VUM does updates for ESX, Linux guests and Windows guests. I don't know what kind of "custom" patches you are referring to, but you can set a static baseline and attach that baseline with the patches you need.
http://www.vmware.com/files/pdf/update_manager_datasheet.pdf
Yes I know that, but can we make our own patches?`based on new version of our own application
not that I am aware of.....
Has the status of this changed at all with the release of vCenter Update Manager 4.0?
Thznk you.
If the usage is to install 3rparty patches, yes VUM supports it, but there are some restrictions..
With vSphere 4.0, VUM supports 'third party' installation of patches from third party vendors. With VUM 4.0, you can configure multiple 'depot' urls (for different vendors).
Each patch that needs to be installed on ESX machines needs to be signed and third party vendors typically work with VMware to get the necessary bits to sign and publish their patches.
if the question is about installing patches of components which are not signed, the answer is no, its not possible with VUM4.0