Understanding the available distribution delivery task types

Once you schedule a package for distribution, you can use one of these delivery task types: 

  • Policy-supported push: The combined push distribution and policy model. First, software distribution attempts to install the package on all devices in the target list. This way, you can do an initial deployment using Targeted Multicast. Second, any devices that didn't get the package or that later become part of the target list (in the case of a dynamic target list) receive the package when the policy-based management agent on the device requests it. Generally, this is the recommended delivery method.
  • Policy: The core server makes the packages available for download. When a managed device checks for available policies, the package will be returned. Depending on the policy type, devices may install the package automatically or make the package available to users for them to install when they want.
  • Push: The packages may be multicast out to the managed devices. The core server then initiates package installation at the managed devices.
  • Multicast (cache-only): Copies one or more files to the local distribution cache folder but doesn't install the file or do anything else with it. This option can be useful when you know users will need to install a package soon, and you don't want them to have to wait for the download.