Nuanza

When organizations consolidate, centralize and standardize, they are more agile and able to support changing business needs. IT is a cost center that exists to bridge technology to critical business initiatives. If the IT organization is well positioned to lower operational costs, increase efficiency and conserve resources, the more effective it will be.

Nuanza helps customers benchmark their IT organizations against best run companies. The result is an IT Roadmap with a prioritized set of initiatives that will result in a more nimble organization. In addition to the IT assessment, we have helped companies with the execution of IT initiatives, identification of specialized staff for project work or ongoing maintenance and management. Whether it's moving your applications to the cloud, implementing analytics to improve help desk and applications management performance or seeking opportunities to adopt best practice and reduce costs, consider us a partner for these and other infrastructure related activities.

How We Help Our Customers:

Benchmark IT organizations and develop an IT roadmap
Provide tailored, affordable IT Service Desk solutions - multi-lingual, full ticket lifecycle management
Implement accountability into your IT Service Desk with an Analytics based model and a roadmap for improving maturity levels
Support of cloud strategy including assessment, migration, deployment

Capabilities:

Remote and Onsite Applications Management Services
IT Service Desk
IT Service Management
Cloud Strategy Execution
Data Center Design and Operations Support
AGILE AND DEVOPS
- Nuanza provides thought leadership for Agile and DevOps innovation and implementation, partners with customers to build and maintain complex applications, and helps mature clients achieve the next level competencies.
- Our Agile DevOps team approach is simple, but effective:
- We engage end users, transforming them into part of our delivery team
- We schedule innovation time
- We measure success by the value of functionality delivered to production
- We leverage tested tools and frameworks-maximizing maintainability, scalability, and usability
- We enable our talent to grow and flourish
- We encourage full-stack engineering and DevOps
AGILE
- Our team provides ongoing production client support while adhering to Agile methodologies and values of iterative development, collaboration, and adaptability. As a result, users realize value earlier in the process, provide feedback more quickly, and acquire first-hand knowledge of the product. Nuanza's development teams:
- Prioritize and strategize releases
- Plan and execute sprint cycles, reviews, and retrospectives
- Conduct demos, beta tests, and pilots with real users
DEVOPS
- Our integrated DevOps approach brings operations and development engineers together throughout the systems development lifecycle. As a result, operations teams gain a solid understanding of both the overall solutions and the individual components, while development teams, brought into contact with day-to-day software operations, benefit from daily customer interaction-creating a powerful feedback loop. Integrating Nuanza development teams with operations teams results in savings, mitigated risk, and shorter time-to-resolution.
At Nuanza, we're committed to innovation and delivery excellence to the Federal agencies we serve and provide IT, advanced analytics, infrastructure, cyber security, big data, mobility and cloud services to all departments within. Drawing upon expertise in multiple domains, technologies, tools and platforms, we employ strategic methodologies and best practices to deliver solutions that maximize customer's returns on IT investments while meeting their immediate and long-term mission critical goals.
Our commitment to stringent quality standards in business processes, services and customer satisfaction is reflected in our quality assurance strategy, management and metrics, and in the certifications we have earned. Our proven expertise in operational effectiveness, innovation, and Government transformation enables us to excel at delivery and in meeting our customers evolving data needs and security requirements.

Infrastructure Solutions

It is the process of converting third party installation packages into windows installer packages with the customizations your organizations need. Using windows installer service as a packaging and deployment mechanism can help lower the costs associated with application deployment and maintenance.

Installation Programs were created by many different vendors, where the installation behavior was controller by a proprietary script.
Problems with traditional setups called Legacy Setups here on) related to corporate environment include Requiring administrative Privileges to perform an installation, requiring an administrator to visit each target system, log in , install the software, make changes to the configuration and log out.
There was no common mechanism for customizing a setup or performing a silent install (Installation runs in the background without asking many questions like where to install the application, enter the cd key..).
Because each setup program provided its own rules, interactions among two or more applications sometimes caused conflicting results. For example, newer versions of shared files might be replaced with older ones. As a result, applications that required the newer version of the file were not successfully and completely installed. A failed installation could cause other applications not to function.
Windows Installer provides consistent and reliable installation for all applications, which prevents newer files from being overwritten by older files.
Inter-application conflicts can occur when uninstalling one application removes files shared by other applications on the computer. Windows Installer addresses this problem by keeping track of the resources that Windows Installer-based applications use.

MSI Process

Requirement gathering is usually the first part of any software project, it is mainly the process of collecting the technical details, dependencies and requirements of the application This stage starts when you are thinking about packaging software. In this phase, we meet users and developers of all the applications that are to be packaged, analyze the risk and requirements for each application. Whether you prefer a written document, screen diagrams, prototyping or use cases, we gather the requirements in a most efficient way for packaging the software.

The art of writing requirements takes great skill and, like writing code, the end result is usually cleaner and more consistent with our consultants. It's a matter of balancing the need for a thorough understanding of the project domain (i.e. the client's business) against understanding the process of software packaging.

NUANZA provides Requirement gathering as part of application packaging process for our client in reduced costs saving you much time in finding the technical details of the applications. We meet with the developers, users and testers to perform a test install of each application before packaging.

To know the system requirements (Application Compatibility on Different OS).
To Gather information on any pre-requisites for the proper functioning of the applications.
To find the privileges required by the user to run the application in a locked down environment
To know the complete installation instructions and testing procedures for the applications
To collect the test data to test the packages in a controlled environment.
To see if the installation of this application on a particular build is not breaking the core (OS)
All the above are taken care of if the clients can provide us the right contact persons for all the applications that we have to package.

Repeatability and Reliability

When you purchase a software application to install it onto a computer you will need to execute an installation program such as Setup.exe. A program that puts all of the files and registry keys in the right places with the correct values, ensuring that everything works correctly. This is in essence a package. However the setup routine can sometimes be very complex and open to user error, especially when thousands of repeat installations are required in a corporate environment. In such environments reliability and repeatability are crucial where compliance to SOX or 21CFR part11 may be required. This is where application repackaging comes into its own. An experienced application packager can take a vendor application and re-write the setup routine to the specific requirements of the client. Ensuring both a reliable and accurate installation every time. The package can then be deployed silently, if desired, via your chosen deployment mechanism to all of your target workstations or users. It is a very rapid and accurate way to perform large scale deployments.

Our consultants have a wealth of experience in Application Packaging. they have designed application packaging strategies from the ground up for the Financial. Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing industries. We have the tools and the system's ability to produce packages to meet your requirements in a timely manner.

Once packaged, applications can be quickly installed on a range of desktops in multiple locations, saving administrative costs, simplifying the management of licensing fees and minimizing support and repair expenditures.
Simplifies management of new user set-up along with the revision and distribution of software repairs and new applications to existing users.
Helps eliminate uncontrolled software downloads and installation, enables applications to be safely removed and reduces non-business traffic on a corporate network.
Using .MSI format, can automate software distribution process and ensure that the installation doesn't break other applications that have already been installed.
Software applications in any organization usually needs to be updated and may be removed or have added utilities installed. NUANZA Packaging process accelerates this process by automating the installation and management of operating system and applications on desktops and different locations within an organization. The process results in reduction in help desk support and increase in stability of applications.

Conflict Management

Although a Windows Installer package or merge module may be built to guidelines put forth by Microsoft, it is possible that the interaction between packages, or between a package and the base operating system, may cause unwanted results in your production environment.

Setting up databases and base lining your operating systems and packages is a time-consuming task you want to get right first time. Particularly if you package from multiple sites. Putting Conflict Management in place will give confidence that all packages have been checked against your whole environment. We use the Conflict Wizard to identify these conflicts before you deploy packages, and resolve the problems before they affect your end users. The Conflict Wizard allows you to identify conflicts between a Windows Installer package and packages already cataloged in Conflict Solver. You can check for a variety of conflict types, including file, component, and registry conflicts. In many cases, Conflict Solver can resolve the issues automatically. You can also create your own custom rules to ensure packages conform to your internal standards and practices. Conflict Solver has rules to detect conflicts involving: Components, Files, Registry Entries, Shortcuts, INI Files, ODBC Resources, NT Services, File Extensions, and Product Properties.

Secure Packaging for Locked Down Environment

If you have taken the appropriate steps along the way then your packages should function correctly in a locked down environment. However if you have not tested your packages in the user context then there is a distinct possibility that you will encounter application errors due to file and registry permissions being too restrictive. Preventing the application from performing as expected. Other areas where security implications need to be considered are the use of public properties. Where information contained in such properties may be written to log files and the contents of such properties becoming visible. Passwords being one example. Ensuring that only approved installations and patches are applied in sensitive environments is also an option that should be explored.

NUANZA ensures that a package performs correctly in a secure environment it will be necessary to determine which files and registry keys need their permissions altered. Only the required areas should have permissions relaxed. so as to maintain as high a level of security as possible. Using digital signing within your packages will ensure that the package is valid for your environment.

Quality Checking and UAT

Prior to deploying a Windows Installer-based application, typically you need to test it in the targeted deployment environment to ensure the application works as expected. However, it is often not feasible (or possible) to test each piece of an application's functionality, due to the complexity of the application and/or its interface. Behind the scenes, there may be dozens or hundreds of attempts to access files, registry keys, or services; errors may only become apparent in rare and isolated circumstances.

One major source of failure is when the target environment is restricted in some way, such as in a locked-down environment. In this case, there may be prohibitions on certain COM activation or registry access, which ultimately prevents an application from working correctly. Quality Monitor allows you to run a series of built-in tests to installed Windows Installer-based products, helping to ensure they run correctly. When failures occur, Quality Monitor can help identify where problems exist, and ultimately direct you to the solution.

User acceptance testing involves testing each .msi package by an end user or a subject matter expert. The testing can be done remotely or directly onsite. NUANZA makes sure that all the applications are tested to the core and all the required files, registries, shortcuts perform as per Business requirements.

NUANZA'S Value Proposition:

When you work with NUANZA, you'll have a dedicated team of individuals working on your account. Your NUANZA team will understand the kind of resources you need for each project, and will deliver the right people in a timely manner.

NUANZA is proud to say that we set high standards in our recruiting process. Our Staff Augmentation / IT Resourcing team specializes in matching organizations with the most qualified IT staff for contract or permanent positions.

In short, NUANZA's enterprise talent acquisition practice augments your HR team with tested professionals who have a firm grasp of your needs and can speak your language.

Application virtualization is an umbrella term that describes software technologies that improve portability, manageability and compatibility of applications by encapsulating them from the underlying operating system on which they are executed. A fully virtualized application is not installed in the traditional sense, although it is still executed as if it is. The application is fooled at runtime into believing that it is directly interfacing with the original operating system and all the resources managed by it, when in reality it is not. Application virtualization differs from platform virtualization in that in the latter case, the whole operating system is virtualized rather than only specific applications.

How Can We Help?

NUANZA has a pool of highly experienced and certified Virtualization Engineers who can assist you in every aspect of this Virtualization Process.

Benefits of Application Virtualization

Validation - Because applications are hosted on servers, there is no need to validate workstations. Server validations are easier to manage and control.
Complex Installations - Software applications that require specific client software or special components not compatible with other applications are moved from the client to the server, thereby avoiding installation conflicts.
Network bandwidth of applications - Applications that require a large amount of bandwidth, which are inefficient over a WAN or remote connection, can be easily maintained.
Greater flexibility in positioning of applications across servers, enabling smaller maintenance windows, easier disaster recovery processes, more dependable service levels.
Central Administration and Maintenance - Centrally managed application patches and enhancements on servers instead of workstations make administration easier.
Optimal License Usage - More efficient use of concurrent licensing.
Allows applications to run in environments that do not suit the native application.
May protect the operating system and other applications from poorly written or buggy code.
Run incompatible applications side-by-side, at the same time and with minimal regression testing against one another.
Maintain a standard configuration in the underlying operating system across multiple computers in an organization, regardless of the applications being used, thereby keeping costs down.
Maintain a standard configuration in the underlying operating system across multiple computers in an organization, regardless of the applications being used, thereby keeping costs down.
Implement the security principle of least privilege by removing the requirement for end-users to have Administrator privileges in order to run poorly written applications.
Simplified operating system migrations.
Accelerated application deployment, through on-demand application streaming.
Improved security, by isolating applications from the operating system.
Enterprises can easily track license usage. Application usage history can then be used to save on license costs.
Fast application provisioning to the desktop based upon user's roaming profile.

Limitations of application virtualization

Not all software can be virtualized. Some examples include applications that require a device driver and 16-bit applications that need to run in shared memory space.
Some types of software such as anti-virus packages and application that require heavy OS integration are difficult to virtualize.

The creation of Windows Installer MSI packages for Citrix servers presents some unique challenges. Self-repair is not always desirable. Animations and other graphical settings are sometimes required to be tempered to spare bandwidth. Shadow keys and Terminal Server compatibility keys need to be configured. These are all challenges that we are familiar with and meet on a daily basis.

Citrix Packaging ensures repeatability, which is very important in a load balancing situation. You don't want clients receiving different application behavior depending on which server they are assigned. Citrix Packaging will prevent this. It can be argued that a Citrix server is more important than a desktop client due to the fact that it's operation affects multiple users. If you have your applications packaged you can have your server back up and running in a fraction of the time. Another benefit is the implementation of component and conflict management to ensure harmony on servers. Ensuring that one application does not break another when installed, removed, upgraded, patched or repaired.

NUANZA is a specialist company that offers MSI application software packaging and software deployment services at a fixed price to all businesses. All MSI packages created are rigorously tested before handing it over to the businesses.

NUANZA can accommodate your business needs. Whether you choose an offsite packaging solution or an in-house packaging team at your business location, we can supply the expert saleable packaging resource you require.

Problem Resolution

Whether the problem is with Licensing, Security, Device drivers, Custom configuration or you just can't get that dialog box to stop popping up! To the inexperienced, many packaging problems can seem at best daunting and at worst even impossible to resolve. In reality most of these issues can be resolved using a methodical and systematic approach. The wealth of misinformation available on the internet further compounds the misnomer that some problems cannot be resolved. Like all things - it's easy when you know how.

Having analyzed thousands of applications over the years we have an impressive track record of resolving some of the industry's most complex application challenges. We can help you address issues arising from platform migrations. Finding the missing links and getting you to those project milestones. Leveraging the expertise of Packaging Team's professionals will pay dividends when tackling complex packaging problems.

On time Delivery for SLA

Once you have submitted your order for packaging, there's no need to worry. Just submit the application binaries and it gets taken care of to the agreed SLAs. In-depth knowledge of application packaging and software distribution technologies allows us to provide the most efficient and trustworthy solutions in the market today.

Quality Packages

We have extensive knowledge of Microsoft best-practice, and have seen what works well in companies both large and small. Jump-start the process by asking our Packaging Team to review or write your Packaging Standards, and know that Desktop users, Thin clients, Sites with low bandwidth connections, Server rollouts, Patches, Upgrades, Conflict resolution - and fifty other enterprise goals - are all covered. Our Consultants expertise in Windows installer technologies, producing Quality Packages with high stability and reliability, help reduce your help desk support staff time.

Packaging Resources

Our people have experience in all the major repackaging tools and can be adding value to your project or helping with BAU. For major assignments, take the weight off yourself or your department by having our Packaging Team run the project to your deadlines. Agreed SLAs, and a project manager based full-time on your site will all help get the job done on time and to budget. We have all the people, programs and know-how needed to create perfect packages. The use of virtual machine technology means we can test applications on a replica of your desktop environment prior to delivery.

Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Windows Installer and the MSI standard ensures that our consultants are highly qualified to assess and modify existing packages, as well as creating new MSI packages for your needs.

Technology Expertise

Our consultants´ expertise in Windows installer technologies, producing Quality Packages with high stability and reliability, will help reduce your desk support and staff time. Our team has experienced packaging professionals who are dedicated to their clients and always motivated to provide high quality products. Application packaging experience in large scale environment on Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP in any enterprise environment.

Low TCO (Total cost of ownership)

We offer strong Project management with high scalability which is on time and on budget reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Globally oriented project managers who are suitably trained must lead each project. Onshore project managers confirm that requirements for documentation are understood by the offshore team, including technical specifications, deliverables, due dates, and problem-resolution procedures.

How We Help Our Customers:

Capabilities:

Infrastructure Solutions

Signup for Email Alerts

Extra Links

Want to Work with us