Abstract: The present invention provides a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a software installation. A graphical user interface is displayed for receiving user input to manage a software installation having multiple software installation tasks. A particular software installation task is initiated in response to the particular software installation task being selected from the multiple software installation tasks. The performance of the particular task is customized based on the selection of the option in response to a selection of an option during execution of the particular software installation task is received. At least one of the multiple software installation tasks may be scheduled and initiated independently from others of the multiple software installation tasks.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for enhancing software catalog manageability, providing abstract software configuration, and desired state management. A first mechanism is provided for enhancing software catalog manageability. The first mechanism includes a software model that separates metadata of software from actual binaries of the software. A second mechanism is provided for abstracting software configuration for automation. The second mechanism includes a hierarchical software resource template structure that specifies parameters, dependencies between parameters, features, options, and parameters that cannot be predefined. The template is consumed by user defined workflows to create actual software resources during deployment. A third mechanism is provided for desired state management and patch compliance assessments.