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Important steps for updating applications, drivers and operating systems
Efficient update and patch management is crucial for a secure, stable IT infrastructure. Repetitive tasks cost IT teams over five hours a week - an effort that slows down innovation. Workflows and resources can be optimised through automation. The management of updates, patches and third-party software in particular requires focussed attention.
Patch management is a fundamental part of client management. The aim of structured and largely automated patch management is to apply system updates in a planned manner in order to avoid security gaps and rectify errors. Firstly, the availability of new patches is checked automatically. Available patches are then tested for compatibility with existing software applications. Another key task is to plan the distribution of patches to clients and servers in the network in a sensible way and to carry out security-relevant system updates in a coordinated and standardised manner.
Standardisation and automation can significantly increase both the speed and efficiency of distributing new patches. Ever shorter release intervals for updates, patches and new versions of important standard software are increasing the pressure on IT departments - affecting various browsers, runtime environments, PDF readers and client software for video conferencing, for example. Effective third-party patch management supports IT teams by eliminating the need for time-consuming manual administration or packaging of updates and software packages. With the help of specialised management software and ready-made bundles of all important standard software, administrators can carry out installations reliably and securely.
Everything at a glance
Do you know the patch status of every single computer in your network? Do you know at all times which updates and patches are available for your clients, which have already been installed and which are missing? In many companies, the answer to these questions is no.
Particularly in view of the increasing complexity of modern IT landscapes, maintaining an overview of all the systems in use is becoming a key challenge. Manual processes are usually no longer sufficient to fully document software versions, operating system versions or compliance requirements. Especially with a large number of networked devices - from classic desktops and notebooks to mobile devices - transparency is crucial in order to identify security gaps and act quickly. Advanced inventory solutions and automated patch management tools support IT departments in monitoring all assets in real time, recognising critical vulnerabilities early on and addressing them in a targeted manner. Continuous data analyses and automated reports provide IT decision-makers with clarity about the current patch and update status of all systems at all times. This reduces unplanned downtime, makes it easier to adhere to compliance requirements and sustainably increases general system security. This leaves more time to drive forward strategic IT initiatives and actively shape innovations within the company.
Inventory with ACMP
A concrete example from practice: The IT department uses the client management solution ACMP for network-wide inventory in a medium-sized company. To do this, a small software agent is distributed centrally to all workstation computers. The client software ensures that the exchange between each individual computer and the ACMP server functions smoothly: It collects inventory data at regular, individually definable intervals and transmits this to the server. In return, it receives centrally controlled tasks.
Centralised software solution for all users
The requirements profile for IT administrators is becoming ever more comprehensive. At the same time, the requirements in the area of IT security are increasing and the specifications for protecting the organisation's IT are growing. In view of the challenging day-to-day business, there is less and less room for manoeuvre to drive innovation. Instead of strategically prioritising tasks and projects, they are often processed solely according to their urgency - without pursuing a long-term plan. Chaos in the system can result in high follow-up costs for companies and lead to a lack of important information for IT. This includes critical security gaps, compatibility problems between program versions, a lack of standardisation or a higher workload for support. Standardising software and operating system versions and configurations makes the work of administrators much easier. This can be achieved by switching from many individual isolated solutions to centralised client management software. This gives IT teams an overview of all clients and servers, allows them to control the distribution of updates and patches with pinpoint accuracy and eliminate security risks before they become a threat.
Ensuring greater security with ACMP
A concrete example from practice: Following the successful inventory of a medium-sized company's IT devices, patch management is efficiently implemented with ACMP. The IT department receives an overview of all outstanding software updates in ACMP and can manage them collectively. Maintenance windows are defined for the next Tuesday, during which the updates are automatically installed on all affected end devices.
The admin controls the rollout centrally via the ACMP dashboard, keeps an eye on all systems and can intervene manually at any time in the event of unforeseen problems - for example, if a patch leads to compatibility issues on a particular system. Through the interaction of several ACMP modules - from inventory to patch management - the company achieves a significantly higher security standard, as vulnerabilities are identified and rectified more quickly.
Utilising innovative approaches
The widespread use of outdated software solutions often means that a significant proportion of working time in update and patch management is spent on recurring routine tasks. This is due to the numerous time-consuming activities involved in IT management with such systems. Windows update management in particular represents a growing challenge. A typical example in the Windows Update Management environment is Microsoft's Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which are designed to support administrators in providing Microsoft updates within local networks. However, support for WSUS will only continue until the end of 2029, and no new functions are expected today. Significant usage restrictions and the possibility of updates being withdrawn without prior notice are already making it difficult to work smoothly and efficiently with WSUS.
Although cloud services offer an alternative, they do not enable fine-grained distribution and therefore pose new challenges - especially when customised update strategies are required. Both approaches therefore reach their limits. The solution here is ACMP Complete Aagon Windows Update Management (CAWUM): CAWUM increases both flexibility and efficiency in Windows update management. It enables precise distribution and reliable control of updates, thereby optimising the entire process. This allows users to utilise time and resources more effectively - and not just in the area of Windows Update Management.
Windows Update Management and Third Party Patch Management with ACMP
CAWUM makes the management of Windows updates particularly efficient and clear. Let's assume an IT administrator wants to manage all Windows updates in the company centrally - without any classic WSUS processes or additional server licences.
After implementing CAWUM, the administrator receives a detailed overview of more than 150 pieces of hardware information and all data on all Windows installations of the connected systems within a very short time. The system checks the latest Microsoft updates every day and makes it possible to specify which repositories receive selected patches in certain languages.
In the next step, the administrator plans various release rings: first, the updates are sent to individual test systems in different sub-networks. After successful testing, the updates are successively distributed to other groups. This staged approach allows the administrator to minimise potential risks and always keeps track of which patch has been installed in which area.
Another example: Using ACMP Managed Software, the administrator provides security-critical updates as well as numerous third-party applications via ready-made, tested software bundles. The administrator selects the required packages from the integrated catalogue and can make individual adjustments to specifically address the different requirements of individual departments.
Thanks to the integrated clean-up automation, installed software packages are managed efficiently so that only current and required applications remain in the company. This keeps the system environment flexible, secure and up to date at all times. Automated quality checks and continuous updates of the packages provided ensure smooth and predictable further development of the IT infrastructure.
Why is third-party patch management so important? Why is third-party patch management so important?
Not all important programmes come from the operating system manufacturer. Third-party software such as browsers, Office applications or video conferencing tools are also at risk and should be updated regularly. Automated solutions provide efficient support here.
What are the risks of a lack of patch management?
Missed updates increase the risk of security incidents, data loss or system failures. Legal requirements for IT security and compliance can also be violated.
Can automated patch management solutions take individual company requirements into account?
Modern tools offer a wide range of configuration options and can often be flexibly adapted to existing processes or compliance requirements. This ensures that all systems are updated securely and in line with requirements.
How can I ensure security during operating system deployment?
ACMP enables centralised and clear control of patch management. With intelligent automation functions, updates for various applications and operating systems are distributed reliably so that security gaps can be closed effectively. ACMP also offers detailed analyses and compliance reports to keep an eye on the current status at all times.
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