MS Patches Management software: SUS vs 3rd party

[Andres Martinez <artiman () cable net co>]

I'm looking the best solution for one of our customers to deal with the administration and deployment of security 
patches, if somebody can make a recommendation based on real experience I'll appreciate.
Customer server environment:
 
125 servers: 80% Windows 2000 - 20 % Windows NT 4.0 (They are planning to get rid of NT servers soon)
All servers on same physical location.
There is no central administration of servers: Server managment provided for different people with different Technical 
skills. Hard to get control. Few IT resources.
By default Windows installations = High risk of security problems.
Lack of security policies for server management and security.
Very reactive to solve problems.
Lack of software or scripts to automatize processes like patches deployment.
They already have had serious problems due to virus like welchia and blaster who exploit know security vulnerabilities.
Corporate Symantec antivirus used for virus protection, but not installed on all servers, problems with antivirus 
updates on some servers.
It is hard to obtain approval for reboot servers due to mission critical role and business nature (healthcare 
industry), so minimun downtime is required.
What would you use ?

MS Sofware Update Services (SUS) which is free

or Third party software like Hfnetchk Pro or St Bernard Update expert 
(http://www.mcpmag.com/Features/print.asp?EditorialsID=354)

 

Waiting for your comments

 

Thanks

 

Andres

 

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