The Windchill RV&S server includes a patch distribution utility that distributes client-side service packs from a central location on the Windchill RV&S server to all connecting clients. Service pack distribution requires minimal input from users working with the Windchill RV&S client.

When a Windchill RV&S administration client or Windchill RV&S client connects to the server, the user is notified if a service pack is available for download. Once the service pack is downloaded, the user is asked to restart the client and the service pack is installed upon restarting. Once the user completes these steps, Windchill RV&S client operations can continue.

In the event that the download process is interrupted, the user is notified that corrective action is necessary. The service pack is not removed from the file system and upon restarting the client machine, the service pack install is attempted again.

There are separate service packs generated for each base version of Windchill RV&S. The patch distribution utility works for all certified service packs. Service packs are saved in ZIP format. For this product release, client-side service packs are saved in the following directory on the Windchill RV&S server:

This directory is also writable by an administrator and service packs placed in this directory are distributed by the Windchill RV&S server automatically to connecting Windchill RV&S clients.