1.1 Features of Patch Management

Patch Management has the world's largest repository of automated patches, including patches for all major operating systems and various third-party applications. By preconfiguring Patch Management to detect patch vulnerabilities and then creating policies to patch those vulnerabilities, Patch Management can quickly cache patches from the patch repository and deploy them to managed devices.

Patch Management creates a Patch Fingerprint Profile that includes all missing patches for each machine, ensuring the continued compliance of each end point. Each end point is then continually monitored to make sure it stays patched. In addition, because many organizations need to demonstrate patch compliance, Patch Management provides standard reports that document changes and demonstrate progress toward internal and external audit and compliance requirements.

The following table describes the important features of Patch Management:

Table 1-1 Patch Management Features

Feature

Description

Patented multi-platform patch management

Enables security of all operating systems and applications within heterogeneous networks, including Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) and Linux distributions. US Pat #6999660.

World's largest automated patch repository

Provides the largest repository of tested patches to support all major operating systems and applications used in the enterprise.

Policy-based administration

Ensures that all systems meet regulatory compliance by using patch policies to deploy patches on devices that need them.

Extensive pre-testing

Reduces the amount of development and testing required prior to patch deployment.

Agent-based architecture

Protects laptop and mobile devices that are often disconnected from the network, and reduces network bandwidth usage.

Automatic notifications

Distributes e-mail alerts directly to administrators for proactive security and administrative management.

Patch fingerprint accuracy

Ensures the highest level of accuracy in the detection of security patches.

Multi-patch deployments

Delivers multiple patches to multiple computers in one distribution to increase IT productivity.

Flexible application reporting

Audits and reports on the status of the organization's security.