How to deploy asp.net web application multiple times on the same server?

Question

Hello,

I have a ASP.NET 3.5 web application and I would like to allow users to install this web application multiple times on the same server.

Each web app will work with it's own database:

Server1
--------
WebApp1 - database1
WebApp2 - database2
WebApp3 - database3

Firstly I tried to use web-deployment-project, but it allows me to install my web application only once.

How I should implement deployment of web app multiple times on the same server? Should I develop my own winforms application?

Thanks,

Sergey

Answer 1

Yes. I think that will be the best way to do it and by writting your custom app you'll be able to meet your specific demands.

You should make a winform application that emulates the process being done by web deployment project (like copying files to the file system, creating new application \ virtual directory on the select website, etc.).

Answer 2

You probably need to do this:

• Create a virtual directory in IIS for each of your databases
• Be sure to set the config files for each web application to the correct database
• When you deploy, copy your files to each directory minus your config files

You could write a small application or batch file to do it.