Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) has been a go-to patch management tool for over two decades, providing IT administrators with a way to distribute Microsoft updates across their environments.
However, as Microsoft has officially deprecated WSUS and the tool struggles to keep up with modern IT demands, many administrators are actively searching for a replacement.
Action1, a cloud-native patch management platform, has become one of the most attractive alternatives. Today we will demonstrate part of why that is, and how the future looks for WSUS and a world without it.
This article takes a hands-on look at how Action1 compares to WSUS across installation, maintenance, day-to-day operations, and overall capabilities.
1. Installation and Setup
WSUS: Setting up WSUS is not a small task. It requires a Windows Server license, SQL Server or Windows Internal Database, sufficient disk space for storing update files, and proper IIS configuration. Administrators must also handle role installation, synchronization schedules, and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to direct endpoints to the WSUS server.
Many configurations in many places that all have to align properly to get proper function. Misconfigurations are common, and many admins spend hours to days just getting WSUS to sync and operate reliably across a network.
Action1: Action1 requires no server installation, database setup, or GPO juggling. As a cloud-native service, it can be accessed immediately after signup. Agents are deployed to endpoints directly, and once installed, they begin checking in with the Action1 platform automatically. Setup typically takes minutes to get started, to hours max for large scale deploys, potentially saving days of overhead in the implementation phases alone.
Bottom line: WSUS requires significant infrastructure and setup effort, while Action1 offers a near-instant deployment with no on-premises footprint.
2. Infrastructure and Maintenance
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