Amazon RDS Custom for SQL Server introduces OS update scheduling feature

Amazon RDS Custom for SQL Server has introduced a new feature that allows users to view and schedule operating system (OS) updates for RDS provided engine versions (RPEV). This service offers a pre-installed SQL Server version on an Amazon Machine Image (AMI). With this update, when new OS updates become available for RPEV, customers can choose to view these updates, apply them immediately, or schedule them during their next maintenance window.

This functionality is accessible through RDS Custom APIs. To see available OS updates, users can utilize the describe-pending-maintenance-actions API. Furthermore, customers can subscribe to RDS-EVENT-0230 to receive notifications when new updates are available for their database instance.

For applying updates, the apply-pending-maintenance-action API can be used to either implement the updates right away or plan them for the upcoming maintenance window. This capability offers users a streamlined way to manage and implement OS updates effectively.

These new features are designed to enhance the user experience by allowing better tracking and application of necessary updates. For further details, users are encouraged to consult the Amazon RDS Custom for SQL Server User Guide. The new features are available across all AWS Regions that support RDS Custom for SQL Server.