In a recent move, Microsoft announced the deprecation of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), signaling a significant shift in how businesses will handle updates and endpoint management moving forward.
As of September 20, 2024, Microsoft has ceased investment in new capabilities and is no longer accepting feature requests for WSUS. While the existing functionality will remain available, the focus is shifting to cloud-native management tools, forcing businesses to rethink their approach to updating systems and maintaining compliance in an increasingly complex IT landscape.
For many companies, WSUS has been a trusted tool for decades, primarily managing operating system (OS) updates, firmware, and drivers for servers and endpoints. However, with its deprecation, it’s clear that relying on a legacy tool is no longer sufficient to stay current in today’s ever-evolving digital environment.
Why Cloud-Native Management?
The deprecation of WSUS is more than just the end of an era—it’s an invitation to explore cloud-native technologies that offer greater scalability, flexibility, and security. As businesses look for alternatives, three tools have emerged as the primary options for managing updates in this new paradigm: Microsoft Intune, Autopatch, and Azure Update Manager.
Here’s why moving to these cloud-native solutions in the wake of WSUS deprecation presents a strategic advantage:
1. Endpoint Management with Intune
For endpoints, Intune is a robust, cloud-based platform designed for modern device enrollment and management. As part of Microsoft’s E3/A3 and E5/A5 licensing plans, it allows businesses to leverage their existing investments while enabling the latest capabilities in managing Windows updates, driver patches, and firmware. This shift helps businesses stay current with the latest OS updates without needing manual intervention, saving valuable time and resources.
2. Automated Firmware and Driver Updates with Autopatch
Autopatch is another cloud-native service that focuses specifically on automating driver and firmware updates. By eliminating the need for manual processes, Autopatch helps ensure that all devices across a business are up to date, improving security and reducing the risk of vulnerabilities. This tool is integrated with Microsoft Intune, allowing businesses to manage their endpoints more seamlessly while using a unified platform for device health.
3. Server Updates via Azure Update Manager
While endpoint management tools like Intune and Autopatch are straightforward, server management is where businesses may face a bigger challenge. Azure Update Manager is now the go-to tool for managing server updates. It offers more advanced telemetry and security features, aligning with Microsoft’s billion-dollar annual investment in cybersecurity.
However, there is a cost associated with this transition—$5 per server per month. While this may raise concerns for businesses with large server environments, the enhanced capabilities of Azure Update Manager, such as always-on patching, offer significant benefits.
Historically, Microsoft’s monthly “Patch Tuesday” was the designated time for rolling out updates. While convenient, this approach also created gaps, leaving systems vulnerable in the interim between patches. The move to Azure Update Manager allows for more dynamic, real-time updates. If a critical day-zero security fix is needed, IT teams can quickly deploy patches across both servers and endpoints, improving overall system resilience.
The Financial Impact: A Key Consideration
For many businesses, the biggest adjustment with this transition will be the added cost of server management with Azure Update Manager. However, this cost must be weighed against the increased security, automation, and efficiency that comes with adopting cloud-native solutions.
The move also helps IT departments consolidate tools and reduce reliance on older, on-premises infrastructure, streamlining operations in the long term.
Key Takeaways: Moving Forward with Cloud-Native Solutions
The deprecation of WSUS is a clear signal that the future of IT management lies in the cloud. Businesses that have relied on WSUS will want to consider starting to plan their migration to more modern, cloud-native solutions, such as Microsoft Intune, Autopatch, and Azure Update Manager. While there may be upfront costs—particularly for server management—the benefits of enhanced security, real-time patching, and streamlined operations make this a forward-looking investment.
Now is the time for businesses to take advantage of the tools already available within their existing Microsoft licensing, embrace cloud-native solutions, and future-proof their endpoint and server management strategies. The change is not just about adapting to a new toolset—it’s about preparing for the evolving digital landscape where speed, security, and scalability are paramount.
With Microsoft placing its focus on cloud-based solutions, staying current and secure means embracing this shift—and the sooner, the better.
