A software maintenance system for managing a software distribution system for distributing a software package to one or more target machines is described. The software distribution system comprises a plurality of software distribution parts. At least one of the software distribution parts is provided at each target machine for receiving the software package. The software management system comprises a software maintenance server for receiving a software package for updating one or more target machines and at least one software maintenance unit for each software distribution part. The software maintenance server is configured to: define at least target machines for download of the software package and provide the software package to the software distribution system.Each software maintenance unit for each software distribution part is for acting as an interface between the software maintenance server and each software distribution part.Each software maintenance unit is configured to control the respective software distribution part to achieve distribution of the software package to each target machine via the respective software distribution part.