MS Patch Validation

[cruz]

Is ThingWorx on-prem validated against MS/Windows patches? If so, is this posted information posted anywhere?

[slangley]

Hi @cruz.

We have no insight regarding the release of patches by Microsoft, therefore we are not in a position to validate ThingWorx against these updates.  In general, Microsoft patches do not cause issues for our product, but it may depend on the content of the patch.  For example, if a security patch is released that may result in the settings on your machine being changed, you may experience a problem, but it would require an update at the OS level to resolve.

If you do experience issues, we're happy to investigate.  Please report any such issues through the case logger.

Regards.

--Sharon

[cruz]

Hi Sharon 

Thanks for the response. So, just to confirm - you're saying that, for the most part, ThingWorx on-prem is compatible with all MS patches...correct?

[slangley]

HI @cruz.

No, that's not what I'm saying.  We have no way of predicting if a patch released by Microsoft will affect ThingWorx, but historically we have had few issues, if any. 

If there something specific driving your inquiry?

Regards.

--Sharon

[cruz]

Hi Sharon

I guess I'm not understanding what you mean by " we have no way of predicting if a patch released by MS will affect ThingWorx". You don't have to predict it - I would have thought that, as soon as MS releases a patch, PTC would do some testing to ensure it does not cause issues with on-prem ThingWorx so that, in the event that it did, you would warn your customers not to apply it. I am surprised that PTC is not doing this. 

I am looking for a compatibility list or something to that affect that will let me know if a particular MS patch will cause issues with ThingWorx so that, if it does, I can prevent the patch from being applied (for example, the recent DCOM hardening patch). I am looking for a "warm and fuzzy" reassurance, in other words.

Thanks!

[slangley · Accepted solution]

Hi @cruz.

I reached out to our Product Mgmt and QA teams to get more information.  I was advised that we test the latest OS patches for each version being released.  Keep in mind that this will only apply to the OS versions supported, which are documented in the System Requirements for the relevant release.

Regards.

--Sharon

[cruz]

Thank you for the additional research and response. That makes sense.