Enhanced Application Setup Tools: Superior Substitutes for InstallShield
Enhanced Application Setup Tools: Superior Substitutes for InstallShield
Inno Setup
WiX Toolset
InstallShield
MSIX Packaging Tool
Check your inbox and confirm the
subscription
Get a Demo
Get a Demo
Get your personalized free
demo of Advanced Installer
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links
If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Advanced Installer #1 alternative to the InstallShield
SIDE BY SIDE FEATURES COMPARISON
Functional Differentiators ›
MSIX Support Level ›
Pricing & Licensing Comparison ›
Good to Know ›
Those evaluating Advanced Installer as an alternative to other tools will be sure to size up the product against competing solutions.
Advanced Installer encourages this since we take enormous pride in our software and are confident that you will be impressed by our solution. There are many other differences between Advanced Installer and InstallShield (the price being an important one), and these are best explored by evaluating the products.
Advanced Installer and other software authoring solutions (like Inno Setup, WiX, Wise, InstallShield, InstallAware, etc) generally perform the same common packaging roles (authoring or generating installer package, converting a packaging type into another, updating the installer)
Also, both products have multiple editions, each including different functionalities. You can analyze Advanced Installer as an InstallShield alternative in a Side-by-Side Feature Comparison here.
30-day, Fully featured
No credit card
| Advanced InstallerFree download | InstallShield | |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Differentiators | ||
| User Interface As a GUI provides visual representations of commands, which can sometimes become quite complex, the users do not need to waste time checking the correctness of all these commands. By simply selecting a button or an icon you can call the relevant function and use your time to focus on the installer you deliver to your clients/users.A well-developed GUI based interface makes your interaction with the software product friendly and easy-to-use since it uses the visual representations of commands and processes.*All according to industry best practices. | GUI Based PowerShell CLI | GUI Based PowerShell CLI |
| MSI: Create Transforms and Patches Advanced Installer offers a great and easy solution for both Patch and Transform. | Supported | Supported |
| Licensing Feature or Integrations Advanced Installer offers multiple easy ways to add a license or trial to your package. | Integration Included | Supported with an additional product |
| Installer UpdaterUse the Updater from Advanced Installer to maintain your application up to date. There are multiple update options to build your updater: trigger either manually (directly from the application code or a shortcut) or through Task Scheduler to configure your auto-updates. Includes integration with GitHub . | Manual and Auto-updates Supported | Supported with additional product |
| Install updates with no elevation for Standard Users | Supported | Not Supported |
| Azure DevOps | Native Integration | Supported |
| Installer AnalyticsMore details https://www.advancedinstaller.com/analytics/ | 1-click option | Not Supported |
| SQL Database predefined support*Including + Browse SQL Servers (Local/Network/Domain) + Choose authentication method (Windows or SQL) + Browse Database on selected server + Test connection to the server + Schedule SQL queries and capture result in MSI property | Extended SQL Integration* | Standard Support |
| MSIX SupportAdvanced Installer is the first authoring tool to support MSIX technology. And since 2018 - when Advanced Installer has been the launching partner for MSIX - we are constantly adding unique, useful, practical MSIX related functionalities. *for detailed comparison check the MSIX Support Level | Extended SQL Integration* | Standard Support |
| macOS SupportDeploy your Java application on macOS X. - All the Java products can be embedded in a package to be deployed on macOS X. - This package will be a ZIP archive that contains for every Java Product a folder with a special structure. - This folder is known as a bundle. - The bundle groups related resources together in one place. *Settings available for an MSI package that are Windows Installer related, like custom actions, registry entries, environment variables, etc. are not supported. | Supported | Supported |
| Digital SignatureThe digital signature is used to help authenticate the identity of the creator of digital information. | Supported | Supported |
| Native integration with Device Guard and Azure Key Vault, Custom Signing. | Supported | Not Supported |
| Automated Report CreationEasily create a report that shows the elements in your project which are included in the build. The report formats are HTML, XML or PDF file. | Supported | Not Supported |
| One capture for all types of packaging formats - Create MSIX, APPX MSI, App-V, EXE - all from the same projectStarting with a simple capture using the Advanced Installer Repackager tool, you can easily build all types of popular packaging formats: MSI, MSIX, APPX, APP-V, EXE. | Supported | Supported |
| PowerShell AutomationAdvanced Installer offers PowerShell cmdlets which can be used for repackaging, editing, and creating Windows Installer packages. | Supported | Supported |
| Predefined Custom ActionsPopular custom actions such as Terminate Process, Get Free Disk Space, Add Network Location, Install/Uninstall Certificates, and many more are available out of the box with Advanced Installer, minimizing time and work efforts for the end-user. | Supported | Not Supported |
| Additional PSF FixupsPackage Support Framework is a great open-source tool from Microsoft which allows “hacking” the application in order to perform fix-ups and make it work. Enjoy the simple GUI interface to use PSF in your MSIX and a collection of additional fixups to ease your work. | Supported | Not Supported |
| PSF TracingFix compatibility issues for your legacy applications using our PSF integration. | Supported | Not Supported |
| Direct MSI to MSIX / App-V / ThinApp (no repackaging required) Open the MSI and add your Build of choice (MSIX/ APP-v/ ThinApp) and Advanced Installer automatically creates the Build. No repackaging needed. | Supported | Not Supported |
| Virtual Machine IntegrationsChoose between performing the capture either on your development machine or on a virtual machine. | VMware HyperV vSphere | VMware HyperV vSphere |
| Best Practices Validation TestingAdvanced Installer generates builds in accordance with ICE Validation Standard and industry best practices gathered in over 15 years of constant contact with our customers. | Supported in all editions (including the free ones) | Supported in Premier edition |
| Publish Packages to popular deployment systems (rewording)Intune and SCCM tools offered by Advanced Installer for fast publishing. | Supported | Supported |
| FTA (File Type Associations) SupportDedicated GUI for creating and modifying File Type Associations, ProgIDs, Extensions, and Verbs. | Supported by GUI | GUI Limited Support |
| Repository ManagementIt helps centralize and share project resources using the repository. Multiple projects, i.e. team members, can share the same resources by setting a common location for the repository, for example, a network shared drive. | Supported | Supported |
| Application virtualizationChoose to implement virtual applications because they offer fast and easy deployment, reduced security risks, and the possibility to run multiple versions of the same application. | Microsoft’s App-V VMware ThinApp | Microsoft’s App-V |
MSIX Support Level
In the packaging industry, MSIX is the newest, most expected delivery format for a software product. It is predicted to be the future of packaging and even prepared to replace the current, ubiquitous MSI.
Advanced Installer is the first authoring tool to support MSIX technology. Since 2018 - when Advanced Installer has been the launching partner for MSIX - we are constantly adding unique, useful, practical MSIX related functionalities.
| Advanced InstallerFree download | InstallShield | |
|---|---|---|
| Create MSIX packageGenerate MSIX applications from scratch using your own source files. | Supported | Supported |
| MSIX ConversionConvert EXE, MSI, Script installations to MSIX. | Supported | Supported |
| MSIX DiffEasily identify differences between two MSIX packages. | Supported | Not Supported |
| One capture for all types of packaging formats - Create MSIX, APPX MSI, App-V, EXE - all from the same projectFrom a single repackaging session, create all the package formats you need. | Supported | Supported in AdminStudio |
| Automatic MSIX Fix-upsMicrosoft offers a Package Support Framework to add fixes in your MSIX package. Advanced Installer integrates PSF, and adds predefined fix-ups. Check them out here . | Supported | Supported |
| Digital SigningBy digitally signing your installers and products, you will increase your user’s confidence in you and your company, giving them peace of mind about your software. | Supported | Supported |
| Manifest EditorEasily edit the AppxManifest.xml in your MSIX package. | Supported | Not Supported |
| Application DeclarationsDeclarations are a mechanism by which an app can add functionality in a manner defined by the operating system. Advanced Installer provides an extensive collection of out-of-the-box applications and package declarations (StartUp Task, App Execution Alias, App Service, File Type Association, and many more ). | Supported | Partially Supported |
| Edit CapabilitiesEnable or disable capabilities in your package to access certain API or resources in the system. | Supported | Supported |
| MSIX DependenciesThe Dependencies feature allows you to specify other packages or drivers that your app depends on. | Supported | Not Supported |
| Automatic .AppInstaller GenerationGenerate .appinstaller file which provides automatic updates for your MSIX files. | Supported | Not Supported |
| MSIX ModificationThe MSIX Modification Package is an MSIX package meant to store the customizations of the application. All about it here . | Supported | Supported |
| MSIX BundleUse MSIX bundle to wrap multiple MSIX packages in order to reduce the size of the app that users download or address specific usage scenarios. | Supported | Supported |
Price & Licensing
| Advanced InstallerFree download | InstallShield | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ | $$ |
| Licensing flexibility*With a licensed version of Advanced Installer, you can create an unlimited number of install packages and you can distribute them royalty-free to an unlimited number of users, to be installed on an unlimited number of computers. | All licenses are Royalty-Free* Floating licenses openly available | Every single user and end-point needs to be licensed. Concurrent licenses - available by demand. |
| Upgrade discounts available | Yes | Yes |
| Volume discounts available | Yes | Yes |
| LicensingAll commercial licenses include a 12-month Maintenance Service to ensure the proper onboarding for you and your team. | Perpetual You can use the software indefinitely | 3-Year Cycle Subscription Access to the product stops when subscription expires |
Just a little bit of extra
| Advanced InstallerFree download | InstallShield | |
|---|---|---|
| Good to Know | ||
| Learning CurveAdvanced Installer intuitive UI helps you make packages fast and save you precious time. | Intuitive, easy to use also by beginners | Complex, time-consuming, training needed |
| TrialGet first-hand experience with Advanced Installer and get access to our excellent customer support during all the trial period. | 30-day Fully-Featured Trial Free | 20-day 10-day extension Feature-Limited Trial Free |
| Customer SupportAll Advanced Installer trials benefit from free Customer Support, and all commercial licenses include Maintenance Service to ensure the proper onboarding for you and your team. | Exceptional Customer Service First 12-months maintenance included with commercial license | Customer Service Available First 12-month maintenance mandatory to buy |
| Market ResponsivenessWith our agile approach, we can respond faster to the market and provide fresh features to cover the latest packaging and deployment needs. | Monthly Updates | Yearly Updates |
| Migration from other packaging tools | Projects Supported Visual Studio, InstallShield, Wise, WiX, InnoSetup, Ensis, Desktop Bridge Package *Included in all editions | Available in AdminStudio Projects Supported Novel Zen Work Win Install WiX |
Advanced Installer is a recognized leader in the packaging industry, helping developers, software developing companies, enterprises, managed service providers, and consulting companies to dramatically improve efficiency and reduce costs using state-of-the-art packaging technology.
Microsoft is proud to be working with 3rd parties like Advanced Installer to extend the current platform capabilities with innovative solutions for all Windows developers.
Andrew Clinick
Group Program Manager At Microsoft
Get the most from packaging with Advanced Installer
Try the 30-day fully-featured edition absolutely free!
No credit card required
Also read:
- Boosting Your YouTube Views A Strategy Guide
- In 2024, 9 Mind-Blowing Tricks to Hatch Eggs in Pokemon Go Without Walking On Apple iPhone 8 Plus | Dr.fone
- Is GSM Flasher ADB Legit? Full Review To Bypass Your Vivo V30 Lite 5G Phone FRP Lock
- Optimize Your Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Gaming Experience with Latest Drivers and Software
- Revolutionizing Gaming: How AI Innovations Are Transforming the Future of Game Design
- Revolutionizing Tech: Apple's Entry Into the Future with Vision Pro - A Comprehensive Analysis
- Rufus: Amazon's Persuasive AI Companion Encouraging Increased Sales
- Seamless Edits Await Best Freeware on Android
- Taco Bell Introduces Artificial Intelligence for Drive-Thru Orders
- Unleash Unprecedented Productivity On-the-Go with the 2021 iPad Pro Featuring Apple's Newest M1 Chip
- Unreachable: Blizzard Services Offline
- Title: Enhanced Application Setup Tools: Superior Substitutes for InstallShield
- Author: Donald
- Created at : 2024-09-27 17:59:54
- Updated at : 2024-10-03 17:31:05
- Link: https://some-tips.techidaily.com/enhanced-application-setup-tools-superior-substitutes-for-installshield/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.