Method for retrieving updates via the internet

A device includes a software agent that discovers a controller. Current state information indicating upgradeable files currently installed on the device is maintained. The agent sends the current state information to the controller, and the controller sends the current state information to a repository, via the Internet. The repository determines upgradeable files currently installed on the device based on the current state information, and checks for file updates for the upgradeable files. The repository sends file update information to the controller. The file update information includes file update locations. The controller sends the file update information to the agent, and the agent requests the controller to retrieve file updates. The controller retrieves each file update from its file update location on the Internet. The controller sends a notification to the agent when the file updates are retrieved, and the agent retrieves the file updates from the controller.