Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) compete in the software deployment and update management category. Microsoft Configuration Manager seems to have the upper hand due to its extensive feature set and integration capabilities.
Features: Microsoft Configuration Manager offers software and application deployment, OS deployment with PXE, hardware and software inventory, integration with Intune, and comprehensive reporting. WSUS focuses primarily on patch management and update distribution and is integrated with Windows Server, making it cost-effective.
Room for Improvement: Microsoft Configuration Manager could improve application package deployment for users lacking scripting skills, reduce resource consumption, and enhance integration with multiple Intune subscriptions. WSUS could benefit from an improved user interface, better control of non-Microsoft updates, and enhancements in error handling and server tagging.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Configuration Manager provides flexible deployment options across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments, though it requires expertise. Customer service experiences vary, with satisfactory but sometimes delayed support. WSUS is used primarily in on-premises settings and is valued for integrating into the Windows Server ecosystem, with mixed customer service experiences often due to script-based support.
Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Configuration Manager is considered expensive with complex licensing but is justified by its features and ROI for large enterprises. WSUS, included with Windows Server, is cost-effective and appealing for basic update management, yet its limited features may affect ROI for enterprises needing comprehensive management tools.
Microsoft Configuration Manager helps IT manage PCs and servers, keeping software up-to-date, setting configuration and security policies, and monitoring system status while giving employees access to corporate applications on the devices that they choose. When Configuration Manager is integrated with Microsoft Intune, you can manage corporate-connected PCs and Macs along with cloud-based mobile devices running Windows, iOS, and Android, all from a single management console.
New features of Configuration Manager, such as the support of Windows 10 in-place upgrade, co-management with Microsoft Intune, Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise Servicing Dashboard, integration with Windows Update for Business, and more make deploying and managing Windows easier than ever before.
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a patch management tool that simplifies the administrator’s task of deploying the latest Microsoft updates. Administrators use WSUS to manage the distribution of updates released through Microsoft Update to computers in their network.
WSUS has features you can use to manage and distribute updates from a management console. The WSUS server can also be a source of updates to other servers within the organization, acting as an upstream server.
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Use Cases
The four main use cases that WSUS adds value to businesses are:
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Features
This built-in server includes the following features:
Requirements
In order to be able to use WSUS to manage and deploy updates, it is important to use a supported WSUS version, such as:
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Benefits
Different Types of WSUS Deployments
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