A network wherein a generator is communicatively coupled to an update
store or repository employs an update package container or catalog (UPC)
that may be used to save information, using an XML format. The UPC may
comprise update packages for one or more devices, and one or more
transitions of versions for each device. The UPC may also comprise
metadata information and security information associated with each the
update packages. The complete update packages and associated metadata may
be incorporated into an UPC, or external references to the update
packages may be provided.