Basic patch management
To enhance the security of the Customer's server, Windows servers are updated via a central system. The update server performs the security updates of the Customer's Windows operating system. As soon as Microsoft launches updates, this system (WSUS) will download critical updates and subsequently distribute them to the Customer's server. With Linux servers, critical updates are directly collected from the distributor.
Depending on the schedule that Combell drew up, the updates will be carried out at precise moments. Combell always arranges for updates to be performed at night. Critical updates are installed within 48 hours. Other updates are performed within one week. Service packs are always tested in our test environment first, before they are distributed through the server farm. Upon request, the Customer can be notified when updates are performed. Other software (like SQL Server or mail server) installed by Combell is also updated by Combell. Among other things, installation of security patches and service packs is automatically included with every server.
Upgrades to newer versions, like e.g. upgrades from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 or from Windows 2003 standard edition to Windows 2003 enterprise edition, are not included. Such upgrades can be performed upon the Customer's request and are invoiced at the Advanced Support rates that prevail at that moment.
