Options to create a web installer which downloads actual installer from remote server

Question

I have a installer implementation task, the requirement is:

1. small size: less than 1m
2. it will connect to a server and download some description file to tell the user what software they can choose to install and also get the real software download address
3. after the user make their choice, the installer will download the corresponding software and automatically install
4. this installer may be reused by future product

These software user can select is pre-compiled installer as well. more precisely, eclipse based.

The functionality of the installer could be very similar to MSN Live installer which lists all msn live software including live messenger, video creator and so on to let user choose, once the choice is made, the installer will download the software and install. the installer itself is less than 1.5m

I need some suggestion what technology or technique I can utilize to minimize task load?

I have the following resource: redhat server, iis server probably can be granted. installshield license visual studio 2008/2010 license I'm afraid these are all i got. A new software license purchase isn't very likely to happen.

Answer 1

This looks like a custom bootstrapper:

• Using your InstallShield license or Visual Studio setup project you create installation packages for your applications. These packages can then be placed on your server.
• Through custom code you create a custom EXE bootstrapper which downloads the description file, shows the available options and downloads and installs your packages.