Creating a Deployment with Revit

One of my biggest headaches when I was installing any of the Revit platforms was the time it took to install on numerous computers. With many of the other excellent enhancements that Revit has made to the software, I feel that this is just as important. Now, it might very well be the case that I didn’t realize this feature was available because it was buried a few screens in, but with the new releases of the Autodesk products you can’t miss it. When installing Revit, you get the sexy new screen shot (shown below). Typically, one might just “Install Products” and move on. Seeing this plain-as-the-nose-on-my-face dialog box prompts me to think about how I would want to install this.

The first thing that I’m going to do is look at the “Install Tools and Utilities” button.

First screen…


The second screen gives me the option of installing my ‘Network License Manager’ and my ‘Samreport-Lite’ tool. I’m going to want to install both of these. After running this I’ll be taken back to the original screen, where I will then create a deployment.

We get the dialog that we saw earlier. Select “Next.”

I will then browse to a location on my network and locate the deployment there. I would also give it a name at this time as well. Since I’m installing Revit, I’d call it “Revit Arch 2008.”

Here is what I have so far…

My next screen shows me options for what products I can install. Obviously, I would select “Revit Architecture 2008” and then select “Next” to begin the installation.

Once completed, I will have created a deployment image that I can path my way back to, so that I can create my installations.

What are some of the advantages?

1. No more carrying around DVDs to install from.

2. Don’t have to download content to each and every machine in the office (a huge timesaver).

3. Don’t have to remember serial numbers.

4. Path back to one location for my template and libraries. The other way, I would have to path each machine back.

5. Last but not least, the amount of time saved installing on numerous machines is immeasurable.

This may not be for everyone, but I sure do like how easy it is to create a deployment.