ZeroC supplies binary distributions for the combinations of platforms and compilers that Ice supports. The packaging of each distribution varies with the platform:
- a Microsoft Installer (MSI) for Windows
- a collection of RPMs for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server
- a compressed TAR file (tarball) for other Unix platforms
In general, the binary distributions are intended for the developer, and not for the end users of the developer's application. In other words, ZeroC expects you, as an Ice developer, to bundle the necessary Ice run time components into your own installation package. This chapter discusses ZeroC's binary distributions and provides guidelines for distributing your applications.