[SOLVED] - Multi-App Dependencies

Question

I'm in an environment where we use Autonomy (or HP now) iManage.
The clients all have FileSite, Email Management Module and another third-party application called NRL Translator.
All three applications have dependencies
FileSite requires Office
Email Management Module requires FileSite
NRL Translator requires both
Because we're dealing with three different MSI's, I'm looking for suggestions on how to best implement/deploy these applications.
Scenario 1
Create Three Applications
Make Office a dependency for FileSite
Make FileSite a dependency for EMM
Make EMM & FileSite a dependency for NRL Translator
I like this option because I can leverage Windows installation source management.  The problem here is that its possible for someone to get themselves in a situation where they just install FileSite and nothing else which will create usability problems.
Scenario 2
Create 1 Application
Write a batch that does the install for all three
Adjust Detection Method to include all three MSI Product Codes
This option eliminates the concern in Scenario 1, which is key, but I can't rely on Windows Installer Source Location Manager either.  Boo.
Is there another scenario I should consider?
Is there a way to configure "If app X is installed, app Y must also be installed"?

Answer 1

If your 'Autonomy iManage' Application is always installed with FileSite, EMM, and NRL Translator, use a single application and a batch script.  You would only make separate applications if you plan to manage those installs separately.
The only other scenario you could consider is making 4 applications - the three distcreet installs, and then a fourth one called Autonomy iManage Suite.  The Suite would have a batch file that does nothing (or writes a reg key so you can track who got
the apps individually and who get them through the suite), and has the other three apps as dependencies. Only consider this scenario if you have to since it can still lead to people only installing 1 piece when maybe they really needed it all.
To your last question, the answer is unfortunately no.  You can use Pre-reqs, but post-reqs are not a feature (but it has been requested before).  Feel free to put that feedback into Microsoft Connect and reply with the link. Info about Connect:
 http://myitforum.com/myitforumwp/2013/12/02/giving-feedback-on-microsoft-connect-for-configmgr-2012-help-yourself-help-the-community/
I hope that helps,
Nash
Nash Pherson, Senior Systems Consultant
Now Micro -
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