Client software distribution ordering process
Summarize
Summary of Client Software Distribution Ordering Process
The Client Software Distribution (CSD) 2.0 enables ordering of software through the ServiceNow service catalog. Users can order software for themselves or, if authorized, on behalf of others. Ordering options and fields vary based on configuration and user permissions.
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Key Features
- Lease Start and End Dates: All software requires specifying a lease start date. If revocation (uninstall) is enabled, a lease end date can be set to define when the software should be uninstalled. The system enforces future date validation. The lease end date is optional and can be left blank for indefinite use.
- Software for Logged-In User: When Access Type is set to Restricted, the order form does not show a User field. The logged-in user selects from their assigned devices to install the software.
- Software Ordered on Behalf of Another User: When Access Type is Delegated, the order form includes a User field allowing selection of any user. Devices listed correspond to the selected user. Approval requests are automatically sent to the selected user’s manager unless the requester is the manager themselves.
- Uninstall Automation: Integration with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager allows automated uninstallation of software when leases expire. For Jamf, devices must have serial numbers populated; for Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, device names must be populated to enable this functionality.
Key Outcomes
- Users can efficiently order software with clear lease periods, ensuring compliance with usage policies.
- Managers and authorized users can manage software deployment and removal for others, streamlining administration and contract-based software management.
- Automated uninstall processes reduce manual overhead and ensure software is removed timely based on lease expiration.
Software deployed by CSD 2.0 can be ordered from the service catalog by individual users or by approved users on behalf of others.
CSD 2.0 catalog items have different options, depending on how ordering is configured.
Lease start and end dates
All software deployed by CSD 2.0 requires users to specify the beginning date for the lease.
If the catalog item is configured for revocation (uninstall), the form displays the Lease end field, which allows the requester to define an end date and time for the lease. The system validates user input in these fields to ensure that the dates selected define a future window. The Lease end field is not mandatory and can be left blank to order software with no end date.
Software offered only to the logged in user
If the software catalog item is configured with Access Type as Restricted, the User field does not appear on the order form. The logged in user selects the device on which to deploy the software from the Device to install this software on field. Only those devices assigned to the logged in user appear in the list.
In this example, a user has logged into the service catalog to order Google Chrome for the assigned computer. User selects the machine from a list of devices and selects the date and time the lease should begin.
Software ordered on behalf of another user
If the software catalog item is configured with Access Type as Delegated, the User field appears on the form. The logged in user can select any user from this field. The Device to install this software on field only lists the devices assigned to the user selected in the User field. If an approval is required for software ordered on behalf of another user, the system automatically sends an approval request to the manager of the user receiving the software. The approval is skipped if the requester is the named user's manager.
In this example, a manager is ordering Google Chrome for a contractor. The manager selects the contractor from the User field and then chooses a computer from the list of devices assigned to the contractor. This software has a Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager uninstall collection configured, which enables the manager to select an end date for the lease that coincides with the end of the user's contract. When the lease expires, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager automatically uninstalls the software from the device.
- For Jamf, the device must have its serial number populated in the device table.
- For Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, the name must be populated.