Automated patch management products are a great asset to your business. Not only do they save time, money and man hours when preforming patch updates on your computer network, but they always help to keep it secure and running smoothly. They are also a useful tool in making sure you stay compliant with industry regulations including those laid out by SX, FRCP and HIPAA. However, as automated patch management continues to become increasingly popular the number of automation tool available has increased. How do you know which one to choose?
Let's take a look at the things you need to look for in an automated patch management tool.
One of the most important things to look carefully at when choosing which automated patch management tool you are going to invest in is the features that they offer. Think about what is important to you. There is no point in paying for features that you will never use and similarly, it is a waste of time buying software that does not perform the tasks that you need it too.
There are many questions that you need to ask yourself. Is the tool compatible with the software and hardware that you are using? Can you schedule your patching for a convenient time? Can you decline patches that might cause issues? Can you get 24/7 support from the provider? These are just a few of the questions that you need to ask. You also need to look at the features and functions offered to see if they meet your requirements.
We mentioned looking at the support options offered by the developer of your chosen patch management tools, but you should also look a little deeper into the company. Make sure they are a reputable company that you will be comfortable putting your faith in. Are they rated by the Better Business Bureau? Are there customer testimonials and independent reviews available online? This will give you a better idea of what they are like to deal with; after all you are putting your company's safety and security in their hands so you need to know that you can trust them with that responsibility.
Sometimes, the best way to see if a software package is the right one for you is to try it out for yourself. Look for a patch management system that allows you to trial the product before you make a decision to purchase. Be wary of trial versions that only allow limited features to be tested. You need a fully functional trial to make an informed decision. You can get Batch Patch evaluation version which is fully function but limits the target hosts which is a good way to trial the package on a smaller scale before you commit to purchasing it. Learn more about BatchPatch by visiting their home page.
The most expensive patch management tool on the market is not necessarily the best option. Never feel like you have to overspend to get results. It is much better to evaluate what your budget for this is and then choose accordingly. You will find that implementing patch automation is going to save you money in the long run, so any initial outlay that it involves will be earned back fairly quickly.
These are just a few of the things that you should take into consideration when choosing an automated patch management tool. There are other things to take into account, but these are the main ones and will give you a good starting point to create your shortlist of options.