Apple SW Update for 3rd Parties?

It's a "no brainer" really. It's a concept that's well overdue for implementation.

Wow this migh be quite Intresting, if true.

This might lead to some very new paths.

this is a damn fine idea, lets hope it becomes a reality.

Finally! No more hunting around Version Tracker or MacUpdate to see if I'm running the latest build of things. This is a very good idea, and would be the ultimate addition to Apple's "ease of use."

I'm just wondering how this would work, would it have to check in with Apple's servers, or would the developers be able to specify their own update URL?

well, in apple's attempt to compete against microsoft sometimes i think they forget about the other main player...Linux.
There are several versions of Linux that offer integrated updaters like this. They let you know of new versions of programs and libraries that have installed in your distribution. It is usually pretty painless. I have no doubt if Apple does this it will be one of the best (and a great selling point I might add) features to MacOS X. As long as they can do this without getting any personal information (aka. Palladium) I'm all for it.
Viva La Apple!!!!

Great idea IF and ONLY IF apple puts some real security around it. This would be a very tempting way to roll out a virus.

--nw

Is Apple already partenered with Aladdin Systems to do this? Here's the reason I think they are.

For Christmas, my parents got my brother a 17" iMac. After we got it hooked up, I ran software update. One of the updates I had to download was an update for Aladdin Systems Stuffit Expander. This was the first non-Apple update I had ever seen. Is anyone had this happen?

Originally posted by RBMaraman
Is Apple already partenered with Aladdin Systems to do this? Here's the reason I think they are.

For Christmas, my parents got my brother a 17" iMac. After we got it hooked up, I ran software update. One of the updates I had to download was an update for Aladdin Systems Stuffit Expander. This was the first non-Apple update I had ever seen. Is anyone had this happen?

Apple did this because it was a "security update" and as far as I know all Macs are bundled with StuffIt Expander, so it's their responsibility to notify us of the update. Just like Internet Explorer updates show up, even though it's made by M$.

Yeah.

They need to separate the 3rd-party updates from the Apple ones though. Make them in a separate tab. This is so you can, say, only download system updates if you want to. Plus there would be a LOT of stuff to pick through. A preference pane to customise which apps you want in the SWupdate?

Sounds like something to be bundled in with Mac OS 10.3 :)