View source for Distribute and Install a Package

Packages can be deployed as a compressed .ZIP file, a feature available to [[Service Provider]]s. 

The ZIP file option provides the ability to move packages across different installations of the {{enterprisebrand}}. 

{{Enablefeature|Install Package from File|Manage Tenant Capabilities|}}

;Examples:
*Move from the Development instance to the QA instance for testing
*Move packages from the QA instance to the production instance
*Download the package as a zip file and archive it


===Create a Package as a .ZIP file===
To create a Package as a downloadable .ZIP file:
#Click the [Download Package] button to create a compressed .zip file
#:[[image:package.gif|none|thumb]]
#:The Package Revision Details section indicates the number of package revisions, and will automatically update when you publish new versions
#Click the [Publish] button to create the package

;Considerations:
:*This file can be distributed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Transfer_Protocol ftp] or as digital media, loaded directly to a user's desktop
::*When uncompressed, the application is installed to that user's account
:*This file may be very large, and unsuitable for emailing

===Install a Package from a .zip file===

To Install a Package from a .zip file:
#Click '''[[File:GearIcon.png]] > Setup > Administration > Global Resources > Packages'''
#Click the '''[Subscribe from File]''' button
#Select the name of the .zip file
:The package is installed

:During installation, these actions are taken by the {{enterprisebrand}}:
:*A list of available package items is displayed
:*Validation is performed (check that Objects, Classes, Pages, Functions have unique names)
:**If any fields have been added to the packaged object, the customer_id is post-fixed to the internal field name to maintain uniqueness
:**Validation will also be done for classes, pages and resources before installing

===Alternate Package Distribution Methods===
A package can also be distributed in these ways:
* [[Publish]] the package and submit it to the [[Service Provider]] for distribution in the [[Catalog]].
* Post the URL to the web or put it into an email, so users can subscribe to it directly.