Comparison of Servicing Solutions

The following table provides a comparison of the supported Windows XP Embedded servicing solutions.

Solution	Description	Benefits	Drawbacks
Device Update Agent (DUA)	DUA is a Windows XP Embedded product for patch management. It provides a robust servicing solution. For more information, see Device Update Agent.	Small footprint. Provides complete control over update installation.	Can use only with Windows XP Embedded. All update actions require scripting.
Software Update Services (SUS)	SUS is a servicing solution that uses an intelligent management schema for updating devices. For more information, see Software Update Services (SUS).	Works with Windows XP Embedded and Windows XP Professional. Provides autoscan capabilities to check for deployed security updates.	Uses only security updates that are provided by Microsoft.
Systems Management Server (SMS)	SMS is a solution that can be used to manage and service devices. It uses an integrated management schema for updating devices. For more information, see Systems Management Server (SMS).	Works with many Windows operating systems. Provides reporting and scheduling capabilities.	Does not provide patch scanning.

The following table compares the different servicing solutions and common scenarios for each solution.

Solution	Common Scenario
Device Update Agent (DUA)	Any networked device. Ideal for small-footprint devices or smaller environments.
Software Update Services (SUS)	Used to updates devices on an intranet . Ideal for medium to large enterprise environments.
Systems Management Server (SMS)	Ideal for enterprise environments with a variety of Windows clients that require management capabilities.

See Also

Run-Time Image Servicing | Device Update Agent | Software Update Services (SUS) | Systems Management Server (SMS) | Deploy a Run-Time Image

Last updated on Wednesday, October 18, 2006

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