As Siemens is rolling out Windows 2000 on 30.000 computers during 2002-2003, most software installed on any computer within Siemens has to be scripted for distribution using SMS. This means all software packages in use on Siemens computers has to be scripted for SMS and tested for Win2K compliance.

The primary task is to create MSI/batch scripts for the installation of all software and additional business logic, and testing of scripted installations on virtual machines using WMWare Workstation 3. Tasks also include finding solutions for tricky software set-ups, Win2K non-compliant software, 16-bit software, resolving Office 97 -> 2000 changes, driver support, etc.

For Siemens' customers, I function as the Package Specialist. The primary task is to ensure final delivery of all software packages to client PCs, from obtaining the original software to scripting and testing of the distribution package.

In addition to these duties I help developers with Visual Basic (ASP, VBA, ..), and develop software tools for the Helpdesk and NT Administration.

Examples of work projects and duties:

Development of MSI packages and MST files

Repackaging of old installation programs (setups) to MSI packages. Development of new installation programs in MSI format for distribution through Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS), Sysprep, or CAT-Update. Specific problems or tasks solved via MSI scripting in VbScript. Documentation and knowledgesharing.

Development of SMS tool (SMSApp)

Development of a software tool for batch-handling of SMS packages. Supports import/export from SMS, lookup of users and/or SMS packages, lookup in AD, LDAP and Exchange, automated emails, automation via command lines, multiple configurations, migration of collections, etc. Written in Visual Basic 6.

Development of ActiveX controls

Development of ActiveX controls for use on the intranet, e.g. for automated requests and distribution of SMS packages.

AutoCAD support

Distribution of the AutoCAD products family for a large Siemens customer in Holland. Support of license servers, troubleshooting, configuration management, etc.

Development of databases and programs for analysis

Development of MS Access databases and GUIs, e.g. for management of migration data (Win9X/NT to 2000) ; centralized database of eventlogs ; centralized database for hardware, software and users ; PC information (assets), etc.

Development of tool to convert GSM invoices

Development of a small tool to analyse and convert GSM invoices from the top 3 suppliers in the Netherlands, with export to mainframes.

Automated LiveLink requests

Development of ActiveX controls and webpages so users can request the latest version of LiveLink by following a web link. The MSI package is sent through SMS.

Support/Helpdesk tools for Active Directory

Development of support/helpdesk tools with AD integration. Quick overview of user information, generation of new passwords, etc.

Troubleshooting MSI installations

Troubleshooting and recoding of MSI packages and other setups.

Troubleshooting on Cat-Clients

Troubleshooting and correction of programs and configurations on Siemens Cat-Clients.

Technical testing and approval of outsourced MSI packages

Writing procedures, walkthroughs and approval of technical documentation, technical testing of the delivered packages, distribution of packages, troubleshooting.

Development of a phonebook for PDAs (Windows Mobile, WinCE 4.x)

Development of a phonebook to run on Siemens PDAs, with data from Siemens existing phonebook. Written in Visual Basic.NET.

Development of websites

Development of various websites, e.g. for automated generation of data for a new PC, and searching for PC and user information.

Development of automated email handling

Development of a small tool (after the ScanInbox concept) specifically for Siemens, with automated saving of attachments to the network, execution of commands, and automated replies to the sender or specified recipient.

Troubleshooting and performancetesting of Internet Explorer

Development of a performance-testing tool for Internet Explorer.

Screensaver application

Development of a screensaver application for internal use at Siemens. The application has a list of approved screensavers, and allows the user to select one of them. Default screensaver selected by Corporate Communications before distribution. Written in Borland Delphi.