# Software management

The software management feature allows managing software on many devices across the system with the help of reference sets for application and parameter downloads.

The application configuration depends upon the model of the device. The model that a device belongs to determines the type of application that can be configured on the device. Currently, based on the device platform, various packaging tools and procedures are being followed which in turn defines the packaging structure and the content of these software packages.

**Software Package** is a group of applications bundled and compressed either as a .TGZ or .ZIP file in a pre-defined structure depending upon the format that is supported for a device. The software packages are specific to the device model.

**Reference Set** is a logical container that comprises a set of packages and their order of download, a list of device models, and matching criteria that define which devices in the hierarchy qualify for this Reference set. It is a logical container that comprises:

* Set of packages and their order of download.
* List of device models for which the reference set is compatible.
* Device Management evaluates and identifies one reference set that best qualifies for each device.


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