Now this is a nice idea! InfoWorld is reporting that Microsoft and Dell are working together in order to provide a double-whammy with software and hardware patch solutions.

In what I consider to be a wise move for both companies, both companies will empower you with the ability to download and install patches for both Microsoft updates, software and hardware updates all at one time. Wow! What a time saver that would be!

Dell’s OpenManage 4 change management software will work with Microsoft’s Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 to offer customers a centralized view of all Dell PowerEdge servers on their network. When customers apply software updates, they will be able to use the integrated application to handle Dell firmware and BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) updates at the same time they update their operating system and applications software. Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, said the integration link, called SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Dell Updates, will be available in January as a free download on Microsoft’s Web site.