What is VM Manager?
VM Manager is a Google Cloud service for managing Compute Engine VM fleets. The service offers three core functions: automated OS patch management, OS inventory management, and OS policies for software management. This enables organizations to keep their VM fleets secure and compliant.
The service works agent-based through the OS Config agent installed on managed VMs. Patches are automatically applied according to configurable policies, and compliance status is centrally monitored. Usage is billed per VM with an active OS Config agent, in addition to the regular Compute Engine costs for the VMs themselves.
Core Features
- Patch management: Automated OS patching with configurable schedules and policies, including on-demand patches
- Compliance reporting: Overview of patch status across all VMs with compliance scoring
- OS inventory management: Collection of installed software and configurations across the entire VM fleet
- OS policies: Automated installation, removal, and updating of software packages
Typical Use Cases
Automated Security Patching
IT teams configure patch policies that automatically apply security updates on a defined schedule. Maintenance windows ensure patches are only installed at acceptable times.
Compliance Audits
For regulatory requirements, VM Manager provides an up-to-date overview of the patch status of the entire VM fleet at any time with detailed compliance reports.
Benefits
- Reduces risk from unpatched vulnerabilities
- Central management of large VM fleets across Windows and Linux
- Automation saves manual maintenance work
- Consistent compliance reports as a basis for audits
Integration with innFactory
As a certified Google Cloud partner, innFactory supports you with VM Manager: patch strategies, compliance configuration, and integration into existing IT operations processes.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VM Manager?
VM Manager is a Google Cloud service for managing Compute Engine VM fleets. It includes automated patch management, compliance reporting, and OS inventory management, as well as OS policies for software installation and updates.
Which operating systems are supported?
VM Manager supports both Windows and Linux operating systems on Compute Engine, including common distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, RHEL, and SLES. Patch policies can be configured per operating system.
Does VM Manager cost extra?
Yes, VM Manager is now billed separately, priced per VM with an active OS Config agent, in addition to the regular Compute Engine fees for the managed VMs. Earlier unrestricted free usage no longer applies; current prices are available on the official pricing page.
What is the difference between patch management, OS inventory, and OS policies?
Patch management applies on-demand or scheduled patches and provides compliance reports. OS inventory collects information about installed software and configurations across the VM fleet. OS policies control the automatic installation, removal, and updating of software packages.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Google Cloud (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Google Cloud.
