Even as computers continue becoming more and more advanced, there lies an intrinsic problem in this steep growth curve shown by computers. Any computer depends on its software for properly functioning in required manner. Now as computers are performing more advanced tasks it means that not only are individual softwares being upgraded to perform more complicated task, computers themselves are having more and more softwares installed inside them in order to facilitate faster and more efficient functioning so that complicated demands can also be met in a satisfactory fashion. As more and more softwares are being installed in a single computer, there arises one major problem and that is of compatibility. And application packaging is rapidly emerging as one of best possible solution to above mentioned problem of compatibility.



Let us first try to analyze and understand what exactly is meant when it is stated that there exists compatibility problems amongst software in a computer. If we take example of an office then we would usually find that all computers are configured in a similar manner. Each computer will have softwares that will be required at one point of time or other. Same is applicable to home computers that require different softwares for different functions. Now some of these softwares might clash with each other in terms of memory requirement and in other such matters. And as none of them are dispensable, it might create quite a problem. But application packaging provides us with an easy solution to above quandary. Engineers at parent company themselves create a package of essential softwares. And they do this in such a manner that none of softwares that they are packaging together clashes with one another. This practice is known as application packaging. This reduces much of worry of end users. And in case of corporate houses it reduces many costs at user end which otherwise might have arisen as a result of incompatibility of softwares.

But application packaging is not a very simple task, though it might seem so. There are several stages in preparing an application package and if there is an error in any of these several stages then that error will find its manifestation in a much magnified form when package is put in to use by end users. Engineers who are preparing package will have to first know and understand needs of users. Then only can they understand which softwares will be essential for end user. After having understood that they will have to carefully select softwares and create a package which functions smoothly as a group. Even after this grouping has been done and application package created, job is not over. Application package that has been created will have to be tested under normal or real life conditions to find out if there is any flaw in them.

Application packaging comes as manna from heaven for most users, irrespective of fact whether they are home users or corporate users. It helps them to manage softwares on their computers in a much better fashion and also helps them in cutting down on costs related to management of software.