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• June 10, 2005 •
This week, Microsoft released the long awaited Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Windows Server Update Services is the update management component of Windows Server that enables mid-sized and enterprise companies to more easily assess, control and automate the deployment of Microsoft software updates. Using WSUS, IT administrators are better able to secure Windows environments, minimize downtime and significantly reduce the cost and effort of update management.
WSUS will not only update Microsoft operating systems, but in time, all Microsoft corporate software. Initially, WSUS will support updating Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Office XP, Office 2003, Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2000, and Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.
WSUS consist of a client and a server component. The client can run on Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3) and later, Windows XP and later and Windows Server 2003.
The server component can be installed on a computer running a Windows 2000 Server with Service Pack 3 (SP3) or Windows Server2003 operating system.
Microsoft posted several guides for WSUS which you can download from the WSUS Download site. An FAQ is also available.
Windows Server Update Services is free and is available to download at no cost. Each managed client requires a Windows Server CAL. To download the software, you first have to register on the Download WSUS page.
