INSTALLANYWHERE RESOURCES
InstallShield Alternative
InstallShield is the leading installation development solution designed for building reliable Windows installers. It helps software developers create professional MSI, MSIX, and EXE installers, with advanced support for cloud, virtualization, and DevOps integration. InstallShield streamlines the delivery of applications across modern Windows environments.
For teams building applications beyond the Windows ecosystem, InstallAnywhere offers a powerful alternative to InstallShield. Designed for cross-platform deployment, it enables developers to create a single installer that works seamlessly across Windows, Linux, macOS, and more. With strong support for Java applications, flexible installation logic, and compatibility with virtual and cloud environments, InstallAnywhere is ideal for organizations delivering software to diverse operating systems. While InstallShield shines in Windows-specific scenarios, InstallAnywhere is the go-to choice for reaching a broader platform audience.
InstallShield vs InstallAnywhere
Feature | Installshield | InstallAnywhere |
Primary Focus | Windows-based applications | Cross-platform applications |
Platform Support | Primarily Windows (MSI, MSIX, EXE) | Windows, Linux, macOS, and more |
Java Application Support | Solid support for Java-based installations | Advanced support for Java-based installations |
Installer Types | MSI, MSIX, EXE | Java-based installers, native installers |
Cloud & Virtualization Support | Strong support (MSIX, containerization, etc.) | Strong support (cloud, containers, virtualized environments) |
UI Customization | Extensive customization options | Extensive customization options |
DevOps & Automation Support | Full integration with MSBuild, Azure DevOps, etc. | Full integration with Ant, Maven, Jenkins, etc. |
Digital Signing Capabilities | Built-in support for code signing and timestamping (MSI/MSIX/EXE) | Supports digital signing of installers across platforms |
Best For | Teams focused on Windows environments | Teams needing multi-platform support and Java applications |
Which Tool is Right for You?
Choosing between InstallShield and InstallAnywhere largely depends on your application's target environment and specific deployment needs.
InstallShield is the ideal choice if your focus is primarily on Windows-based applications. It offers advanced support for MSI, MSIX, and EXE installers, making it the go-to solution for teams working within the Windows ecosystem. If your application requires tight integration with Windows features, or if you're working on enterprise-level deployments, InstallShield is likely the right fit.
On the other hand, if you're building applications that need to run across multiple operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, InstallAnywhere is the better option. It excels in cross-platform deployment and has specialized support for Java-based applications, making it the go-to tool for organizations with diverse deployment environments or Java-centric software.
More than 80,000 independent software vendors and enterprise customers rely on our installation solutions to build and deploy their software. Why not see what the buzz is about? Both InstallShield and InstallAnywhere offer free trials, giving you the chance to evaluate their features and find the best fit for your project, risk-free.
Resources
Webinar
Flexibility Meets Scalability: Why Dev Teams Are Moving to InstallShield CLS
Register for the upcoming webinar to learn how InstallShield Cloud License Server (CLS) streamlines cloud integration while supporting on-premise setups..
Data Sheet
InstallAnywhere 2024
Create multiplatform installations for physical, virtual and cloud environments.
Data Sheet
InstallShield 2024
Build Seamlessly in the Cloud with InstallShield Licensing Capabilities
Data Sheet
Compare InstallShield Versions
Compare features by the latest releases.
Webinar
Migrating from heritage installer technologies
Register for the upcoming webinar to learn about best practices for reviewing and updating your installation and deployment strategies, and the risks of maintaining outdated systems.
Webinar
Enabling Successful Software Installs with New Digital Signing Standards
Register for the upcoming webinar and be better equipped you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate changes to digital signing standards effectively for a seamless installation experience.
From the Blog
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