How does Solution Installation differ from Microsofts DSI?
Microsoft’s Systems Definition Model (SDM) addresses the consistent packaging and distribution of software, as part of their Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI). DSI today focuses on packaging and distributing the operating system and associated files, primarily in the windows environment. IBM’s initiative is much broader than that. By embracing the industry standards where they exist (XML) for packaging the files, adopting a common set of specifications in collaboration with industry leaders like InstallShield, Novell and ZeroG, and intending to take the specifications to the appropriate standards bodies, IBM is making a call to the Industry to come and embrace the open-standard format for packaging & installation of components. In addition, IBM’s efforts go beyond just the Operating systems as the target platform. The Solution Installation technology for Autonomic Computing is applicable for a variety of target platforms including operating systems, databases and application servers.
