Which option will meet these requirements with MINIMAL effort?
Install and use an OS-native patching service to manage the update frequency and release approval for all instances. Use AWS Config to verify the OS state on each instance and report on any patch compliance issues.
Use AWS Systems Manager on all instances to manage patching. Test patches outside of production and then deploy during a maintenance window with the appropriate approval.
Use AWS OpsWorks for Chef Automate to run a set of scripts that will iterate through all instances of a given type. Issue the appropriate OS command to get and install updates on each instance, including any required restarts during the maintenance window.
Migrate all applications to AWS OpsWorks and use OpsWorks automatic patching support to keep the OS up-to-date following the initial installation. Use AWS Config to provide audit and compliance reporting.
Explanations:
While using an OS-native patching service may help manage updates, it does not provide a centralized solution for mixed environments (Windows and Linux) and lacks the integrated patch management features offered by AWS Systems Manager. Additionally, AWS Config only verifies compliance but does not facilitate the actual patching process.
AWS Systems Manager provides a unified interface for managing patching across mixed fleets of Windows and Linux servers. It allows for testing patches in non-production environments and scheduling deployments during maintenance windows, ensuring security and compliance with minimal effort. This option meets the requirements effectively.
Using AWS OpsWorks for Chef Automate requires significant scripting and management overhead, as it involves creating and maintaining scripts for patching each instance type. This approach may also complicate the audit and compliance requirements due to its manual nature.
Migrating all applications to AWS OpsWorks and relying on its automatic patching features could lead to complexity and increased effort. It may not provide the level of control or flexibility needed for a mixed OS environment, and using AWS Config for auditing may not be sufficient for comprehensive compliance needs.
I conclude that the answer is:
Use AWS Systems Manager on all instances to manage patching. Test patches outside of production and then deploy during a maintenance window with the appropriate approval.