The SoftwareUpdateManager is a system component that provides updates to firmware or software running on a Device. The SoftwareUpdateManager may implement the standard model defined in OPC 10000-100, however, it often will be specific to the Manufacturer. This document defines APIs that allow any SoftwareUpdateManager to coordinate with the components defined in this document.

The SoftwareUpdateManager is an important part of the onboarding process because it is necessary to ensure that Devices with out-of-date firmware are not allowed on the network. The interactions between the SoftwareUpdateManager and the other components are described in clause 7. The SoftwareUpdateManager may not be present in systems where the OwnerOperator has other mechanisms in place to ensure the Devices have up to date firmware.