Current configuration information of an information processing apparatus, post configuration information after updating a software, configuration information of a network device are stored in a database. A selection of a software image for updating the software of the information processing apparatus and a change of a configuration of the network device are considered, based on the pieces of configuration information. An automation of an operation of updating the software is realized by sending a result of consideration to an agent deployed in the information processing apparatus and causing the information processing apparatus to perform a desired processing.