By linking Asset Information Manager to WSUS or JP1/Software Distribution, you can easily apply patches and other updates to devices. Asset Information Manager supports taking security measures by allowing you to monitor the centrally managed asset information while patches are being applied.

• Efficient application of patches via linkage to a WSUS server
  Asset Information Manager uses a batch operation to apply patches to devices that have been determined (detected) by the WSUS server to require a patch. If deemed necessary, you can use Asset Information Manager to view the asset information of the detected device when a patch is applied. Because you can quickly check the user, administrator, and other information associated with any device on which an error occurs, this is also helpful to ensure that the patches have been fully applied.
  You can also set the timing of the WSUS server to be synchronized with Microsoft Update. When new updates are released to the WSUS server, an email notification can be sent to the asset manager. This saves you the trouble of having to synchronize the WSUS server and check for new updates, thus enabling you to manage updates more effectively.
  
• Reliable application of patches via linkage to JP1/Software Distribution
  JP1/Software Distribution packages and distributes patches to devices that have been found by Asset Information Manager to require application of a patch. The fact that you can obtain the current status of patch applications by collecting inventory information gives you the assurance that the patch was applied.
  If the system supports JP1/Software Distribution, you can distribute patches even in systems that do not support a WSUS server.
  You can use the same procedure to distribute virus definition files and other updates.
  

The following figure shows the concept of linking to JP1/Software Distribution or to a WSUS server, and applying a Microsoft Update patch to managed devices.

Figure 1-14 Concept of applying a patch from Microsoft Update to devices