Patch management software has become more popular over recent years with businesses both large and small. Frequent fixes to the windows operating System fix security issues and sometimes add functionality to the programs. They have also gotten the consumer used to the fact that most programs require patches.
A computer user in a home environment will often allow Windows to automatically search for, and apply patches or security packs on an automatic basis. In the corporate or business environment, the same is true, however there are additional programs running that must also be fixed in order to ensure a system is up to date and secure. Taking the time to research and assess each program on each machine could be a task that consumed labor and expense for businesses prior to the introduction of patch software.
However today there are multiple choices in programs for managing updates and patches automatically or semi automatically. Security of the company assets is a primary source of concern for many businesses and enabling the latest security fixes provides enhanced security and functionality to the programs. Although these patches are essential they can be time consuming in larger operations if patch software management is not used.
The software will normally contain a console where administrator preferences can be set. That means the administrator can determine which programs should be updated and scanned and those which can be ignored. There are usually options to choose a patch download site in the console area as well.
Most computers on the network have specific functions and some will have different programs to carry out those functions. A management program for fixes and patches can scan the system and update those programs requested. Unlike a macro the programs can be configured to scan each machine or their own contents and then apply only those patches which are necessary for that specific machine.
One very common type of management program for patches is that of the agent based software. This solution employs an agent, or small program on each machine. The agent scans the machine and makes the necessary changes. When the changes and scan are complete the program reports the results to a central administrative machine.
The other type of common program is that which is in one central location with a single machine managing all aspects of the updates. It will scan each machine on the network, determine the needs of the machine, retrieve the fixes and apply them. While this solution is located in a single machine and configurable it usually requires much more supervision than the agent based solution.
These alternatives have cut the cost of maintaining some security aspects of a large network. It has become popular even among home users. However, a business should consider their available bandwidth, work force, and corporate needs before deciding upon particular management program, since the differences are so striking.
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