I read that Matco scanner supplier Launch, actually holds a patent for being customers to be able to select specific manufacturer software modules ala carte, so if you think you only need to update GM , and Toyota you could choose to buy only what you need. It seems like a process that would not be something you could patent , but a tech on another platform posted what the patent reads. It's too bad we currently cannot buy just the one manufacturer update for $50 to test the waters for the rest before buying a years worth of everything.
"US Pat#8930067:
Systems and methods for a diagnostic software service that utilizes a
subscription model to distribute diagnostic software to diagnostic
tools. An application server provides software modules to which a
technician subscribes and, once subscribed, are utilized via the
diagnostic application. Subscription to software modules enable the
technician to add and utilize specific diagnostic functionality in an a
la carte manner."