FastTrack Scripting Host
FastTrack Automation Studio (formerly known as FastTrack Scripting Host), often referred to as just FastTrack, is a scripting language for Windows IT System Administrators. The product’s goal is to handle any kind of scripting that might be required to automate processes with Microsoft Windows networks.
Manufacturer
FastTrack is produced by FastTrack Software, which is headquartered in Aalborg, Denmark. The product is promoted by the manufacturer as a one-stop shop for Windows script writers and its development paradigm is “one operation = one script line”. Script writers use a purpose-built editor to create scripts, inserting script lines via menus, drag’n drop, or simply typing them in. Scripts may be used out of the box, created from scratch, imported from forums or other users, or customized from product documentation.
Types of scripts
Simple scripts include:
- Outlook Signatures
- Login scripts
- Backup and replication scripts
- Inventory and asset management
- Automated Windows OS installation and deployment[1]
- Automated application software deployment
- Active Directory scripts
More advanced scripts include:
- SCCM task sequences
- Citrix ICA and RDP Clients built-in
- Deploying applications to server farms
- Deploying GPO MSI files
- SQL Server scripts
Basic structure
Under the hood, scripts comprise commands, functions, collections, and conditions. When a script is executed these components are converted into many lines of C# code, sometimes hundreds of lines, depending on the particular script operation. Scripts can be compiled into EXE files or MSI packages and treated as standalone Windows applications.
History
FastTrack Scripting Host (FastTrack) was first developed around 2006 to ease the administration burden of IT System Administrators on Windows networks.[2]
Product idea
The idea for the product came from founder and President of FastTrack Software, Lars Pedersen, who has a background in systems administration. Previously with Telenor, Denmark’s major telephone company, Pedersen performed various roles in systems administration, programming and web development. He also worked as a consultant and developer on several major projects at various companies in Europe. Dissatisfied from his own experiences and frustrations administering Windows networks, Pederson looked for a way to make life easier for system administrators. In particular, he wanted something that could minimize the amount of time needed each day to perform routine and mundane tasks, which was a waste of time and expertise that should have been committed to other projects.
Development
Leading a small team of developers, Pedersen developed FastTrack Scripting Host to simplify and automate the routine tasks of system administrators. The resulting product is definitely a scripting language, but it can be used intuitively like a programming language, without requiring users to learn syntax or other concepts typically associated with programming languages.
Marketing
In April 2010, FastTrack Software entered into an agreement with Binary Research International, based in the city of Milwaukee, United States to market and sell the product globally.
Awards
FSH received a Windows IT Pro Community Choice award in 2012.[3]
Versions
The first version was produced in June 2006 and contained 51 components, which are the commands, functions, conditions and collections making up FastTrack. The following table summarizes dates and components for major releases. Companies and organizations such as NOAA, Kawasaki, and Goodyear have used and implemented the FastTrack Scripting Host.[4]
| Version | Date | Components |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | June 2006 | 51 |
| 2.0 | February 2007 | 92 |
| 3.0 | April 2008 | 144 |
| 4.0 | January 2009 | 199 |
| 5.0 | June 2010 | 240 |
| 6.0 | August 2010 | 533 |
| 7.0 | June 2011 | 741 |
| 7.3 | May 2012 | 821 |
| 8.0 | July 2012 | ~950 |
| 8.2 | November 2012 | 1069 |
Comparison with other scripting software
| Product | Manufacturer | Cost | Licensing | Platform | Latest Version | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FastTrack | FastTrack Software ALS | Express - Free | Proprietary | Windows | 8.2 (Nov 2012) | FastTrack Scripting Host |
| KiXtart | Ruud van Velsen of Microsoft Netherlands | CareWare - Donation | Proprietary | Windows | 4.63 (Sep 2012) | KiXtart |
| PowerShell | Microsoft | Free | Proprietary | Windows | 3.0 (~July 2010) | Microsoft PowerShell |
| ScriptLogic (PowerGUIPro) | Quest Software | $300 | Proprietary | Windows | ??? | ScriptLogic |
| VBScript | Microsoft | Free | Proprietary | Windows | Depends on host application (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/4y5y7bh5.aspx) | Microsoft VBScript |
- FastTrack Scripting Host
- Kixtart
- PowerShell[5]
- ScriptLogic
- VBScript
References
- Steen, Greg. "Toolbox: New Products for IT Professionals". Microsoft Technet Magazine. Microsoft. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
- Smith, Russel. "Product Review: FastTrack Scripting Host". Windows IT Pro. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
- "2012 Windows IT Pro Editors' Best and Community Choice Awards". Windows IT Pro Community Choice Awards for Best Scripting Product. Windows IT Pro. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
- "Customers". FastTrack Script Website. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
- "2011 Best Scripting Tool". Editors' Best and Community Choice Awards. Windows IT Pro. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2011.