Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

EMCO MSI Package Builder VS IzPack

Compare EMCO MSI Package Builder VS IzPack and see what are their differences

EMCO MSI Package Builder logo EMCO MSI Package Builder

EMCO MSI Package Builder allows you to create MSI packages using an easy approach. Convert EXE to MSI and build packages for unattended installation.

IzPack logo IzPack

IzPack is a one-stop solution for packaging, distributing and deploying applications.
  • EMCO MSI Package Builder Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-19
  • IzPack Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-06

EMCO MSI Package Builder features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    EMCO MSI Package Builder offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating MSI packages. Users can easily navigate through its features without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
  • Repackaging Functionality
    The software's repackaging capabilities allow users to convert existing installations into MSI packages, making it easier to deploy applications across multiple systems.
  • Customization Options
    It provides extensive customization options, enabling users to configure installations according to their specific requirements, such as adding custom actions or setting installation conditions.
  • Snapshot Technology
    EMCO MSI Package Builder uses snapshot technology to capture system changes during installation, which helps in accurately creating MSI packages that reflect all required modifications.
  • Automation Features
    The software supports automation through its command-line interface and other scripting features, which streamline the process of package creation and deployment.

Possible disadvantages of EMCO MSI Package Builder

  • Cost
    EMCO MSI Package Builder can be relatively expensive, especially for small businesses or individual users who may find more basic tools sufficient for their needs.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functionality is easy to use, mastering advanced features such as extensive customization and automation may require time and experience.
  • Limited Support for Non-Windows Platforms
    The software is primarily designed for Windows systems, which may limit its usefulness for organizations that need to create installation packages for other operating systems.
  • System Resource Usage
    Some users may find that running EMCO MSI Package Builder requires substantial system resources, which could be a consideration for older or less powerful machines.
  • Complexity for Non-Standard Applications
    Creating MSI packages for non-standard or complex applications may require additional effort and expertise to ensure all functionalities work correctly.

IzPack features and specs

  • Platform Independent
    IzPack is written in Java, which means it is platform-independent and can run on any operating system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This allows for broad usability across different environments.
  • Customizable Installers
    IzPack provides the ability to create highly customizable installers, allowing for tailored installation processes suited to specific software requirements and user needs.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, IzPack allows developers to modify and extend the tool according to their needs. It encourages community collaboration and contributions, which can help in evolving the software.
  • Lightweight
    IzPack creates lightweight and simple installers without unnecessary overhead, making the deployment process straightforward and efficient.
  • XML Configuration
    IzPack utilizes XML configuration files which make the installation process and setup clear and easy to manage, enabling developers to quickly adjust configurations as needed.

Possible disadvantages of IzPack

  • Complexity for Beginners
    For users who are not familiar with Java or XML, setting up IzPack for the first time might be challenging due to its configuration complexity.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    IzPack lacks some modern installer features and GUI elements that are available in other commercial installer solutions, which might limit the user experience or sophisticated installation requirements.
  • Documentation
    Although IzPack has a dedicated documentation site, some users find the documentation to be insufficient or outdated in certain areas, which can hinder efficient learning and implementation.
  • Limited Community Support
    Compared to larger, commercial installer solutions, IzPack has a smaller community, which may result in limited immediate support and resources when encountering complex issues.
  • Dependency on JVM
    Since IzPack is Java-based, it requires a Java Virtual Machine to be installed on the target machine, which could be a limitation if the user environment does not support Java.

Analysis of IzPack

Overall verdict

  • IzPack is a solid choice for developers looking to package Java applications, especially when cross-platform compatibility is a key requirement. Its active community and extensive documentation make it easy to troubleshoot and customize installations.

Why this product is good

  • IzPack is a widely-used packaging tool for Java applications, known for its flexibility and ease of use. It provides a comprehensive solution for creating custom, cross-platform installers that can be tailored to meet specific needs. IzPack excels in environments that require installation on multiple operating systems without platform-specific adaptations.

Recommended for

    IzPack is recommended for developers and teams who are focused on distributing Java applications across various platforms and need a reliable, customizable installer solution. It is particularly beneficial for projects that demand a high level of configurability and adaptability in their installation processes.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to EMCO MSI Package Builder and IzPack)
Website Builder
29 29%
71% 71
Package Builder
24 24%
76% 76
Package Distribution
44 44%
56% 56
Website Design
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, EMCO MSI Package Builder seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

EMCO MSI Package Builder mentions (3)

  • Silent install of GhostScript
    Sounds like your only option is to use a repackager, something like this: https://emcosoftware.com/msi-package-builder. You take a snapshot of a "clean" system, then install the program, run another snapshot and the result is a diff of the two snapshots. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Is there a package or method of tracking what changes installers make to a system?
    Maybe something like https://emcosoftware.com/msi-package-builder. Source: about 3 years ago
  • EXE to MSI converter
    I used this for many years. You can package anything with it quickly and easily Https://emcosoftware.com/msi-package-builder. Source: over 3 years ago

IzPack mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of IzPack yet. Tracking of IzPack recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing EMCO MSI Package Builder and IzPack, you can also consider the following products

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Inno Setup - Inno Setup is a free installer for Windows programs.

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Advanced Installer - Advanced Installer is a Windows installer authoring tool for installing, updating, and configuring your products safely, securely, and reliably.

RayPack Studio - Von Softwarepaketierung รผber Softwareverteilung bis zu Software Asset Management bedienen wir das gesamte Application Lifecycle Management.

NSIS - NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) is a professional open source system to create Windows...