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Overview of DeltaMAX 1.0
January 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
DeltaMAX is an advanced binary differencing engine library for Windows. It allows you to create and apply binary difference files (”patch files”) from your applications. It is the same binary differencing engine used in Visual Patch.
Binary differencing is the process of analyzing two files and then compactly representing the differences or “delta” between them. Also known as “delta compression,” binary differencing is able to represent the data that differs between two files in the most compact way possible.
The most common application of binary differencing is in creating software patches. This involves analyzing two versions of a file in order to extract only the data that has changed from one version to the other. The results of this analysis can then be used to recreate the newer version from any file that exactly matches the original. By only containing the differences, such a patch file can be very small.
Of course, there are many other uses for binary differencing beyond deploying software updates. Because so little data needs to be transmitted, delta compression makes it possible to distribute changes to large data files as efficiently possible.
Key Features
Very fast encoding. DeltaMAX is able to perform multiple passes in less time than it takes other tools to perform a single pass.- Fast decoding. DeltaMAX uses efficient file I/O buffering in order to apply differences quickly.
- Low memory requirements for decoding. DeltaMAX requires only minimal amounts of memory for decoding, and is able to apply differences in low memory situations.
- Compact encoding format. DeltaMAX uses a custom encoding scheme that is very efficient.
- Unique multi-pass optimization. DeltaMAX can perform multiple encoding passes in order to experimentally achieve the best results. This is especially important because the optimal settings can vary according to the unique internal structure of each individual file.
- Works with all file types. DeltaMAX can create differences for all kinds of files (e.g. software executables, word documents, satellite images, medical databases, ocean maps, game data files…)
- Support for large files. DeltaMAX is exceptional in its ability to handle very large files (up to 2GB) and to encode these large files very quickly.
- Developed for Windows. DeltaMAX was developed specifically for the Windows platform, and does not sacrifice performance to achieve platform independence.
Benefits of Binary Differencing
Binary differencing is the process of analyzing two files and then compactly representing the differences or “delta” between them. Also known as “delta compression,” binary differencing is able to represent the data that differs between two files in the most compact way possible.
This technology is most commonly used in software updating and patch management applications, however it is also ideal for use in backup software, server synchronization, data transmission or wherever the environment calls for reduced storage space and lower bandwidth usage.
Having less data to transmit means that file changes can be sent and received faster, which means less time is spent waiting for updates, improving productivity and making “background” updates possible.
In addition to reduced file sizes, binary differenced files are very secure. Difference files contain only the byte level differences between the two source files. Transmitting only tiny portions of a file in a format that can’t be used without the original greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized use.
Competitive Position
Some binary differencing libraries claim to include large-file support, but they process large files so slowly that it really isn’t feasible to use them for that purpose. DeltaMAX uses a unique binary differencing algorithm that was developed to process very large files as quickly as possible. It does this while also achieving the best compression performance possible on all file sizes, large and small.
For example, in benchmark testing DeltaMAX was able to create a patch for a 1.2 GB data file in under 3 minutes, whereas the nearest competitor we tested required more than 70 minutes to process the data on the same system. Some of the competing libraries we tested were not even able to process such a large file, and either failed completely or were still processing after more than 24 hours.
Remarkably, DeltaMAX achieves its speed without sacrificing performance, creating difference files that compare favorably in size to difference files created by other tools. In fact, the speed of DeltaMAX permits additional size optimizations that are not feasible with other tools. For example, it can perform multiple passes with different settings in order to find the optimal parameters for each particular file-and still manage to do so in less time than competing tools require for a single pass!
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Product Features
January 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Visual Patch 3.5 is the fastest way to create compact and secure patches for your software applications and data. Visual Patch’s point and click design takes the difficulty out of building even the most sophisticated patches.
Some features of Visual Patch 3.5 include…
DeltaMAX Binary Differencing
Other tools can stall out on files as small as 40 MB. Visual Patch can make quick work of gigabyte sized files. State-of-the-art DeltaMAX binary differencing compression creates the smallest possible patch files in less time than ever before.
Full-History Patches
Update any previous version of your software to the latest release with one patch file. Dramatically simplifies the patching process for users. Intelligent full-history patching algorithms can update multiple older versions to the latest release from a single patch file.
Rollback Protection
Patches can back up any modified files and automatically ‘roll back’ to the originals if an error occurs or a user aborts the patching process.
Sophisticated Version Management
Quickly and easily add, remove and organize all your product versions using the drag and drop workspace. Makes it easy to manage all your software releases from one environment.
Project Wizard Quick Start
Walks you through the creation of a professional software patch complete with customized dialogs, multiple methods of version detection and rollback.
100% Data Integrity & Security Features
Unlike a full software installer, patch files contain only the data needed to update older versions – making them ideal for public website distribution. Data security and integrity is ensured through a combination of 128-bit MD5 hashing, CRC-32 checksums and encryption standards.
Powerful Scripting Engine
A powerful scripting engine with more than 250 high-level actions gives unprecedented control over the software patching system. Features everything from registry editing to web script interaction, file downloads and more.
Customizable User Interface
A library of over twenty different screens (plus graphical skinning system) makes it easy to control the user interface of your patches. There are pre-built layouts to handle just about any task you can imagine, and it’s easy to adjust them to fit your needs exactly.
International / Multilingual Language Support
A unique language selector is included on each screen dialog, making it easy to create multilingual user interfaces and modify translations at will.
Interactive or Silent Operation
Supports the creation of both fully-interactive “wizard based” patches or completely automatic patches that operate silently without displaying any user interface at all.
Advanced System Editing
Advanced system-changing capabilities are built right in. Query the Registry, modify INI files, perform file searches, interact with web scripts, explore folders, delete and rename files, and more.
Authenticode Support
Codesign your patches with integrated support for Authenticode certificates signing.
Unattended Builds
Visual Patch fits seamlessly into your automated build processes with features like build constants and pre/post build processes.
Reports and Logs
Improved HTML-based project reports and text-based install-time log files give you an accurate record of your patch. New options let you control the level of detail being logged, including options for recording errors and script execution details.
Themes & Skinning System
Choose from dozens of pre-made themes (skins) for your dialogs or make your own. It’s as easy as viewing a live dialog preview and picking your favorite style. Configure everything from fonts and banner images to body/background graphics, control colors and more.
Integrates with TrueUpdate
Visual Patch is an integral component of Indigo Rose’s software deployment suite. For a complete and fully integrated end-to-end solution, we’d recommend using Visual Patch in conjunction with Setup Factory (software installation) and TrueUpdate (automated “check-for-update” feature).
Lightweight and Self-Contained
Creates self-extracting executable patches that are compact, optimized, and completely self-contained, with no external dependencies or extras to distribute.
Fully Compatible
Make a single patch file that is compatible with all Windows systems, including Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000, ME, 98 and 95.
Comprehensive Documentation
The software ships with an extensive command reference help file and a 285-page user’s guide in PDF format.
World-Class Support
Indigo Rose stands behind its products with a refreshingly personal approach to technical support. We’ll treat you like the valued customer that you are.
Best Value
Compare it to other tools. Visual Patch 3.5 is easy to use, provides next generation technology, has superior technical support and is priced lower than competitive products
Trusted
Indigo Rose Software products are trusted by over 20,000 software developers worldwide where our runtimes ultimately reach millions of desktops.
patching
DeltaMAX 1.0 Product Brochure
January 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
DeltaMAX is an advanced binary differencing engine. It is capable of analyzing two files and storing only the byte level differences between them. What makes DeltaMAX exceptional is its ability to handle very large files (up to 2GB) and to encode files very quickly. The DeltaMAX engine provides significant performance gains over older technology. In our test suite, it was able to delta compress a 120 MB video game texture data file by 99.6% in only 9.05 seconds. In comparison, a competitive technology required over 25 minutes to achieve a compression ratio of only 18.7%. Incorporating the DeltaMAX engine into your software application will give you a distinct competitive advantage.
Click here to download a printable DeltaMAX 1.0 brochure
Note: This brochure in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. You may need to download and install the Adobe Reader software in order to view it.
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Download a Free 30-Day Trial Version
January 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The best way to decide if DeltaMAX is right for you, is to download the free 30-day trial version. You’ll be able to really “kick the tires” and see what it can do.
To download the free trial version, please enter your information into the fields below. We’ll email you the download instructions within minutes of submitting your request.
Note: By submitting this form, you agree to receive followup emails regarding DeltaMAX. You may unsubscribe from these emails at any time. We do not sell, rent or give away your email address to anyone. We only use it to keep you informed about DeltaMAX and how to get the most out of your free trial.
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Screenshot Gallery
January 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
TrueUpdate 3.5 provides a unique client/server framework for determining required updates, and then retrieving and applying the necessary patch or installation files using standard Internet or LAN protocols. And it all can be integrated quickly and easily into existing software products and networks, regardless of the installation, patching or deployment solutions being used.
Click on any of the screenshot images below to see a larger, more detailed version.
Introducing TrueUpdate 3.5
TrueUpdate 3.5 provides a unique client/server framework for determining required updates, and then retrieving and applying the necessary patch or installation files using standard Internet or LAN protocols. And it all can be integrated quickly and easily into existing software products and networks, regardless of the installation, patching or deployment solutions being used.
Clean, Efficient Interface
TrueUpdate 3.5 sports a sophisticated, streamlined interface. Although software updates can be notoriously complex, TrueUpdate’s straightforward interface makes it seem easy.
Powerful Scripting Engine
The highlight of TrueUpdate is its incredibly powerful scripting engine. Based on the popular Lua language, it is easy to understand and features everything from ‘for, repeat and while’ loops, to ‘if/else’ conditions, functions, variables, and associative arrays. The integrated script editor features color syntax highlighting, code completion, function highlighting, as-you-type action prototypes, Ctrl+Space function listings, and context-sensitive help.
Project Wizard
Although TrueUpdate is designed with a wide-open, “sky is the limit” scripted architecture, it doesn’t leave you stranded with no roadmap. Far from it! The project wizard makes setting up your update process simple and straightforward. Even advanced update systems can be created in minutes with this fast and flexible productivity tool.
Client Script
The client behaviour is fully scripted, so you can customize your client to do anything you want it to. In most cases, the client’s job is simply to retrieve and then execute a server script – either across the Internet or over a local network.
Server Script
The server-side logic is also fully scripted. In fact, the server script can handle everything from detecting what version is currently installed (and acting accordingly), to downloading files and making changes on the client system. And you can completely change all of this behavior at any time without needing to send a new client to your users.
Custom Script Tabs
You can add custom script tabs into your project to keep things organized. At run time, each tab’s script can be executed on demand.
Screen Gallery
TrueUpdate ships with many different screen types that you can use to create a visible interface for your client. These fully modifiable screens not only let you customize the interface, but let you add functionality in a modular “point and click” way.
Themes
Choose from dozens of built-in themes (skins) for your client interface or create your own using your favorite images. You can easily configure everything from fonts and banner images to background graphics, control colors and more.
Screen Properties
Every screen has unique settings and attributes that can be customized. All screens dynamically adjust their layout as you edit the screen’s controls and text. The language selector allows you to perform in-place translation of the screen’s text.
Screen Lists
Organize your screens into named lists that you can display from script with a single command. Easily add, remove, edit and re-order the screens within these lists to control the user interface and flow of your update without any scripting.
Screen Events
Go behind the scenes and modify the built-in functionality of any screen. Each screen provides a number of events where you can create intelligent scripted responses to everything from clicking ‘Next’ to any other message fired by a user interface control.
Action Library
TrueUpdate comes well equipped, with a built-in library of 250+ actions to handle everything from text file editing to system registry changes. You can execute programs, call DLL functions, query drive information, manipulate strings, copy files, start and stop services, interact with web scripts, display dialog boxes, and much more. Simply choose the action you want from a categorized list, fill in the requested information fields and the wizard does the rest.
Redundant Servers
TrueUpdate’s approach to handling redundancy is straightforward: simply add more server locations to the list, and upload the configuration files to those locations. Any existing server that can host files via HTTP, HTTPS, FTP or local file copy will do. If a server is unavailable for any reason, the TrueUpdate client will move on to the next one until it can establish a connection and download the configuration files.
Upload Locations
TrueUpdate can automatically upload its data files to your server locations, including “alternate” locations such as a backup file server or a folder on your network for testing. In fact, you can choose which servers you want to publish to each time you build the project. This makes it easy to test your updates in a private “live” test before making them public. TrueUpdate’s intelligent synchronization system keeps a manifest for each server location and will only upload the files that have changed, minimizing bandwidth costs while ensuring data integrity across your servers.
Language Support
Unsurpassed support for multilingual interfaces is included right out of the box. TrueUpdate can automatically determine the language of the client operating system and adjust the display of screens and messages appropriately. Whether you need to support English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or any other language recognized by Windows, with TrueUpdate you simply provide the text and your update takes care of the rest!
Comprehensive Help and Support
TrueUpdate comes fully supported. Self-help options include a professionally written 267-page user’s guide, and an embedded help pane for instant “as-you-type” context-sensitive help. Additional support options range from our active online forums, to our refreshingly personal technical support. Indigo Rose has been developing software tools for over 15 years and we understand what it takes to fully support a product. We not only stand behind our software, we stand behind you with one of the most accessible, responsive and knowledgeable technical support teams in the industry.
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Online User’s Guide
January 1, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The easiest way to learn how to use Visual Patch 3.5 is to start it up and use it. Using the built-in project wizard, you’ll be able to create binary software patches in just minutes. If you have any questions about what a particular dialog box option does, just click on the Help button to get a full description.
However, to get the most out of your software, you’ll want to spend some time with the User’s Guide. The Help menu is your friend! That’s were you’ll find links to the User’s Guide, the Scripting Guide and the full Help File/Command Reference.
We’ve also made these resource available to you online in “webhelp” format, if you’d like to take a peek before installing the software.
Click Here to View the Visual Patch 3.5 Online User’s Guide
