Key Concepts in BigFix Software Distribution

BigFix Software Distribution on the BigFix UI introduces several foundational concepts — Package, Software, access control, and legacy compatibility — that define how software is organized, secured, and deployed across your endpoint estate.

Understanding the following concepts is essential before working with BigFix Software Distribution on the BigFix UI. These concepts describe the data model, security model, and compatibility boundaries that govern how software is created, managed, and deployed.

Package
The minimal deployable unit. A Package contains all files and BigFix Tasks needed to install, configure, or remove a specific piece of software on endpoints. Each Package carries metadata such as the software title, publisher, version, OS, and architecture.
Software
A logical grouping of one or more Packages under a single software title. Software is a BigFix UI concept with no physical equivalent in the BigFix Platform — it groups Packages that represent different versions, editions, operating systems, or architectures of the same application.
Access Control
Access to Packages and Tasks is governed entirely by BigFix Custom Site permissions. A user with access to a Custom Site can see and manage all Packages and Tasks stored within it. There is no additional SWD-specific permission layer.
Limitations and Legacy Compatibility
Packages created in the legacy SWD Dashboard or legacy BigFix WebUI are not visible in the new BigFix UI. Migration requires an explicit export-and-import process. The reverse — importing new BFUI packages into legacy tools — is not supported.