What type of updates does AWS IoT Device Management support for remote devices?

AWS IoT Device Management supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, which is crucial for managing and maintaining remote devices. OTA updates allow users to effectively send firmware, software, and security updates to devices deployed in the field, ensuring they remain secure and up-to-date without requiring physical access to the devices. This capability is particularly vital as it enables organizations to manage large fleets of IoT devices efficiently, reduce downtime, and protect against vulnerabilities, all while minimizing logistical challenges and costs associated with physical retrievals or manual updates.

Patch management would typically refer to the process of applying updates to software, which aligns closely with the OTA update concept but is more specific to fixing vulnerabilities rather than encompassing all types of updates that can be done remotely. Physical retrieval updates imply that devices must be brought back to a central location for updates, which defeats the purpose of a remote management system. Subscription service updates suggest a recurring service model but do not directly relate to the capabilities needed for updating remote devices.