MSPs understand the importance of safeguarding IT infrastructure against vulnerabilities. A key aspect of this is patch management — specifically, automated patch deployment. Using automation for patch deployment eliminates manual work for technicians and ensures you never miss a critical patch.
In this post, we’ll look at five reasons you should be using automated patch management right now. Then we’ll talk about how to find the right automation tool.
5 reasons you need an automated patch deployment tool
1. Your clients are counting on you
Assume your clients don’t have a process for detecting and applying patches. That’s why they hired you. And it’s not enough to just tell them they need to update their software — you have to make sure patches are applied, and automation is the only way to do that.
With automated patch deployment, you can detect patches quickly and deploy them across client environments and devices. You can also confirm that patches are installed correctly and maintain a log of every patch update for every asset.
2. You’re super busy
Trying to manage patches manually? It’s a cumbersome task that drains resources, and your technicians are already busy enough.
Automated patch deployment lets you keep clients secure without adding to your workload. And automation is scalable. You can add clients and devices many times over and automate patches across the board.
3. You have compliance-heavy clients
If you have healthcare and finance clients, expect that they will need detailed, audit-ready reports about the security of their data and IT infrastructure. Patch automation creates that level of detail for you, illustrating all the steps you’ve taken to protect client data. The same software you use to manage patches can easily whip up client-facing reports (and even share them automatically on a recurring basis).
4. You know some patches can be problematic
Patches are usually helpful, but sometimes they can create problems. With automated patch deployment, you can define rules that prevent automatic patching in certain situations. For example, you might want to manually review a patch if:
- It might break some type of integration or compatibility with other apps or software.
- The patch is for a critical system — like a client’s payroll platform — and you need to be certain it won’t interfere with functionality.
- You want to test a patch in a controlled setting before rolling it out across your client’s IT environment.
5. You’ve got clients in multiple time zones
When your clients have employees or offices in multiple time zones, you have to consider how the timing of patch deployment will impact end users. It’s not as simple as scheduling a companywide update for midnight, because “midnight” for you could be 10 a.m. for your client’s employees.
With automated patch deployment, you can specify exactly when to apply patches — for a client, by user groups, or even for individual employees.
Automated patch deployment tools & how to pick one
Here’s a look at some tools you can use for automated patch deployment and reasons you may or may not want to try them:
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) — formerly called Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager — is a feature-rich tool that does a lot more than automate patch deployment. It’s a useful platform for enterprise businesses that operate in Windows-only environments, but it’s a bit overkill for MSPs.
MECM is, of course, not designed for macOS, so MSPs might prefer a different solution that can serve Windows and Mac machines.
SolarWinds Patch Manager
This tool supports both Microsoft and third-party applications, and it automates the entire patching lifecycle, from discovery to deployment. But this is another type of technology that’s not the best for MSPs — it’s not cloud-based, and licensing starts at $2,274.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
This tool offers cloud-based and on-premises versions, both of which are compatible with Windows and macOS. You can use it to patch more than 850 third-party applications, test and approve patches, and configure deployment policies. It’s a useful tool, but it’s also single-use technology. You won’t be able to manage other essential services with this platform.
Syncro
Syncro is an all-in-one MSP platform that automates patch deployment and does a lot more. With Syncro, you don’t need multiple tools for managing service delivery and operations, because Syncro offers:
- Integrated PowerShell scripting for deep customization
- AI-powered Smart Ticket Management to improve MTTR
- Splashtop integration for one-click remote access
- Acronis Cyber Suite integration for top-tier security
- Time-tracking and billing automation
- SLA management
- Complete RMM visibility
- Integrations that bring all your work into Syncro’s single interface
- A mobile app for anywhere/anytime access
The right choice? Syncro
You might feel like you need time to compare various patch automation tools. But there’s zero risk in trying Syncro right now. No contracts, no credit card required, no minimums — get started with your two-week free trial and discover why thousands of MSPs choose Syncro.
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