Summary: Pull Distribution allows clients to pull the latest bits when ready.

Context

You are deploying a Smart Client application

Problem

How do you insure that client applications can be easily updated?

Forces

* Client updates can happen on-demand
* You don’t need to know the status of client updates
* You can post the files where clients can get to them on the web, fileshare, CD etc.

Solution

* Client checks for updates at a known location and applies updates when found

Benefits

* Easy to implement, most robust solution

Liabilities

* Difficult to predict timing of updates to clients
* Application may not have necessary privileges for update

Examples

* Windows Update
* Office Update
* ClickOnce Applications

Contributors

* RonJacobs