Microsoft Solutions for Management - 11/1/04
Released: Patch Management Using Systems Management Server 2003 Solution Accelerator version 3.0
The Patch Management Using Systems Management Server 2003 Solution Accelerator version 3.0 focuses on the reduction of risk through identification of machines in the SMS-managed environment, as well as the SMS-unmanaged environment. It provides sample automation scripts and reporting that will assist administrators in performing the four-step patch management process of Assessing, Identifying, Evaluating and Planning, and Deploying software updates with SMS 2003. It is based on Microsoft® Operations Framework (MOF) and built on Systems Management Server 2003. Sample scripts for assessing patch management are provided for the following technologies:
- Virtual Server 2005 and Virtual PC 2004 installations to include host and guest operating system type, Virtual Server 2005 guest state (Saved, Stopped, Running), Undoable mode (Enable/Disabled), and combination reporting, which joins host and guest sessions into a single view that enables the administrator to prepare for end-to-end patching of virtual computers.
- Microsoft SQL Server™ 2000 installations running on server and desktop operating systems, SQL Server instance names, and installed operating system version.
- Microsoft Office component-level details to include Suite (XP, 2000, 2003), ProductID, installation source paths, installation dates, and language versions. This is done by providing automation and guidance to customers on how to extend SMS Hardware Inventory or using SMS Software Inventory, thus complementing and extending existing SMS capabilities.
- Patching products not supported by MBSA. Use SMS 2003 Software Inventory to capture information about applications that are installed but not tracked in MBSA.
