Managing WAS6 Service Packs

Up until recently we only had a couple of java apps running under WAS 6
and these apps were seasonal so we could install service packs in the
off-season. Now we have a dozen java apps that are being used all the
time. If WAS6 service packs were installed like normal PFTs we could
automate them but since service packs are installed via a Windows .exe
we can't (or maybe just don't know how). I would like to know how others
manage service pack installs. 

 

We have a test WAS server and a production WAS server. Is it possible to
install a service pack against just the test WAS server or do both have
to get updated at the same time?

 

Can the service pack be setup to auto-install like PFTs or is running
the .exe manually the only way? If running the .exe is the only way do
you have someone work the midnight shift or a weekend to install them or
might you connect to your office PC from home (terminal services,
GoToMyPc, PcAnywhere, etc) and run the .exe?

 

Any other tips you might have on dealing with service packs.

 

Thanks