Windows Software Update Services and Microsoft Update

Microsoft has released Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), formerly known as Software Update Service (SUS) & then later changed to Windows Update Services (WUS). For now its called Windows Server Update Services. WSUS enables administrators to quickly and reliably deploy critical updates to their Windows 2000-based servers as well as desktop computers running Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional.

In addition to WSUS, Microsoft also offers Microsoft Update and Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003. Microsoft Update is free and is geared towards home users. WSUS requires a Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) and is meant for small to medium-sized businesses. SMS 2003 requires Windows Server CAL, SMS CAL, SMS Server CAL, and SQL Server CAL and its meant for medium to large organizations.

All three tiers support the following clients:

– Windows Server 2003
– Windows XP Professional
– Windows 2000
– Office 2003
– Office XP
– Exchange Server 2003
– SQL Server 2000
– MSDE
– Additional Microsoft products over time

There are several differences between the thre tiers. Click here to compare the three tiers. For WSUS FAQs, click here.