14 DAY TRIAL // The Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) 3.0 Release Candidate Public Beta is available as of yesterday, February 12, 2007. According to the WSUS Product Team, users that have not participated in the WSUS Beta 2 program will have to register in order to access the next step of testing.
"If you are just trying out WSUS 3.0 RC for the first time, you will find the WSUS RC release listed at the bottom of available connections on the main Connect site after signing in with either a Passport or Live account. After filling out the brief registration, (which helps us know more about the profile of customers and their environments which an have interest in WSUS), you will be able to access the program and download the bits and documentation from the downloads link," stated a member of the WSUS team.
WSUS 3.0 brings to the table additional features and design elements focused on streamlining update deployment and management. WSUS 3.0 comes with a new configuration wizard, in place upgrade capabilities, a new user interface based on MMC, enhanced viewing, filtering and reporting options, etc.
"The WSUS 3.0 RC is available from Connect.Microsoft.com. WSUS 3.0 RC delivers new features that enable admins to more easily manage and deploy updates across the organization. New features in WSUS 3.0 include a new MMC -based UI with advanced filtering and reporting, improved performance and operational reliability, flexible deployment options to improve branch office support, and more content access through the Microsoft Update Catalog site," added the member of the WSUS team.