Package Foundry

An easy to install product creates a good impression even before a user starts to test, giving an instant advantage over competitors that were a hassle. ionCube Package Foundry (IPF) creates software installers to deploy web based products easily and automatically to any server using FTP or SFTP. Installers run on Windows, and the experience for a user is similar to installing a local product.

A built in text editor makes any required configuration file setup easy, and after installation a browser can automatically be launched on the starting URL of the application. Compared to the hassle of using archive programs and remote file transfer clients, required to install many web packages, the experience of using an actual installer can be quicker and much simpler.

To see the idea, watch an example of installing Squirrelmail using a package created by IPF.

Major Features

  • Easy install of web based applications to local or remote servers
  • Create Windows installers from Linux or Windows
  • Add optional configuration step for config files
  • Automatic download of ionCube Loader for PHP if required
  • Support for multi-language installer messages and support files
  • Assign custom permissions to files or folders

New in Version 4

  • Release 4.1.0 (24 Feb 2020)
  • SFTP support
  • Easier product licensing
  • Optional package expiry dates for control over how long a package can be used
  • Mechanism for easy ignoring of files or folders that don't need to be included in the final package
  • Improved configuration file editing with syntax highlighting
  • Version 4.1.0 has further UX improvements and a few fixes from the previous release

Feature Highlights

  • Install using FTP or SFTP
  • Installers can be created in multiple languages
  • License files and readme files can be displayed if appropriate
  • Support for localised readme, license, and other files
  • Wildcard based ignoring of files when creating a package
  • Optional expiry date at which point the installer will become inactive
  • Create IPF Windows installers from Linux or Windows
  • Assign custom UNIX style permissions to files or folders
  • Automatic download of the required ionCube PHP Loader if required
  • Uniform handling of both local and remote installations
  • Familiar and straightforward installer GUI
  • Installers feature active-help system to give user assistance if required
  • Installers can be branded with your own custom product images
  • Automatic triggering of post-install scripts on remote server
  • Configuration Manager handles manual configuration and reconfiguration of text files after the install is completed
  • FTP pipelining to streamline uploads
  • Automatic passive and active FTP mode
  • Support for multiple install targets