AgenSoft has released version 3 of PatchFactory as a solution for updating software. PatchFactory v3 automates all stages of the update cycle for a software product or any other binary data.

PatchFactory allows software developers to upgrade their code and data to reflect bug fixes, feature additions and added information. PatchFactory works on the byte level, so file type is a non-issue. It works equally on text, data or object code (executable files). PatchFactory enables a developer to change the code and data on end-users' desktops or workstations and on already deployed target devices.

The main idea behind PatchFactory is that when modified file(s) must be transmitted, send only the changes (byte-level differences) stored in one reliable self-installing update module rather than the entire software installation package. PatchFactory lossless byte-level compression is not content dependent, so it may be used whenever data is changed at one location and must be efficiently updated and/or archived at another.

The patch building features include cumulative patching to bring all in-field versions up to date using a single self-extracting executable, comparing files with size up to 2^63 bytes (~8589934592Gb).

Among the new patch applying features are customizable dialogs; a familiar wizard-style runtime interface; use of key files and MD5 checks to ensure accuracy; international language support; silent install and silent uninstall with no user interaction required, which can be useful for system administrators and other programs calling the update Installation program; smart automatic version check to determine the installed version; automatic rollback at patch applying to guarantee that the end-user's system is successfully updated; and rollback/uninstall of the update after installation.

A free evaluation copy is available. For more information, see www.agensoft.com.