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Adobe NU and SDL Package Updates

Guide for IT support managing Adobe Named User (NU) and Shared Device License (SDL) package deployments.

Package Update Schedule

WebStore package updates are aligned with typical Adobe usage patterns.

Core Applications

The following applications are updated regularly:

  • Acrobat
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • Premiere Pro

Other Adobe Applications

Additional Adobe application packages are updated:

  • less frequently
  • OR upon request

Acrobat Security Updates

Adobe releases Acrobat security updates frequently.

!!! tip Ongoing Acrobat updates are best managed using:

- Adobe Remote Update Manager (RUM)

See: - # Acrobat Enterprise Release Notes)

Managing Ongoing Updates

WebStore Adobe packages are intended primarily for:

  • initial installation
  • managed deployment workflows

Ongoing updates should be handled through:

  • Remote Update Manager (RUM)
  • SCCM
  • Munki
  • Endpoint management tools

!!! note Package downloads may not always reflect the latest Adobe security release immediately.

Recommended Deployment Approach

  1. Deploy Adobe applications using WebStore packages
  2. Use:
  3. Adobe Remote Update Manager (RUM)
  4. Maintain regular Adobe update cycles

Benefits include:

  • faster security patching
  • reduced reinstall requirements
  • lower IT maintenance overhead

NU Self-Service Packages

Self-Service Package Offer

These packages allow end users to:

  • install Adobe applications
  • update applications directly
  • access the Adobe Apps Panel

Included Packages

The Self-Service offer includes:

  • Creative Cloud Desktop
  • Acrobat

Installing:

  • Creative Cloud Desktop → provides access to all licensed Creative Cloud apps
  • Acrobat → installs both Acrobat and Creative Cloud Desktop

Why Use Self-Service Packages?

Self-Service packages are recommended for departments that:

  • do not centrally manage Adobe updates
  • want lower Adobe maintenance overhead
  • want users to manage their own Adobe applications

!!! tip Self-Service packages allow Adobe applications to update automatically and help prevent application failures caused by outdated software.

Managed Package Behavior

Managed Adobe packages:

  • disable end-user app installation
  • disable Adobe automatic updates
  • require IT-managed update workflows

Users will see:

“You don’t have access to manage apps”

when managed packages are installed.

See: - Adobe Creative Cloud SDL and NU Package Distribution

Package Deployment Resources

Adobe Unified Installer Information

Adobe Reader and Acrobat now use a unified installer.

Deployment considerations: - Unified Installer Documentation

Acrobat Deployment Resources

Licensing Compatibility

The University of Illinois uses Adobe Continuous Licensing.

If migrating from other Acrobat licensing models:

More information about Adobe NU and SDL packages:

More Adobe resources:

Questions

For questions regarding Adobe package deployment:

  • webstore@illinois.edu