Best Patch Software in 2024

What is Patch Management Software?

Before understanding the patch management software in detail, let us know its concept in simplest form. When there is a hole in a piece of cloth, we fix it by adding a patch. It is mainly used to simply repair or cover the defective area. This is exactly what a patch management tool does. It creates a piece of code to fix the existing bug in the software.

The main purpose of patch management software is to streamline and automate the identification, deployment, and monitoring of patches across networks device, ensuring that applications and operating systems are up-to-date and secure. This reduces the risk of cyberattacks, enhances system reliability, and minimizes disruptions.

What is the Importance of Patch Management Tools?

Patch management solutions are crucial for maintaining the security and stability of computer systems. Find below a few reasons why it is important:

• Security: It is a major concern, as cybercriminals exploit common software vulnerabilities for unauthorized access. This tool aids in the quick identification and deployment of safety patches, reducing the window for potential attacks.
• Risk reduction: Old or outdated software is more prone to a significant risk to organizations, but patch management ensures that all software remains up to date, addressing known security flaws.
• Compliance: Strict regulatory requirements are essential for many industries, and patch management software helps organizations meet these standards, avoiding penalties.
• Feature updates: The function of this tool is not always limited to applying patches, instead it sometimes also adds new features to apps and devices. These updates can improve asset performance and user productivity.
• Bug fixing: Beyond security, patching enhances software performance and system stability by regularly fixing bugs.
• Reporting & monitoring: This enables IT administrators to track deployment, identify issues, and maintain a comprehensive view of system security status.

Who Can Use Patch Software?

Some of the primary users of patch management tools include:

• IT Administrators: Patch management program can be utilized by IT administrators to efficiently deploy and monitor software updates and security patches across devices, manage networks, servers, and endpoints.
• System Administrators: They rely on patch management tools to ensure the health and security of operating systems and applications on servers and workstations.
• Enterprise Organizations: They benefit from the patch management software via streamlining the patching process and eliminating the risk of cyberattacks.
• Educational Institutions: These include schools, colleges, and universities to secure their networks and protect students’ sensitive data.
• Healthcare Providers: Users find patch management software vital for maintaining security and compliance, safeguarding patient data and adhering to industry regulations.

What are the Features of Patch Management Software?

Key features of patch management software include:

• Patch Deployment Automation: This helps in automating the entire process of identifying and deploying patches across multiple devices and systems. It reduces manual efforts and ensures timely updates.
• Security Patch Management: It focuses on identifying and deploying critical security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats.
• Operating System Updates: The software manages various updates for operating systems, ensuring that the devices are running on the latest and most secure versions.
• Application Patching: This patch updates various software applications for bug fixing, enhancing performance, and addressing security flaws.
• Patch Testing: The software incorporates testing environments to evaluate patch impact on various systems before deploying them to production environments.
• Rollback Functionality: It provides the capability to revert patches in case they result in unexpected issues or conflicts after being deployed.

What are the Different Types of Patches?

Software patches majorly fix the existing bugs and security updates in the software. There are three types of patches:

• Security Patches: A patch is required to upgrade the security of software to fix its weakness. Corrective actions will prevent exploitation of a threat.
• Bug Fix: There might be possibilities that software registers a bug soon after its release. It is important to fix it immediately for the smooth functioning of the software.
• Maintenance Release: It is a small or minor update aimed at fixing an error of software without adding new features.

What are the Benefits of Patch Management Tool?

Benefits of using patch management software include:

• Enhanced Security: By keeping all software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches, patch management software reduces the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.
• Time and Resource Savings: Automation simplifies the patching process and saves IT administrators’ time and effort by eliminating manual patch deployment across multiple devices.
• Improved System Stability: Regular updates fix bugs and vulnerabilities, leading to better software performance and increased system stability.
• Reduced Downtime: Scheduled patch deployments during non-business hours minimize disruptions to operations and maintain user productivity.
• Centralized Control: Patch management software provides a centralized console for administrators to monitor, track, and control patching activities across networks from a single location.
• Vulnerability Protection: Swift deployment of critical security patches safeguards the software against known vulnerabilities, minimizing the risk of exploitation.
• Scalable Solution: Patch management software efficiently scales to handle expanding network sizes and diverse device types.

Comparison of top Patch Management Software

Features	GFI LanGuard	HEAT PatchLink	Microsoft SCCM Patch Management	Symantec Patch Management Solution
Features	web based reporting, track latest vulnerabilities, patch management	Track latest vulnerabilities, Patch Management	Real-time management, Compliance settings, Endpoint Protection	Data and Threat Protection, Secure Remote Work, Consistent Compliance
3rd Party Integration	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Platform Supported	Windows, macOS and Linux	Windows, Linux, Unix and macOS	Windows, Linux, Unix and macOS	Windows XP (and newer), macOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux, browsers
Pricing	On Request	Starts at $25 per desktop node	Starts at USD$1,323	Starts at $50 per endpoint
Free Trial	30 days free trial	Yes	Yes	Yes

What are the Factors to Choose the Right Patch Management Software?

Consider the following factors while selecting the right patch management software:

• Compatibility: Ensure the software works seamlessly with your existing operating systems, applications, and devices, allowing efficient patch management across your network.
• Patch Coverage: Verify that the software supports various types of patches, such as security updates, bug fixes, and software enhancements.
• Automation and Customization: Look for automation features to simplify patch deployment, along with options to customize patching schedules and policies to fit your organization's specific needs.
• User-Friendliness: Opt for software with a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation to make the patch management process easy for your IT team.
• Vendor Support: Reliable vendor support and regular updates are crucial for resolving issues promptly and keeping the software up to date.
• Integration: Check if the software can seamlessly integrate with other IT management tools and systems, enhancing overall efficiency and workflow.
• Pricing: Evaluate the pricing model and licensing options to ensure they align with your budget and meet your requirements.