Adobe opts for put-it-in-your-diary patch days

Following the example set by Microsoft and Oracle, Adobe Systems is planning to release security updates for its products on a set schedule.

Starting sometime next year, Adobe will issue security patches for its products on a monthly basis, Adrian Ludwig, manager of security software engineering at the San Jose, California-based software maker, said during a meeting with reporters in Sab Francisco.

Like Microsoft and Oracle, Adobe is moving to a set schedule to allow people to plan for the updates. Ludwig said: "Customers have told us that they don't like to be surprised."

Adobe's products are widely used, especially Adobe Reader and the Macromedia Flash Player, which are installed on the majority of internet-connected PCs, Ludwig said. Last week, Adobe completed the acquisition of Macromedia.

Microsoft releases its fixes every second Tuesday of the month, and Oracle releases its updates on a quarterly basis.

Adobe has not yet decided which day of the month will be its patch day, Ludwig said. The company plans to also offer advanced notification if it will release an update on its designated day, just as Microsoft does, he said.

Joris Evers writes for CNET News.com