Comparing MBSA, MU, WSUS, Essentials 2007 and SMS 2003
Updated: May 8, 2007
Find out which update management solution best meets your needs: Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA), Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), System Center Essentials (Essentials) 2007, or Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003.
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About Update Management
Comparing MBSA, MU, WSUS, Essentials 2007 and SMS 2003
About Update Management
Update management is an important function of maintaining any set of computers, from a single PC to an enterprise datacenter. The ability to identify which updates exist and deploy those updates in a timely and automated manner can help maintain security and productivity for yourself and your organization.
Microsoft offers three tiers of update management products designed to fit the needs of the individual user, small to mid-sized business, and enterprise customer. To help you decide which is best for you, the following tables compare each of these offerings.
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Comparing MBSA, MU, WSUS, Essentials 2007 and SMS 2003
| Supported Software and Content |
| Product: | MBSA | Microsoft Update | Windows Server Update Services | Essentials 2007 | SMS 2003 |
| Supported Software and Content | Same as MU for security update detection. Windows, IE, Exchange and SQL config checks | Windows 2000+, Exchange 2000+, SQL Server 2000+, Office XP+ with expanding support | Same as MU | Same as WSUS 3.0 + third-party and custom updates | Same as WSUS + NT 4.0 & Win98* + can update any other Windows based software |
| Content Types Supported | Service Packs and Security Updates | All software updates, driver updates, service packs (SPs), and feature packs (FPs) | Same as MU with only critical driver updates | All updates, SPs & FPs, + third-party and custom updates & .MSI & .EXE based app installs | All updates, SPs, & FPs + supports update & app installs for any Windows based software |
| Security Update Management Capabilities |
| Product | MBSA | Microsoft Update | Windows Server Update Services | Essentials 2007 | SMS 2003 |
| Supported Software and Content | Simple | No | Simple | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Network Bandwidth Optimization | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Update Distribution Control | No | No | Simple | Advanced | Advanced |
| Update Installation & Scheduling Flexibility | No | Manual & end user controlled | Simple | Advanced | Advanced |
| Update Installation Status Reporting | Simple | Install errors reported to user. Lists missing updates for accessing computer | Simple | Advanced | Advanced |
| Deployment Planning | No | No | Simple | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Inventory Management | No | No | No | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Compliance Checking | Yes | No | No – status reporting only | Informal compliance status and reporting | Advanced |
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