It’s no secret that much of an IT Pro’s workload involves managing updates, whether that involves downloading, testing, approving, deploying, or reporting on these updates. Microsoft acknowledges that this workload is not only resource-intensive, but is also critical in order to maintain a secure posture in your network environment and to mitigate security vulnerabilities. Microsoft’s strategy for easing the IT Pro’s workload in regards to Windows Updates is to handle updates to different systems in different ways.
Distribution rings, a concept familiar to those who have been test driving the Windows 10 Technical Preview, allows end users or more likely IT Pros to define whether to prioritize stability or new features by placing computers in the slow or fast ring, respectively.
Maintenance windows are very familiar to IT Pros, but in the case of Windows Update for Business, it refers not to system maintenance, but to allow for automated installation of Windows updates. Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, Terry Myerson, stated that these maintenance windows will be robust enough to schedule blackout dates for the last week of a quarter, or other complex scheduling needs driven by your organization.
Peer-to-peer delivery of Windows updates will allow for optimization through the update deployment process, particularly for organizations with limited or no support from WSUS servers such as corporations with many branch offices or remote locations.
For organizations with an existing Windows update deployment strategy, Microsoft promises Windows Update for Business will integrate with existing enterprise tools such as System Center and Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS).
Windows Update for Business will be free for Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise devices.
