WebStore, Adobe Creative Cloud SDL and NU Package Distribution
Available WebStore Adobe Package Offers
WebStore provides three Adobe package distribution options for IT support:
Named User (NU) – Self-Service
Allows end users to:
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- install Adobe applications
- update applications
- manage apps through Creative Cloud Desktop
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Named User (NU) – Managed
Managed deployment packages with:
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- end-user app management disabled
- Remote Update Manager (RUM) enabled
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Shared Device License (SDL) – Managed
For:
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- labs
- classrooms
- shared university workstations
- end-user app management disabled
- Remote Update Manager (RUM) enabled
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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
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- 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
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Access for IT Support
To request access to Adobe IT Pro package offers:
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- email: webstore@illinois.edu
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Request addition to the:
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- Adobe IT Pro eligibility group
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Managed vs Self-Service Packages
Managed Packages
Managed packages:
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- disable end-user installation privileges
- disable Adobe automatic updates
- require IT-managed updates using:
- SCCM
- Munki
- RUM
- other deployment systems
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“You don’t have access to manage apps”
if a managed package is installed.
Self-Service Packages
Self-Service NU packages allow users to:
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- install applications directly
- update Adobe apps themselves
- access the Adobe Apps Panel
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!!! 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:
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- Managed
- OR self-service
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!!! 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:
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- computer labs
- classrooms
- shared university computers
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How SDL Licensing Works
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- Applications still require Adobe sign-in
- The computer validates the SDL license
- Users do NOT need an Adobe Enterprise subscription
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All UI students automatically receive:
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- Adobe Creative Cloud Express access
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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:
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- faculty
- staff
- students
- individually assigned systems
- users with active Adobe Enterprise subscriptions
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How NU Licensing Works
Users authenticate through:
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- University SSO
- Adobe Enterprise login
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Only Enterprise accounts redirect to University authentication.
Important Account Notes
Users may have both:
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- Personal Adobe accounts
- Enterprise Adobe accounts
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Only Enterprise accounts provide:
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- University Adobe licensing
- Enterprise application access
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Student Licensing
UIUC Students, UIC and UIS Students
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- may require departmental funding or separate purchase
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Acrobat Studio licensing is now available in addition to Creative Cloud licensing for students
Student Employee Licensing
Departments may purchase:
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- Adobe Creative Cloud Enterprise Access for Student Employee
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Search:
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- “Adobe Student Employee”
in the WebStore Unit Shop.
- “Adobe Student Employee”
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Device Limits
Named User licenses allow Adobe applications to be used on:
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- up to two computers simultaneously
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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:
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- Endpoint Services provisioned packages
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Contact:
More information about Adobe NU and SDL packages:
More Adobe resources:
Questions
For questions regarding Adobe package deployment: