Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) deprecation

"All customers that are using Volume Licensing automatically have an Azure.com login / Entra AD based and the first one is even global admin."

Karl-WE Thank you for the clarification. I did not know that, but simply having this default account is a far cry from having users and devices in AAD. Also, what about customers who purchased retail licenses through CDW or Dell, or wherever? Or, if they did not buy software assurance, would they have this automatic AAD account created?

A note about Azure Stack HCI:  It is only "free" if you have Windows Datacenter licenses with active software assurance (SA) for your Hyper-V servers. You must keep SA renewed to receive this benefit. It's basically a subscription. I mention this because AUM licensing is confusing, but it might be "no additional cost" if you have deployed Azure Stack HCI in the way Microsoft desires. Of course, these "free" benefits are only free as long as Microsoft wishes.

People say,

WSUS hasn't received updates for years, so this deprecation means nothing.

Wrong!

To maximize revenue, consider this plan:

1. Create a subscription-based, cloud replacement and provide [temporary] exceptions so that it is "free" to many customers
2. Deprecate WSUS so we can kill it whenever we want. Do not provide any guarantees of future WSUS "functionality" in the announcement.
3. Convince MVPs to shill for us: Applaud AUM, ignore AUM shortcomings, exaggerate WSUS flaws, and remind customers that AUM is probably "free" for them
4. Let some time pass for customers to calm down and forget how mad they are. Keep improving AUM
5. Once AUM is "good enough", shut down the Internet servers that WSUS uses. When people complain it stops working, remind them of the post on Sep 20, 2024 where it was deprecated. Explain they should be happy WSUS worked for as long as it did, and that AUM is "better" and probably "free" for them
6. Let some time pass for customers to calm down and forget how mad they are. No need to continue improving AUM
7. Remove the exceptions that make it "free". Sometime later, move AUM into higher-prices subscription tiers
8. Profit!

Once you are in the cloud, you are owned. You will do exactly what Microsoft wants, and you no longer have the choice to not upgrade. Remember Automation Update Management?