Abstract: A method and a tool simplify the analysis and maintenance of program products installed on plural computers. Product version information is gathered from each of a plurality of computers of a similar type. This information is then reorganized into one or more groups each containing the information gathered from a plurality of the computers such that the computers within each group have installed thereon program products the versions of which are upgrade compatible. The information in each group is used to guide the process of maintaining and upgrading the program products installed on the computers whose product information is within that group.

Abstract: A patch selection tool providing a method and apparatus for identifying software patches for installation on a computer system in which current versions of software applications installed on the computer system are identified as well as currently installed patches, products, and versions. An initial list of recommended patches is generated based on the combination of the installed products and the validated list of datasheet selected products, a final list is created by modifying the initial list to remove bad or outdated patches.