Best patch management software in 2024

What is patch management?

In today's dynamic IT landscape, efficiency and foresight are critical. Freshservice delivers exactly that – a robust patch management solution engineered for the proactive IT professional. 

Embrace a platform where automated updates, AI-driven support, and comprehensive asset management converge to streamline your IT operations. With Freshservice, you're equipped to tackle the challenges of modern IT management, ensuring your systems are secure and a step ahead.

Patch management is the backbone of software maintenance and endpoint security for IT teams, serving as the foundation for robust software maintenance. It involves the systematic updating of systems to address missing patches, a process that goes beyond mere updates. This strategic approach is key to protecting your IT environment against vulnerabilities and evolving cyber threats in real-time. Effective patch management is about proactive vulnerability management, ensuring your systems are resilient and secure.

Why patch management is so important for businesses

In an era where digital threats are evolving rapidly, patch management stands as a crucial line of defense for any business. It addresses real-time vulnerability management needs, ensuring your software is fortified against emerging threats. Regular updates, focusing on the remediation of missing patches, are crucial in maintaining the operational integrity of your IT infrastructure.

This process is essential for endpoint security and ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards and safeguarding end-user data. Neglecting patch management can be a significant liability, posing a direct threat to the core of your IT operations and the overall security of your business.

What is patch management software?

Offering a cloud-based platform that revolutionizes patching allows admins to automate the identification, acquisition, installation, and verification of patches across various systems. This automation transforms a complex, time-intensive task into a streamlined and efficient operation. Utilizing such software, businesses can maintain patch compliance, effectively minimizing security risks and enhancing overall system performance.

Who uses patch management tools?

Patch management tools are indispensable in the toolkit of IT professionals, particularly for admins responsible for endpoint management. System administrators, IT managers, and cybersecurity experts in healthcare, finance, education, and retail sectors find these tools essential. In large corporations or small businesses alike, patch management tools are crucial for maintaining a secure and functional IT environment. They are especially vital for organizations with extensive IT infrastructures, where manual patching becomes impractical and exposes the system to significant security risks.

Key features of Freshservice

Freshservice offers a comprehensive and versatile range of features designed for streamlined IT service management (ITSM):

• Automated patch and incident management: Simplifies the process of updating software and resolving IT incidents efficiently.

• AI-driven service desk and chatbots: Enhances user experience with AI-powered support and smart suggestions for rapid problem-solving.

• Comprehensive asset and cloud management: Provides detailed tracking and management of IT assets, both on-premises and in the cloud.

• Integrated project management tools: Facilitates effective project planning, execution, and tracking with customizable templates and analytics.

• Extensive knowledge base and workflow automation: Offers a centralized repository for information and automates repetitive tasks for increased operational efficiency. Benefits of effective patch management software

Successful use cases of patch management systems

Patch management systems shine across various industries, each with its unique IT demands and challenges. Here's how different sectors benefit from robust patch management:

• Healthcare: Patch management is vital for healthcare providers, ensuring medical devices and patient record systems are shielded from cyber threats with timely security patches, thereby protecting sensitive healthcare data and maintaining compliance.

• Finance: Financial institutions utilize patch management to bolster their systems with security patches, protecting financial data, preventing fraud, and preserving customer trust in digital transactions.

• Education: Educational institutions rely on patch management to secure student information systems and digital learning technologies, safeguard against data breaches, and maintain a safe educational environment.

• Retail: In the retail sector, patch management is key for securing point-of-sale systems and e-commerce platforms with security patches, protecting customer data and financial transactions to ensure business continuity, and maintaining customer trust.

Limitations and risks of manual patching

In the intricate world of IT management, manual patching can often be a tightrope walk, filled with risks and limitations. This traditional approach strains resources and exposes organizations to various vulnerabilities and inefficiencies.

Limitations and challenges

The traditional approach of manual patching presents numerous challenges:

• Time-consuming process: Manually tracking and applying patches across various systems is labor-intensive and inefficient.

• Risk of human error: Manual processes are prone to oversights, leading to inconsistent patch applications and potential security gaps.

• Difficulty keeping pace: With the rapid release of new patches, manually keeping up with them is nearly impossible, especially for larger organizations.

Real world consequences

The consequences of ineffective manual patching are dire:

• Security vulnerabilities: Missed patches can leave systems exposed to cyberattacks, risking data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.

• Operational disruptions: Unpatched systems can lead to failures and downtime, impacting customer service, employee productivity, and ultimately, the bottom line.

Patch management software requirements

Effective patch management software hinges on meeting key technical specifications:

• Broad operating system support: Compatibility with all major operating systems (Windows, MAC, Linux) to ensure comprehensive coverage.

• Scalable network infrastructure: Robust network infrastructure capable of handling large-scale patch deployments across an organization.

• Adequate hardware resources: Hardware that can support the software’s operational demands, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted patch management.

For a deeper understanding of what to look for in a patch management solution, visit our comprehensive guide here.

Top IT patch management softwares of 2024

Evaluating the right patch management solution is crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient IT environment. Let’s compare Freshservice with other notable players in the market:

Freshservice

Freshservice offers a comprehensive patch management solution designed to automate and streamline the update process across various platforms.

Key features

• Automated patch management

• Third-party application support

• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, MAC, Linux)

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Simplifies patch management process

• Supports a wide range of applications

• Enhances IT security and compliance

Cons:

• May require initial setup time

• Pricing can be a factor for small businesses

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business needs and scale

Why customers rave about Freshservice for patch management?

Freshservice stands at the forefront of patch management with features that bring efficiency and security to the forefront:

• Automated patch management: Streamlines the patching process from detection to deployment, reducing the time and effort required for patch updates.

• Comprehensive third-party application support: Extends beyond OS patching to cover a wide array of third-party applications, ensuring no component is left vulnerable.

Cross-platform compatibility: Offers a versatile patch management solution, compatible with Windows, MAC, and Linux, for a unified approach across all systems.

Avira software updater

Avira Software Updater focuses on simple patch management, targeting over 150 popular applications.

Key features

• Scans for outdated drivers and software updates

• Basic version available for free

• Pro version supports Windows updates and customer support

Pros and cons

Pros:

• User-friendly interface

• Basic version is free to use

Cons:

• Limited automatic update features in the free version

• No comprehensive list of supported applications

Pricing

• Free basic version

• Pro version available on an annual subscription

Avast business patch management

Avast offers a range of software update tools, including Avast Business Patch Management for a more comprehensive solution.

Key features

• Covers a wide range of Windows apps

• Flexible scan and patching process

• Comprehensive reports on network status

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Detailed control over patching process

• Supports numerous applications

Cons:

• Could be overwhelming for beginners

• Pricing can be steep for smaller networks

Pricing

Custom pricing depending on the number of devices and features required

GFI LanGuard

GFI LanGuard is a patch manager aimed at businesses with more than 10 systems, offering extensive functionality beyond patch management.

Key features

• Supports multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux

• Extensive network auditing and vulnerability scans

• Highly detailed reporting

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set for network management

• Supports a wide range of third-party apps

Cons:

• Complex setup, not ideal for beginners

• Extensive features may be overwhelming for smaller setups

Pricing

Custom pricing based on the number of devices and features

ManageEngine patch manager plus

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a versatile tool suitable for diverse business environments, supporting a wide range of applications.

Key features

• Updated operating systems, Microsoft Office, and third-party apps

• Highly configurable deployment options

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Robust automation capabilities

• Wide range of supported applications

Cons:

• Can be complex for new users

• Free version has limitations

Pricing

• Free for limited use

• Paid plans based on the number of devices and additional features

Chocolatey

Chocolatey is a package manager for Windows, catering to those comfortable with command-line operations.

Key features

• Command-line operation for installing, updating, and uninstalling software

• Supports more than 7,000 apps

• Open-source with commercial plans available

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High degree of flexibility and control

• Extensive app support

Cons:

• Requires command-line proficiency

• Not as user-friendly for non-technical users

Pricing

• Free open-source version

• Commercial plans with additional features

Ninite

Ninite offers a simple and streamlined approach to installing and updating Windows apps.

Key features

• Web-based interface for easy operation

• Automated installers for quick setup and updates

• Supports 90+ popular apps

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Extremely user-friendly

• Quick and efficient setup

Cons:

• Limited to popular open-source and freeware apps

• Basic features in the free version

Pricing

• Free basic version

• Ninite Pro available with more features and configuration options

SUMo

SUMo (Software Update Monitor) by KC Software is a long-standing patch manager with extensive software recognition capabilities.

Key features

• Recognizes a large number of applications

• Provides update notifications

• Pro version offers direct product page links

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Wide software support

• Simple interface

Cons:

• Manual update process in the free version

• Pro version can be costly

Pricing

• Free basic version

• Paid Pro version with advanced features

Npackd

Npackd is an open-source application store for Windows, offering installation, update, and uninstallation of numerous apps.

Key features

• Supports 1,469 apps

• Simple table interface with filtering options

• Silent installation and uninstallation capabilities

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Wide range of supported apps

• Open-source and free to use

Cons:

• Some technical quirks and interface issues

• Lacks direct automation and scheduling options

Pricing

Completely free

Advancing your patch management today

Freshservice stands out as a patch management and IT service management leader, offering an unparalleled blend of efficiency, innovation, and comprehensiveness. With its wide array of features, from AI-powered service management to robust IT operations management, Freshservice is equipped to handle the complexities and challenges of modern IT environments. 

By choosing Freshservice, you're not just adopting a patch management tool—you're partnering with a solution that enhances overall IT service delivery, boosts productivity, and fortifies your cybersecurity posture. In a landscape where technology evolves rapidly, aligning with Freshservice means staying ahead of the curve and ensuring your IT infrastructure is secure, compliant, agile, and poised for future growth.