Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), also called Windows Update Services (WUS), is a free add-on for managing patches and updates to the Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2000, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

Aimed mainly at small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), WSUS is intermediate between the simpler Windows Update for individual computer users and the more robust Systems Management Server (SMS) for large enterprises.

WSUS features include:

• The incorporation of bandwidth management for optimum use of network resources
• Automatic download of updates by category
• The ability to target updates to specific computers or sets of computers
• Enhanced reporting capabilities
• Multiple language support.

WSUS is the successor to Software Update Services (SUS).