| Supported Software and Content | |||||
| Product: | MBSA | Microsoft Update | Windows Server Update Services | Essentials 2007 | SMS 2003 |
| Supported Software and Content | Same as MU for security update detection. Windows, IE, Exchange and SQL config checks | Windows 2000+, Exchange 2000+, SQL Server 2000+, Office XP+ with expanding support | Same as MU | Same as WSUS 3.0 + third-party and custom updates | Same as WSUS + NT 4.0 & Win98* + can update any other Windows based software |
| Content Types Supported | Service Packs and Security Updates | All software updates, driver updates, service packs (SPs), and feature packs (FPs) | Same as MU with only critical driver updates | All updates, SPs & FPs, + third-party and custom updates & .MSI & .EXE based app installs | All updates, SPs, & FPs + supports update & app installs for any Windows based software |
| Security Update Management Capabilities | |||||
| Product | MBSA | Microsoft Update | Windows Server Update Services | Essentials 2007 | SMS 2003 |
| Supported Software and Content | Simple | No | Simple | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Network Bandwidth Optimization | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Update Distribution Control | No | No | Simple | Advanced | Advanced |
| Update Installation & Scheduling Flexibility | No | Manual & end user controlled | Simple | Advanced | Advanced |
| Update Installation Status Reporting | Simple | Install errors reported to user. Lists missing updates for accessing computer | Simple | Advanced | Advanced |
| Deployment Planning | No | No | Simple | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Inventory Management | No | No | No | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Compliance Checking | Yes | No | No – status reporting only | Informal compliance status and reporting | Advanced |
