Third Party Server Update Software/Tool?

[AlfaTech]

How do you apply server updates, do you do use WSUS, do you just have them set to 'automatic' or do you apply them manually?

 

I have been tasked with finding some kind of 3rd party software which can apply server updates and provide reports (beyond WSUS). Answers on a postcard please.

[Norphy]

The obvious answer is SCCM. It uses WSUS but builds upon it, allows for much better deployment granularity, approvals, scheduling and reporting.

 

It's a beast of a product though and does far, far more than just that.

[Sagima]

I do server updates manually during the longer holidays. I'm in the process of making sccm to the client updates but I'll leave the server ones to the team and windows update.

Installed updates on the server are monitored by sccm though like everything else

[Fazza]

Download updates automatically but manually install them during the half-term breaks.

[Areku]

download auto, manually during holidays. (or other out of hours, depending on the severity of the update).

[Domino]

WSUS, manual approvals on a monthly patching cycle where the clients download and install on a weekend. Secunia CSI handles scanning clients and patching other products through WSUS (and is eye-wateringly expensive)

[AlfaTech]

WSUS, manual approvals on a monthly patching cycle where the clients download and install on a weekend. Secunia CSI handles scanning clients and patching other products through WSUS (and is eye-wateringly expensive)

 

Hmm I will have to investigate Secunia CSI, it sounds interesting. SCCM is going to be overkill just to update 50 servers. We currently use ManageEngine's Desktop Central 9 to manage workstations but DC9 will only install 'security updates' and doesn't support 'non-security' updates (yuh I can't figure that out either), so that's outta the question too.

 

Thanks for the input!