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Adobe Creative Cloud SDL and NU Package Distribution

Guide for University IT support managing Adobe Creative Cloud deployments.

Available WebStore Adobe Package Offers

WebStore provides three Adobe package distribution options for IT support:

Named User (NU) – Self-Service

Allows end users to: - install Adobe applications - update applications - manage apps through Creative Cloud Desktop

Named User (NU) – Managed

Managed deployment packages with: - end-user app management disabled - Remote Update Manager (RUM) enabled

Shared Device License (SDL) – Managed

For: - labs - classrooms - shared university workstations - end-user app management disabled - Remote Update Manager (RUM) enabled

Quick Comparison

Feature Named User (NU) Shared Device (SDL)
License tied to User identity Computer
Requires Adobe login Yes Yes
Intended for Individual users Shared university devices
Requires Enterprise subscription Yes No (shared device validates license)
Supports self-service installs NU Self-Service only No
Typical use case Faculty/staff/personal assignment Labs/classrooms

Important Notes

  • Internet access is required for Adobe authentication
  • WebStore updates core Adobe packages monthly. (Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier Pro)
  • Remote Update Manager (RUM) is enabled in managed packages
  • Custom Adobe packages are available upon request

Access for IT Support

To request access to Adobe IT Pro package offers:

  • email: webstore@illinois.edu

Request addition to the: - Adobe IT Pro eligibility group

Managed vs Self-Service Packages

Managed Packages

Managed packages:

  • disable end-user installation privileges
  • disable Adobe automatic updates
  • require IT-managed updates using:
  • SCCM
  • Munki
  • RUM
  • other deployment systems

End users will see:

“You don’t have access to manage apps”

if a managed package is installed.

Self-Service Packages

Self-Service NU packages allow users to:

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

!!! tip Self-Service packages significantly reduce IT maintenance overhead.

Important Deployment Behavior

Installing a managed Adobe package on a computer can disable self-service app management for all Adobe applications on that device.

The most recently installed Adobe package determines whether the system behaves as:

  • Managed
  • OR self-service

!!! warning Avoid mixing managed and self-service Adobe packages on the same computer whenever possible.

Shared Device License (SDL)

Intended Use

SDL packages are designed for:

  • computer labs
  • classrooms
  • shared university computers

How SDL Licensing Works

  • Applications still require Adobe sign-in
  • The computer validates the SDL license
  • Users do NOT need an Adobe Enterprise subscription

All UI students automatically receive: - Adobe Creative Cloud Express access

This allows students to authenticate SDL applications on shared university computers.

Additional SDL Notes

Faculty and staff may occasionally use an SDL device as an auxiliary third Adobe device without affecting the normal two-device Named User limit.

Named User (NU)

Intended Use

NU packages are intended for:

  • faculty
  • staff
  • students
  • individually assigned systems
  • users with active Adobe Enterprise subscriptions

How NU Licensing Works

Users authenticate through:

  • University SSO
  • Adobe Enterprise login

Only Enterprise accounts redirect to University authentication.

Important Account Notes

Users may have both:

  • Personal Adobe accounts
  • Enterprise Adobe accounts

Only Enterprise accounts provide: - University Adobe licensing - Enterprise application access

Student Licensing

UIUC Students, UIC and UIS Students

  • may require departmental funding or separate purchase

Acrobat Studio licensing is now available in addition to Creative Cloud licensing for students

Student Employee Licensing

Departments may purchase:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Enterprise Access for Student Employee

Search: - “Adobe Student Employee” in the WebStore Unit Shop.

Device Limits

Named User licenses allow Adobe applications to be used on:

  • up to two computers simultaneously

Adobe will prompt users to sign out of another device if the limit is exceeded.

Package Sources

Departments NOT Using Endpoint Services

Use WebStore Adobe package offers.

Departments Using Endpoint Services (EPS)

Use: - Endpoint Services provisioned packages

Contact: - EPS support for deployment questions.

More information about Adobe NU and SDL packages:

More Adobe resources:

Questions

For questions regarding Adobe package deployment:

  • webstore@illinois.edu