Powerful App-V package handling capabilities at your disposal!

What is SFT Encoder?

SFT Encoder is a multi-purpose SoftGrid/App-V package creation and modification solution, driven from the command-line and designed to be used as a quick and easy - yet powerful - way to make post-sequecing modifications to existing packages and even to generate completely new App-V packages.

Unlike the Microsoft Application Virtualization Sequencer which interactively monitors and captures changes on the packaging system, SFT Encoder makes modifications against the package based on user specified operations - either using the command-line interface or template file capability. This makes it possible to seamlessly integrate SFT Encoder into workflow of software vendors, service providers and packagers who would like to have exact control over what goes in and out of the package. At the same time, easy-to-use options and external graphical frontends (like Batch Processor) make it perfect fit and necessary addition to toolkit of all App-V consultants and administrators.

With powerful Processing Templates -functionality available in Enterprise and Server Editions, SFT Encoder supports complex package creation and modification scenarios. This means extra fine-grained processing of packages or building of new packages to spec.

What can SFT Encoder do for me?

SFT Encoder is usable is multiple different scenarios, including but not limited to the following common scenarios:

Migrations

SFT Encoder can up- and downconvert between SoftGrid 3.x, 4.1/4.2 and App-V 4.5 packages and make mass-edits to common OSD fields such as server address and OS values. This makes it a breeze to migrate large repository of Softgrid -era or App-V packages into new environment.

Package post-sequencing fixes

When incorrect content is discovered in the package after sequencing has already been done, SFT Encoder can quickly remove or add any file or registry data contained within. Without cumbersome and manual process of restoring the sequencing station back to pristine state, opening up the package and going through monitoring process through again.

Automatic package building

For software developers and houses looking into introducing their software in App-V format, Microsoft's Sequencer is not suitable as automatic component in the build workflow. Well-known and established packaging tools vendors now have some App-V abilities but they are very expensive and do not posess intimate domain-knowledge of App-V as technology. SFT Encoder can be integrated into automated workflow of software building process, just like traditional installer creation, with low costs and years and years of intimate knowledge of the subject built-in.

Package upgrade process

Needed to apply small update to existing package, like updated registry entry or new XML configuration file? With SFT Encoder, these point edits can be done very quickly and efficiently, in significantly shorter timespan as compared to doing it with native App-V Sequencer.

Special package needs

In addition to being only tool able to change the fileformat level freely, SFT Encoder can be instructed to make edits to App-V packages in manner no other software is capable of. This includes possibility to make alterations to the package without updating the version, IDs, history or timestamps, effectively opening up possibility to branch unlimited number of customized packages while maintaining upgrade capability for them all through original source package. This is something that service providers can take advantage of when keeping common repository of certain packages for all clients.

Still not convinced?

To try out SFT Encoder for a limited time period, you can download trial version of SFT Encoder Enterprise Edition!

Additionally you can download a free SFT Encoder Express Edition^*, capable of creating simple App-V packages.

^* Express Edition offers very limited functionality compared to full editions. See full comparison of features.