We use the solution for the internal server. We use the tool to push Windows updates to the computers. It is mainly for internal patch management. We use the tool to manage updates across different server environments.
Technical Manager at a retailer with 11-50 employees
Provides good reporting features, but the approval process must be improved
Pros and Cons
- "We can track the updates of the PC and servers."
- "The approval process must be improved."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
We can track the updates of the PC and servers. The reporting features are good. The testing and reporting processes are better than those of other tools.
What needs improvement?
The policies must be made easier. The tool must allow users to update the policies. Currently, we can only create policies and update a few things in them. The product must provide more functions. The approval process must be improved. Currently, it is a very simple process. We just approve security updates and critical updates. Other vendors have better approval processes.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for many years.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Windows Server Update Services. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,562 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the tool's stability nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the tool's scalability eight out of ten. Most of the time, we have only one server for the whole organization. We have 500 computers.
How are customer service and support?
The support is very good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The deployment process is very straightforward and easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is medium. The tool could be cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
We recommend the tool to our customers unless they specifically require a different solution. Overall, I rate the product a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
Last updated: Apr 16, 2024
Flag as inappropriateAssistance Manager, ICT Communication at ELNG
Enables automated patch management process and has a straightforward setup process
Pros and Cons
- "The platform provides good value in terms of time and effort by eliminating the need for manual patch management."
- "The platform’s dashboard and reporting features need enhancement."
What is our primary use case?
We use the product to manage patch updates for servers.
What needs improvement?
The platform’s dashboard and reporting features need enhancement.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services for 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the platform’s stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have 400 Microsoft Windows Server Update Services users in our organization. It is a scalable platform. We never had any issues related to scalability.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support team could have extensive knowledge about the application.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. We began by thoroughly reviewing the installation manual to gain a clear understanding of the prerequisites and requirements for the application. We started preparing servers and integrations, followed by deploying the agent across all machines to centralize management through WSUS. It takes time to understand specific criteria to be deployed automatically.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the product ourselves.
What other advice do I have?
The implementation of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) has significantly improved our patch management process by shifting our approach from reactive to proactive. We can automate the process instead of relying on manual methods.
The platform provides good value in terms of time and effort by eliminating the need for manual patch management. It gives us more time to concentrate on other aspects of the project.
We encountered a few technical issues with the application related to deployment agents and operating system compatibility. We were able to overcome the challenges by escalating the case to the engineers.
I recommend the product to others as it is an easy-to-use patch management or deployment monitoring system. It is the best solution for all business use cases. However, I advise others to understand their business requirements before making the purchase decision.
I rate it an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Mar 5, 2024
Flag as inappropriateBuyer's Guide
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Windows Server Update Services. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,562 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Infrastructure and Information Security Supervisor at YKK MALAYSIA SDN BHD
Efficient with cost-saving update deployment but needs enhanced patch management
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is its low cost, as it requires no additional licensing fees."
- "There are several areas needing improvement, including the management of third-party patches."
What is our primary use case?
We have Microsoft Windows Server Update Services in place to deploy standard Microsoft updates. It does not allow us to update or patch other products, which is a limitation. We use it for the deployment of updates without additional costs.
How has it helped my organization?
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services allows us to deploy updates efficiently at no additional cost.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is its low cost, as it requires no additional licensing fees.
What needs improvement?
There are several areas needing improvement, including the management of third-party patches, better enforcement of patch deployment on user PCs, and the ability to schedule updates at specific times. If these areas were improved, Microsoft Windows Server Update Services could be more competitive.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services for more than ten years since it was in place when I joined the company.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is very stable and does not require special maintenance.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I do not have much experience with its scalability since our company size has not changed significantly, but it's easy to deploy additional servers if needed.
How are customer service and support?
We have not needed to contact Microsoft's customer service as the available documentation is comprehensive and helpful.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Microsoft Windows Server Update Services and are now exploring Qualys for its added benefits, like a more comprehensive approach to vulnerability management.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services was straightforward and uncomplicated.
What about the implementation team?
One person can deploy Microsoft Windows Server Update Services; it does not require a team.
What was our ROI?
Since Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is free, we do not have any additional operational impacts, and there are no additional costs incurred with its use.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Our experience with Microsoft Windows Server Update Services involves no setup cost or licensing fees, as it is included with our existing licenses.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I did not participate in the evaluation process for choosing Qualys, and therefore do not know what other options were considered.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Oct 8, 2024
Flag as inappropriateStudent at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Controlled versions to reduce and prevent application crashes
Pros and Cons
- "The product reduced the number of crashes on our applications that were not able to use the latest versions of Windows updates."
- "I don't have any notes on improvements."
What is our primary use case?
The use case for this solution is to update machines with controlled versions to prevent crashes on applications.
How has it helped my organization?
The product reduced the number of crashes on our applications that were not able to use the latest versions of Windows updates. This allowed me to control it and reduce the time restoring machines or installing applications.
What is most valuable?
We need control over the versions of Windows to test them before using them on our network.
What needs improvement?
I don't have any notes on improvements.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for some time.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I can control everything in the same place, and it's nice.
How are customer service and support?
I used support for Office in the past and it has been good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I've just used this solution.
How was the initial setup?
At first, it was hard to set up. However, after some time, we learned how to deploy without problems.
What about the implementation team?
I used to do the setup by myself without anyone helping.
What was our ROI?
We reduced the number of crashes on our applications that were not able to use the latest versions of Windows updates. It reduced the time of restoring machines or installing applications.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Microsoft is expensive, at least in my country. However, it's offering good value for money. It's not a crazy price.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend WSUS for update management. I's rate the solution ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Sep 23, 2024
Flag as inappropriateConsultant at Trigonova GmbH
Easy-to-use interface and manages updates for all Microsoft operating systems, including client and server versions
Pros and Cons
- "It's a scalable product."
- "The database could be improved. In large environments, for example, we often get problems with reporting."
What is our primary use case?
I use it to update.
How has it helped my organization?
It's free, easy to implement and use. It supports all the Microsoft operating systems, not only our systems but also the clients.
What is most valuable?
The easy way to use it is the biggest benefit.
What needs improvement?
The database could be improved. In large environments, for example, we often get problems with reporting.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using it for over ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability a seven out of ten because stability depends on the size of the environment. If we use it in a small environment, with less than 200 devices, there are no problems.
We are using it in small companies and medium enterprises.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's a scalable product. I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The support could be improved, but it's a free product. So, we can't expect too much.
The Microsoft support service calls have long wait times to solve issues or even recognize them.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The installation is quite easy. To deploy it completely it took about four hours for installation and configuration.
What about the implementation team?
Only one person is enough to deploy. It does require maintenance , but not a lot. It's quite easy to update the system itself.
The main problem is the database, and the solution doesn't work well in larger environments. But even then, installing a new solution is quite easy, which is also a benefit.
What was our ROI?
It helped automate the process of updating our Windows operating systems and also our Windows or Microsoft software components, like SQL Server, Exchange servers, Office products, and so on.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's part of the main operating system. So, I use it for free.
What other advice do I have?
It's a quite good product. If you use it in an environment with less than about 200 managed devices, it is a good product.
Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System engineer at Yaşar Holding
Performs well and can be used to update servers
Pros and Cons
- "The solution performs well."
- "We have some problems when we update the servers."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution to update servers and clients.
What is most valuable?
The solution performs well.
What needs improvement?
We have some problems when we update the servers.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The tool is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool is scalable. We have approximately 1000 users in our organization. We have about 20 people in our technical team.
How are customer service and support?
We contact support if we face any errors. We get support from the integrators.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was complex. Sometimes, if there is an error, it takes a very long time to correct it.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment can be done in-house.
What other advice do I have?
We can use ManageEngine instead of Microsoft. I recommend the solution to others. Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Lead at 0
Helps to make updates concerning security and other things but improvement is needed in reporting
Pros and Cons
- "The tool has only one feature, which is updates."
- "Microsoft Windows Server Update Services needs to improve its reporting feature. The tool's competitor has better reporting capabilities."
What is our primary use case?
We can use the tool monthly to make updates concerning security and other things.
What is most valuable?
The tool has only one feature, which is updates.
What needs improvement?
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services needs to improve its reporting feature. The tool's competitor has better reporting capabilities.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for 15 years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is scalable. My company has around 1000 systems.
How was the initial setup?
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services deployment is easy. You must go to the Windows features and configure the system. Then, you can install the updates. Once installed, you can start configuring the required settings. All these configurations are straightforward and can be set up in the Windows Update System Server console. Once it is set up, it downloads all the updates from Microsoft. It will then deliver the updates to the system based on our policies and rules.
What about the implementation team?
The solution's deployment can be done in-house.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We need one single key for Windows deployments, which is a better option. Buying a license with the same key for all systems, like Windows and Windows Desktop, makes configuring easier. Otherwise, it isn't easy to manage multiple keys for different systems.
What other advice do I have?
You can get the tool as a default feature in Windows. You can manage everything from one single place using WUSS. It's free and comes with Windows, but you must buy a license. I rate the overall product a seven out of ten. The solution requires people with experience in systems.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024
Flag as inappropriateTEM Practice at Expleogroup
A solution that is stable and high in performance, generating a significant return on investment for its users
Pros and Cons
- "I am absolutely happy with its stability and performance. It is a stable product."
- "The only complex part was the solution’s tricky setup phase."
What is our primary use case?
Our company currently uses Microsoft Windows Server Update Services to install updates on the Windows systems that have been provisioned in the cloud.
The primary use case for the solution is for managing and monitoring a distributed database system in a production environment.
What is most valuable?
We were specifically looking for cloud-native solutions, and this particular solution perfectly aligns with our roadmap to transition to the cloud and leverage as many cloud-native tools as possible.
It is a tool that helps our organization meet our work requirements. I haven't exploited it to an extent where I can't comment extensively on what features I like in the tool. So, it may take me a year to do so.
What needs improvement?
The only complex part was the solution’s tricky setup phase. It should be made easier. The person working in our company faced challenges initially while trying to enter the solution's setup phase. However, going through the documentation for the solution might be helpful.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for about two months. Also, I am using the solution's latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Considering the two months that I have used the product, I am absolutely happy with its stability and performance. It is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Our company started using the solution recently. We have a limited number of users and administrators within the Azure cloud team who currently utilize the available cloud solution. To be more specific, there are only about three to five users currently using the solution.
Since it can handle a much larger workload than it claims, it is a scalable tool.
Our company plans to increase the usage of the tool extensively when there is a need to move the workload to the cloud platform.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Our company has previously used Microsoft System Center's on-premise version. Since it was a native cloud tool, we moved to Microsoft Windows Server Update Services.
How was the initial setup?
Even though the initial setup was tricky, it was easy since ample documentation was available.
The solution is deployed on the cloud. Regarding the time taken for the deployment process, after experimenting with the tool for a couple of weeks, we were able to get it up and running in our company.
Our company had only one engineer who experimented with the solution and deployed it on the cloud.
What was our ROI?
An ROI is there using the solution since, with the cloud-native products, one has to put less effort into using and managing it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Microsoft's operating model determines the solution's pricing, and we use it based on our enterprise agreement, which incurs an annual cost.
Managing the additional cost beyond the standard license fee can be tricky when deploying a solution on the cloud, as you may also incur charges for data transfer and other related expenses. It is important to be aware of these costs and include them in your total cost considerations so that they don't come as a surprise later on.
What other advice do I have?
I suggest that those planning to use the solution consider whether a cloud-native solution works for them from a cost perspective. If it does, then they should definitely consider it. Since the solution meets my company's requirements, I rate the overall solution a seven to eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Updated: November 2024
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