Patch management software has become a growing choice of corporations and businesses over the last few years. The Windows operating system and the frequent fixes got the consumer used to the idea of updating, and to limited automated software patch programs. The new patch management solutions bring this to businesses in a way that meets their security needs.
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.
Software for managing patches is available for the business, which has two computers, or for the corporation with a large network and multiple machines. In both cases security and protecting company assets is a prime concern. The latest security patches are essential, and software to manage them can ease the task while still providing the latest security fixes and updates on each machine.
This type of software will utilize a console usually on a single machine of a network. That console can control what fixes or patches are scanned for and how the patches are deployed throughout the system. Included in these software consoles are options also specify which from which sites a patch should be downloaded. Some management software companies maintain their own database of patches and fixes.
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.
Other types of management programs use a central machine as the controller. This central computer with a program on it scans each of the machines in the system applies the necessary system changes on the targeted computers in the network. This is known as agentless management in that the only requirement for the other machines is that they be connected to the network, instead of the internet as is required for agent based solutions. The agentless type of management software requires more direct supervision than the programs which reside on individual machines.
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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