Add support for Windows packages

[eshashah-msft]

Device Update should support Windows msi packages out-of-the-box.

From: #62

[iboltunov]

Hi eshashah-msft,

Any plans to port Device Update agent to windows?

If not can you at least provide some guidance for people who want to port it themselves. Is it quite straightforward?

We are thinking about using IoT Hub Software Update service for windows based devices but not sure if we will hit (or won't) the wall with Device update agent.

Please let us know.

Thanks,
Ildar

[eshashah-msft]

Hi @iboltunov, Support for Windows IoT is on our roadmap but we don't have a confirmed timeline yet.

• @andrewbrownmsft

[respirojnj]

Out of a sheer curiosity (which is the main driving force behind grokking the structure of the world), could you elaborate on the rationale behind the initial platform support choice, especially in the part of Windows IoT support?
Also, could you please advice on some options we the Windows crowd could pursue in the meantime, while Windows support is in the baking? THANKS!

[andrewbrownmsft]

In general, we think of Device Update for IoT Hub as our first effort at bringing the kind of powerful update management capabilities that Windows already enjoys to the non-Windows (IoT) world. With a decade-plus of Microsoft investment in Windows update management already, our initial focus and investment for the DU offering, then, have been on Linux and RTOS variants for IoT specifically.

It's worth noting that the DU offering is flexible by design such that any devices connected to Azure IoT Hub can be updated by Device Update if the open-source DU Agent that we make available is ported to the OS running on those devices, and if the appropriate handler (installer) for the update type is also available on that device. If Windows IoT support is an urgent short-term need, that is something that could possibly unblock you if you were willing to do the porting work. It would also be interesting to hear more details about your specific scenario to inform our development efforts moving forward.

[duncangroenewald]

Any progress on a Windows 10 device update Agent. We have a current project and are about to switch to using IoTHub for remote control/management of Windows 10 IoT based devices.

The main gap we have currently is for remote updates to software that runs on the devices and device update agent would avoid us having to develop a custom solution.

Any pointers on how best to proceed with implementing a Win10 based device update agent?

[andrewbrownmsft]

We are working on Windows IoT support for the DU agent, but do not have a timeframe for a preview release yet. Sorry, I know it's been a long time - there have been a number of other things that the team has had to focus on.

[duncangroenewald]

@andrewbrownmsft - any progress on the Windows DU agent ?

[iboltunov]

@andrewbrownmsft I hope it wasn't cancelled?

[andrewbrownmsft]

Not cancelled, but a lot of changes from our original path. Hoping for a Public Preview this calendar year.

[duncangroenewald]

Not cancelled, but a lot of changes from our original path. Hoping for a Public Preview this calendar year.

Ok well that's encouraging - if you have any kind of early alpha please let us know, the sooner we can get a feel for how it will work/integrated will be appreciated.

[iboltunov]

We would like to participate in any early programs too.

[iboltunov]

Any hints on Public Preview availability?

[andrewbrownmsft]

Nothing to share, I'm afraid. We've made progress but are looking at some different approaches relative to earlier plans, which is impacting timelines.

[duncangroenewald]

@andrewbrownmsft - any update on the progress here ?