A technique for installing or upgrading an application on a managed device of a user is provided. The technique comprises storing a set of packages for the application, and performing a first determination as to whether the user portion of any package of the set of packages has been installed on the managed device. Based on the first determination, the technique selectively performs a removal process of unwanted packages. The technique comprises performing a second determination as to whether the user portion of any package of the set of packages has been installed on the managed device, and responsive to performing the second determination, selectively performing a process of upgrading and installing packages. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.