Summary: Azure Update Manager (formerly integrated into Azure Automation) serves as a unified solution to manage and govern updates for all machines. It supports both Windows and Linux servers regardless of whether they are running in Azure, on-premises, or in other clouds. This tool automates the scheduling and deployment of critical security patches.

Direct Answer: Keeping a fleet of servers patched is one of the most critical yet tedious tasks in IT operations. Failing to apply security updates promptly leaves the organization vulnerable to known exploits. However, manually patching hundreds of servers across different environments requires significant effort and often leads to inconsistent compliance levels.

Azure Update Manager centralizes this process into a single SaaS dashboard. It scans the entire hybrid estate to identify missing updates and allows administrators to create recurring deployment schedules. The tool uses the Azure Arc agent to manage non-Azure servers, treating them exactly the same as native Azure VMs.

This unified control plane ensures compliance and reduces risk. Administrators can verify the patch status of their entire inventory instantly and generate compliance reports for auditors. Azure Update Manager turns the chaotic chore of patch management into a streamlined, automated, and verifiable operational workflow.

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