploy necessary tools and updates to agents without disturbing end-users.
What's New in Chocolatey for Automate 3.6
With each iteration, Chocolatey for Automate becomes more sophisticated and efficient. In version 3.6, one of the most significant updates is the redesign of automation services. Previously tied to Automation Sync Services, this update frees up Automate from potential performance bottlenecks when processing thousands of script schedule requests.
In Chocolatey for Automate 3.6, the bulk of agent automation has been moved to Automate Groups and Searches. Plugins4Automate provides Automate with a selection of Groups that leverage Auto Join Searches. These groups are responsible for collecting and managing framework deployments, approved application installs, Source and UNC cache management. As agents join these groups during automation cycles, they will be assigned smaller, more efficient scripts to manage their functions.
Scheduled Updates and Enhanced "Approved Packages" List
Maintaining software updates is crucial, and Chocolatey for Automate 3.6 makes it easier than ever. You can schedule daily, weekly, or monthly updates to align with your maintenance schedules. Moreover, Plugins4Automate has updated the "Approved packages" list to include the most common Chocolatey extensions. This ensures that agents have the necessary dependencies for packages like Google Chrome, streamlining installations and updates.
Understanding Groups and EDFs
To navigate Chocolatey for Automate effectively, it's essential to understand Groups and Custom Enterprise Data Fields (EDFs). Under the Groups tab in Automate, you'll find the Chocolatey for Automate group, which manages daily package validations collected from each agent. This top-level group houses several subgroups, each responsible for specific functions. Agents move in and out of these groups as they perform various processes to provide regular updates.
Custom EDFs set different states for each agent, controlled by the plugin. While they typically don't require direct management, you have the flexibility to force state changes if necessary. For instance, unchecking "Chocolatey Installed" triggers an agent to join the "C4A Deploy Chocolatey" subgroup, which tests for Chocolatey and installs it if needed. The agent will then automatically recheck the EDF upon successful installation and leave the subgroup.
Getting Started with Your First Client
Ready to embark on your Chocolatey for Automate journey? Here's how to get started:
- Launch the Control Center Console.
- From the main Tools menu, select the Chocolatey for Automate Tool.
- Customize your "Approved Packages" list, removing unnecessary applications or leaving them disabled.
- Enable and configure clients for Chocolatey.
- Manage sources and Chocolatey MSP licenses.
- Configure your client settings to meet your needs.
Effortless Source Management
By default, Chocolatey agents use the public repository, but you can include additional repositories like caching repositories or UNC shares. This flexibility allows you to tailor your environment to your specific requirements.
Avoiding Rate Limiting Issues
Rate limiting from public repositories and Chocolatey.org can be a headache. Chocolatey for Automate provides two ways to avoid these issues:
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Operate a $7.00 Caching Server: Opt for a caching server for your entire MSP, ensuring smooth software deployments for all clients.
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Create Your Own Chocolatey Caching Host: Follow the included guide to create a caching host, enabling quick and easy caching of package manifests. Agents will retrieve packages from the cache server, mitigating rate limiting issues.
UNC Cache Share
If you prefer a location-based solution, create a simple UNC share on your local network. Agents can access this share to retrieve Chocolatey package manifests. Set a caching master for each location to ensure the cache stays up to date. The caching agent will communicate with the public repo, preventing 429 errors. Manage UNC path and permissions under the Drive variables provided in the location consoles.
Chocolatey for Automate 3.6 is a game-changer for MSPs and management teams seeking streamlined software management. With its automation capabilities, enhanced features, and flexible management options, it's a must-have tool to keep your Windows environment up-to-date and efficient. Embrace the power of Chocolatey for Automate 3.6 and take the complexity out of software management. Your IT management tasks just got a whole lot easier!
