Why is PDQ Deploy a must for your IT Department? Simply put, it makes life so much easier.
In short, PDQ is software that will perform actions on a remote machine. Software can be installed, uninstalled, files copied, scripts run on remote machines etc., all from the comfort of your desk. There are both FREE and Paid versions of this software and depending on what you are trying to accomplish you will have to choose which is best. Just to display some features and show why its awesome I will be using the 14 day trial.
Software Deployment
The main use for PDQ Deploy is just what the name suggests, software deployment. When it comes to the free version this is what’s allowed, 1 install step. In the paid version this is just the start because along with all the other things it can do there is the option for multiple steps. With multiple steps, an install can be fine tuned for things 32bit vs 64bit or look to see if something exists before going ahead.
Scripting
As admins we have all deployed a script via Group Policy, its the defacto method. What happens though if you need it to take effect right away? With PDQ you have the option to push out a script, “compiled” or not, to a machine. With the paid version a package can be created that includes script along with the install.
Heartbeat
What if you setup a deployment and the machine isn’t on or its a laptop and the person isn’t in? PDQ includes a deployment option for “Heartbeat” so that it can see when a designated machine connects and then run the deployment. This feature is indefensible when working in an environment that involves a software VPN because those users won’t be forgotten about or missed in a deployment.
Scheduling
This one is pretty self explanatory, the ability to schedule something to run. This one comes in handy for the infamous “middle of the night reboot” that we have all experienced. Rather than trying to stay awake or even wake up to reboot a machine this makes it an option to schedule it to happen.
Package Library
Yes, the good folks at PDQ have even done the work for you for some things. Inside the software there is a list of pre-defined deployment packages that can be downloaded and used. What’s even nicer is that these packages update. A great example if Firefox, when an update is released the PDQ package automatically gets updated for it.