Clients of a branch distribution point Configuration Manager 2007 will sometimes wish to receive a package that has been advertised, but which has not specifically been copied to that branch distribution point. This can be done using the branch distribution point's on-demand functionality, but first must be configured for the specific package by the administrator. It can be configured using the New Package Wizard when a package is initially created or subsequently, using the Distribution Settings tab of the Package <Name> Properties dialog box. If a package is created using the Distribute Software Wizard, this is not available in the wizard, but must be done afterward, using the Package <Name> Properties dialog box.

On-demand package distribution is visible only from the administrator point of view; for the client, this functionality will be transparent.

Note
On-demand package distribution is only available for protected branch distribution points, from clients within the protected boundaries. If a client is not within those protected boundaries or the branch distribution point is not protected, on-demand distribution will fail.

To configure on-demand package distribution to a branch distribution point using the New Package Wizard

  1. In the Configuration Manager console, navigate to System Center Configuration Manager / Site Database / Computer Management / Software Distribution / Packages.

  2. Right-click the Packages node, point to New, and then click Package.

  3. Use the New Package Wizard to create a new package.

    On the Distribution Settings page:

    • Click Automatically download content when packages are assigned to branch distribution points. This option should be selected by default.

    • Select the Make this package available on protected distribution points when requested by clients inside the protected boundaries checkbox.

    For additional information about this wizard, see New Package Wizard.

To configure package properties to allow on-demand package distribution to a branch distribution point

  1. In the Configuration Manager console, navigate to System Center Configuration Manager / Site Database / Computer Management / Software Distribution / Packages.

  2. Right-click the specific package you want to modify, and then click Properties.

  3. On the Distribution Settings tab:

    • Click Branch distribution points automatically download this package when they receive the advertisement if this option is not already selected.

    • Select the Make this package available on protected distribution points when requested by clients within the protected boundaries checkbox.

  4. Click OK to close the package properties.

See Also