First I would like to commend you for making your resources available and the great effort you have put forth.
I have to express my exception to many of the statements you have made.
1.) "Imaging is a bad idea" I manage an XP Ghost image which is deployed to a minimum of six different desktops/notebooks at any one time. I update the image with new drivers as needed and as new hardware in added and old is retired. Is imaging for every situation? No, it is not. If you more than a few hundred systems and know how the load process works well enough and have a need to rapidly deploy many systems then I believe and can backup with experience, that imaging is very advantageous.
2.) "Software Repackaging" All I can say is that I personally don't believe you understand MSI technology very well to take the stand that you do. From one that has done packaging under various methods, Compiled EXEs, MSIs, Expanded Scripted Installs, MSI technology "when done right" has major benefits AND can take into consideration the state of the destination machine. I have experience in this area as well, I have worked as a Software Developer, System Engineer, System Administrator, Senior Software (RE)Packager. I have trained several packagers who are now seniors in their respective locations. I can also say from experience that if you don't understand the mechanics of why programs work and don't work or how MSIs function you can screw your environment all to h***.
I may have come across harsh, which I don't mean to, just direct. I think you have done some good work here. I just don't agree with some of your statements because they go contrary to facts that I know.
Please take this as constructive.
Regards,
-Evan
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