This blog entry will give you an insight into the self-initiated update functionality of the System Center Online Client.

 

The SC Online client you have installed on your computers does not only perform inventory scans, it also makes sure it is up-to-date with the latest released version of its software.

 

How does the Client update itself? 

The System Center Online Client can update itself either through the standard Windows Update experience or by self initiating the update directly through the System Center Online Client.

 

Updated via Microsoft Update: 

The SC Online client can automatically update itself through the Windows Update experience.  If a system is “opted-in” to Microsoft Update and is set to download and install Recommended and Important updates, your SC Online clients will be updated depending on your client settings (e.g.  Automatically download and install or notify). 

 

Self-initiated update:

For systems not opted into Microsoft Update, or not set to download Recommended updates, the System Center Online Services client can still update itself to the latest version.   

 

When the client runs it looks for updates to itself.  

If a new update is found, it will be downloaded and installed after the current session has finished, to make sure there is no reboot required when the update is installed.

 

If the update system in Windows is set to get updates from an internal server (ex. WSUS), it will look there first.

The client stops looking if the internal server does not have any updates. However, if the server is not reachable the client connects to Microsoft Update. This functionality can be turned off if you do not want clients to connect to Microsoft Update as a backup if they are outside of the corporate network. A laptop that is connecting to the internet from home is a perfect example of this situation.

 

Use the Administrative Template if you wish to turn off direct access to Microsoft Update. We recommend that you only turn it off if you are using a separate update server (ex. WSUS) or if the computer is running Vista and opted-in to Microsoft Update. In the other cases, the clients will not be updated if direct access is turned off.

 

What classifications does the Client use?

Client updates can come in these classifications:

-          Security Update in case a vulnerability is found. Designated as Important.

-          Update to improve  the current version. Designated as Recommended.

-          New functionality. Designated as Optional, but very recommended by the product team!

The frequency of updates for the client will be low. We estimate it to be up to two per year.

 

Why self-initiated update?

The purpose of having the client to update itself is to provide updates for only this product, while using the reliable Microsoft Update channel. The computer does not have to opt-in for updates from other Microsoft products. It is also the only way Recommended and Optional updates will be available for Windows 2000 and XP. Automatic update agent will only install Important updates on those operating systems.

A client that initiates the search for and installation of new updates enables the full functionality for all operating systems supported by AIS, not just Vista.

 

What’s coming?!

When Microsoft Volume License Reconciliation is added to your Asset Inventory Service in Q3 of 2008, we will also release a new version of the client. It will be available when the preview is released. A Product Family and Category will be published in Q3 so it will be visible in WSUS servers.

 

The update will contain improvements that make the client gather more detailed data about the licensing information to enable the new addition to the service. It will also improve the reliability of the scheduling of the tasks that run the client.

 

We really appreciate if you take the time to participate in the Preview of our upcoming release and provide feedback on the service addition that can go into the official release! Look for a new tab in the Web UI, and use the TechNet forums to provide feedback.

 

Annika Elias

Program Manager

System Center Online