For those of you who haven't already deployed Windows Media Player 10, you may be interested in the new Enterprise Deployment Pack (EDP) for Windows Media Player 10 available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/enterprise/deploypack.aspx. Some background information:
The EDP is a command-line tool that presents the network administrator with a series of Yes/No questions. When the questions have been answered, the EDP creates a Microsoft Installer (MSI) package that can be deployed throughout the organization. At its most basic level, the EDP:
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Generates an MSI package. The MSI file wraps Windows Media Player and runs it in redistribution mode. This facilitates deployments that require an MSI package or installation of Windows Media Player by users of managed desktops.
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Creates a "silent install" that links Windows Media Player Setup and additional Windows Media Language Packs or hotfixes. Windows Media Player Setup will run in redistribution mode, which means that there is no user interface or requirement for interaction with setup prompts. The end user will not be prompted with End User Licensing Agreements (EULAs) or configuration options during setup.
Through the EDP, network administrators and IT pros can:
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Set local group policy (group policy for Windows Media Player can also be set at the domain level by companies running Active Directory).
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Preset Windows Media Player preferences.
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Add one or more skin files to the installation. A custom skin can limit access to consumer features that are not suitable for enterprise usage.
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Include Windows Media Player Language Packs with the deployment.
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Deploy the customized MSI file through Active Directory or through any software management system.
While the EDP itself is in English, any localized version of Windows Media Player can be included in the MSI file.