Patch Management: Challenges and Solutions
Patch Management ConsultingPatch management is a critical and complex task. Timely and properly managed patching optimizes cybersecurity, compliance, availability, and functionality. Haphazard patch management can result in security gaps, compatibility problems, sluggish or erratic performance, unnecessary downtime, or loss of important features. Patching involves more than periodic updates of operating systems and applications for servers and endpoints. Firmware patches can be essential for peripherals such as printers and scanners, network infrastructure appliances like routers and Wi-Fi access points, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices like sensors and robotics.

Patch Management Consultants

Progent's Patch Management Services can cover IoT devices like sensors and robotics

The patching process can present a range of complications that vary from network to network. Resources that may require patching can be on-premises, in the cloud, mobile, or in the homes of telecommuters. Environments may include a mix of Windows, Linux, Apple, and Google operating systems and applications. Some patches can be installed automatically and at scale using tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager, Intune, or Azure Update Management. Others must be performed manually. Patching for core systems must be scheduled to minimize business disruption. In some mission-critical environments, patches must be carefully tested before being approved for production.

Progent's managed services for patch management provide businesses of any size an affordable end-to-end solution for identifying, acquiring, evaluating, testing, prioritizing, scheduling, applying, and documenting software and firmware updates to your ever-evolving IT network. In addition to optimizing the security and functionality of your IT network, Progent's patch management services give your IT staff time to focus on strategic projects and tasks that deliver maximum business value to your network.

Patch Management Experts

Patch management is a closed-loop process central to your risk management strategy

Progent's Patch Management Processes
Progent offers standard and custom service programs for software and firmware patching. These managed services allow you to offload part or all of your patch management tasks to a nationwide IT support firm with over two decades of experience providing network design, deployment, and support to organizations of all sizes worldwide. Progent works closely with your IT managers to define the scope of the services you require. Services available from Progent for patch management include:

  • Discover network assets: This can include business-critical applications like Exchange and SQL, web-facing servers, desktop and mobile endpoints, security appliances such as firewalls, and network infrastructure devices like switches and Wi-Fi access points.
  • Identify assets to be managed: Progent will work with you to determine which of your network assets you wish to select for ongoing patch management services. Progent offers a variety of standard programs that cover specific classes of items and Progent can also create custom programs to meet your unique requirements.
  • Deploy patch management tools: Progent is familiar with a wide selection of patch installation tools and patch tracking databases. Available tools include Azure Update Management for cloud-based assets, Configuration Manager for on-prem assets, Intune for mobile devices, IT Glue for documentation, plus a selection of advanced anti-virus platforms. Together, these tools allow you to automate and track updates for resources located in public and private clouds, on-premises, on the road, at branch offices, and in the residences of at-home workers.
  • Analyze patch status and perform risk analysis of missing patches: Generally, systems with up-to-date patching are more secure and stable than those with sporadic updates. However, some patches have the potential to disrupt essential business operations by introducing compatibility problems, system instability, or unfamiliar and confusing changes to user experiences. Progent can help you determine which patches carry a risk to your organization's IT environment, or which patches should be assigned a high priority because they block a major security threat. Progent's experience with patch management can help you maintain a secure network without compromising productivity.
  • Develop a patch management program: Progent's team of experts can assist in designing and managing a patch management program that fits your business needs and security requirements. Progent offers standard and custom patch management services and can help with automated as well as manual patching. Progent can manage mission-critical assets only, all patchable resources, or anything in between.
  • Patch testing: Even the world's largest networks, including Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure, have experienced major outages caused by updates that were insufficiently tested before being applied to production systems. For organizations with no tolerance for downtime, Progent can help create test environments that allow you to make sure new patches will not cause stability problems for your network.
  • Prioritize and schedule patches: Progent can help you determine which patches should be performed immediately and which can be safely delayed in order to minimize business disruption. Some regulatory standards, such as the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard, require that the most critical security patches be installed within a certain timeframe.
  • Document patch history and status: Progent can create a centralized knowledge base for tracking the patch level of every monitored asset. This makes it easy to find where software, firmware, or driver updates can be downloaded and includes patch release dates, release notes, and other important information required for a comprehensive patch management solution.
  • Troubleshoot patch failures: Patches to some key resources such as operating systems or application servers can cause unforeseen compatibility or stability issues, especially with legacy or home-grown software or older devices. Progent has the breadth of experience to help you quickly identify and mitigate problems that may arise as a result of applying an update.
Patch Management for Network Infrastructure from Cisco and Other Vendors
Software and firmware updates are frequently released for network infrastructure appliances like firewalls, routers, switches, wireless controllers, and Wi-Fi access points. These updates typically harden security, improve feature sets, or mitigate stability and compatibility issues. Managing updates for these infrastructure devices can pose a challenge, especially in mixed-vendor environments and networks that have a combination of on-premises datacenters, at-home workers, branch offices, and cloud-hosted resources. In addition to tracking and acquiring updates, IT managers must make sure network appliances have sufficient disk space and patches are transferred cleanly and work properly.

Progent has provided advanced support for Cisco networking products for more than two decades and also offers expertise with other major vendors including Juniper, Palo Alto Networks, SonicWall, Fortinet, WatchGuard, and CheckPoint. Progent's managed services for patch management can help you consolidate your software update solution to include network appliances along with servers, endpoints, applications software, and IoT devices.

Patch Management Services for Network Infrastructure Appliances

Progent offers patch management expertise for network appliances from Cisco and other leading vendors

Progent's Standard and Custom Patch Management Services
Progent offers a range of standard patch management packages that include backup services, reporting, and documentation. Pricing is based on the type and quantity of devices covered. Additional services including building environments for pre-installation patch testing are billed at time and material rates. Custom packages are also available and typically cover specialized devices and/or applications.

PROACTIVE Server Patch Management

On Prem or Private Cloud Server: Azure Cloud Servers Patch Management:
  • Compliance scan of all Windows and Linux servers
  • Update compliance assessment results for enabled machines
  • Scheduled Patching and Preventative Maintenance
  • License & Asset reporting and management
  • Managed Anti-Virus - Current AV system
  • Initiate Server backup once complete
  • Additional Support Billed at T&M Rates
  • IT Glue access control and asset documentation
On Premises or Virtual Workstation:
  • ProSight Availability Monitoring
  • OS & 3rd Party Patch Management
  • Scheduled Preventative Maintenance
  • Managed Anti-Virus - current AV system
  • Hosted Anti-Spam - Spam Hero
  • Additional Support Billed at T&M Rates
  • IT Glue access control and asset documentation
BASIC Server Patch Management

Managed Patch both Physical and Virtual Servers: On Premises or Virtual Workstation Patch Management: Server or Workstation Security SLA - Add on service

Security Critical Patches - applied within 48 hours of Progent being notified - invoiced only when needed

PROACTIVE Network Device Patching

Internet Facing Hardware - Managed Devices (Security appliances, firewalls, routers): Internal Network Hardware - Managed devices (wireless controllers, Wi-Fi access points, switches): Network Device Security SLA - Add on service

Security Critical Patches - applied within 48 hours of Progent being notified - invoiced only when needed

Initial Patching Event Additional Costs:
Initial Patching will have an additional cost per server or network device to provide for review and documentation of current patch level and any other documentation needed for properly managing the ongoing patching as defined above. If multiple patches are needed that require additional time for the initial patching, Progent will provide any estimates beyond the normal patching cost.

Additional Services Available:

Download Progent Patch Management Services Datasheet
To download a datasheet about the features and benefits of Progent Patch Management Services, select:
Progent Patch Management Services Datasheet. (PDF - 330 KB)

Contact a Progent Expert about Patch Management Services
For more information about Progent's patch management services, call Progent at 800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.

Ransomware 24x7 Hot Line: Call 800-462-8800
Progent's Ransomware 24x7 Hot Line is intended to help you to take the crucial first phase in mitigating a ransomware attack by putting out the fire. Progent's online ransomware engineer can assist businesses to identify and isolate infected devices and protect undamaged assets from being penetrated. If your system has been breached by any version of ransomware, act fast. Get help quickly by calling Progent's Ransomware Hot Line at 800-462-8800. For more information, visit Progent's Ransomware 24x7 Hot Line.



An index of content::

  • 24-Hour Microsoft Windows SBS 2008 Specialist Windows Essential Business Server Remote Technical Support
  • 24/7/365 Windows Server 2016 Technical Support Mobile Best Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Server Install Mobile Alabama
  • Wi-Fi controllers patch management Professionals
  • Anchorage NotPetya Ransomware Negotiation Experts Anchorage Snatch Ransomware Settlement Services Ted Stevens Airport Anchorage ANC

  • DotNET Application Programming Firm
    ASP.NET Programming Firms

    Progent's application experts have worked for 20 years with .NET tools and the Visual Studio development environment and are able to create or update .NET apps rapidly and affordably.

  • At Home Workers Perth Consulting Services - Endpoint Management Tools Assistance Telecommuters Consulting Experts nearby Perth - Endpoint Management Systems Consulting and Support Services Perth
  • Atlanta Immediate Ransomware Recovery Marietta - Alpharetta Atlanta CryptoLocker Cleanup Consultants ATL

  • Polycom ATX Telepresence Consult
    Codian Professional

    Progent offers the expertise of a senior specialist with extensive experience installing, managing, and enhancing telepresence systems from top-tier suppliers including Cisco/TANDBERG, Polycom, and LifeSize. Progent's consultants can coordinate with your in-house IT support team, your ISP, and your video conferencing platform supplier to assist your company increase the strategic value of your telepresence ecosystem.

  • Award Winning Anchorage Small Office Computer Consulting Services Anchorage, Alaska Migration Firm
  • Bellevue Hermes Ransomware Settlement Negotiation Guidance Bellevue Ryuk Ransomware Settlement Support Bellevue Kirkland

  • Support Services Sales Office
    Microsoft and Cisco Branch Offices Information Technology Consulting

    Years of experience providing Microsoft support and Cisco technology consulting has allowed Progent to develop an unmatched ability for supporting branch offices that need IT service with the flexibility common to with small firms but which offers professional communications, complete documentation, and adherence to enterprise IT standards. If your corporation has a sales office situated anywhere in California or any region covered by Progent's engineers, Progent can provide a wide range of on-premises and off-site network consulting services and network architecture expertise.

  • Consulting Endpoint patch management
  • Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Egregor Crypto-Ransomware Rollback Belo Horizonte Ryuk Crypto-Ransomware Infection Repair Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

  • Microsoft Exchange 2016 Migration Integration Support
    IT Consultant Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Upgrade

    Progent can help your business in all phases of your upgrade to Microsoft Exchange 2016 including planning high availability (HA) architecture for a local, Microsoft cloud connected or hybrid environment; licensing compliance for Exchange and Windows Server 2012 R2+; migrating mailboxes; Hyper-V virtualization design; specifying mass storage capacity required for your virtual machines, databases and logs; configuring HLB for high-availability client access services; designing, configuring and validating Exchange and Windows Servers and DAG groups; setting up collaboration with SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online; preparing your firewall; resolving SSL issues; providing client remediation with Office desktop or Microsoft 365; and setting up Outlook on the web.

  • BlackBerry Synchronization Network Consulting Companies Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo Technical Support BlackBerry Enterprise Server

  • Services Mac Online
    Mac Online Professionals

    Progent provides national online technical support and consulting services for companies that run Apple macOS and OS X networks or whose information systems include a combination of Apple Mac and Microsoft technology. Progent's engineers can provide Mac users a variety of IT services such as desktop support, upgrading to the most recent edition of macOS from earlier versions of macOS or OS X, plus expertise with Mac application software. Progent can also assist your business with Apple iPhone and Apple iPad support, or migrating to iCloud services. Remote technical support offers optimum return for your information technology dollar by protecting user productivity and limiting the time charged for computer repair services. Sophisticated online support tools and skilled technicians and engineers allow Progent to handle most network issues without squandering time and money by traveling to your location. In most of situations your IT problems can be remediated by telephone or through a mix of telephone support and remote network analysis. Progent can offer the services of Cisco CCIE network experts and CISA and CISM certified security professionals to help you with the most difficult system issues.

  • CISSP Engineer Contractor Job Yonkers, NY, US After Hours Cisco CCIP Consulting Contractor Jobs Yonkers, NY, United States
  • Charleston, SC At Home Workers Consultants - Charleston - IP Voice Systems Assistance Work from Home Employees Charleston Guidance - VoIP Solutions Consulting Experts Charleston County South Carolina
  • Chicagoland Urgent SQL Server 2012 Support Consultants Migration Microsoft SQL Server 2016

  • Offsite Workforce Network Infrastructure Support Outsourcing
    Offsite Employees Infrastructure Consulting

    Progent can assist small and medium-size businesses to plan, deploy and debug the infrastructure to support at-home workers.

  • Cisco Information Technology Consulting Company Top Cisco Computer Consulting Boston, MA
  • Cisco Information Technology Outsourcing Baltimore Downtown Network Consulting Service Cisco Baltimore Towson

  • Colbolt Linux Network Engineer
    Suse Linux Support and Setup

    Progent's Linux support experts offer small and mid-size businesses and developers help with administering and maintaining Linux systems that coexist with Microsoft-based networks. Progent can give your business access to Linux experts, support professionals premier by Microsoft and Cisco, and security experts with CISM certification. This broad range of experience offers you an easy one-stop source to show you how to build and maintain a protected and robust mixed-platform network and communications solution that supports Linux and Microsoft interoperability by integrating MS Windows with leading Linux variations such as RedHat Linux, SUSE Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu, PCLOS, fedora Linux, Gentoo, Mandrake/Mandriva, Debian-GNU, and Slackware Linux.

  • Detroit Remote Workforce Backup Solutions Guidance Detroit Michigan Detroit Remote Workforce Backup Solutions Expertise Wayne County Michigan
  • Downers Grove-Bolingbrook, Illinois Downers Grove Ransomware Maze Susceptibility Report Downers Grove Crypto-Ransomware Ryuk Vulnerability Review Downers Grove-Elmhurst, IL
  • Firewall Security Contractor Oklahoma Top CISSP Cybersecurity Firms Oklahoma City, OK, Tulsa, OK, Norman, OK, Lawton, OK
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana Computer Help Network Engineer Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Gilroy Computer Tech Cisco Gilroy IT Outsourcing Companies

  • Specialist Microsoft Access software programming
    Office Access Learn

    Progent offers economical online consulting services for all editions of Office Access including Access desktop and Access Web App and offers expert assistance for application programming, database conversion, performance optimization, BI reporting, and maintenance. Progent also offers tailored online classes for Office Access application development and database administration.

  • ISA 2004 Standard Edition Server Specialists 24-Hour Microsoft ISA Server Technology Consulting
  • Jacksonville, FL Computer Security Specialist Security Award Winning CISSP Security Consultant Jacksonville Arlington
  • Microsoft MCDBA Support Telecommuting Jobs CISA Consultant Full-Time Jobs Monroe County New York, U.S.A.
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Business Computer Server Companies Fort Worth Texas, United States SQL Server Computer Network Support Group Fort Worth North Texas
  • Microsoft and Cisco IT Outsourcing Companies Networking Integration Consulting Lafayette
  • Modesto Remote Workers Cloud Integration Technology Consulting and Support Services Modesto Waterford, Newman, Hughson CA Modesto At Home Workers Cloud Technology Assistance
  • Network Infrastructure Monitoring Consultant Services Specialist Network Infrastructure Monitoring
  • Networking Company San Jose, California San Jose, California Small Business Networking
  • Orlando At Home Workforce Connectivity Solutions Consulting Services Orlando, FL Work at Home Employees Guidance near me in Orlando - Solutions Expertise Orlando, FL
  • Palo Alto-Cupertino Technology Consulting Networking Specialist Palo Alto, CA
  • Router patch management Consultants
  • ProSight NinjaOne Server and Endpoint Management On-site Technical Support Remote NinjaOne Server Management Integration Services
  • Ransomware Data Recovery Milwaukee Netwalker Ransomware Hot Line Milwaukee County Wisconsin

  • IT Development Project Specialists
    Project Management Professionals

    For enterprise project management assistance, Progent can provide the services of veteran IT professionals with decades of background in IT management, program development, and process design for organizations from Big 4 companies to dot-com startups to state government agencies. These high-level IT managers offer project management skills to help enterprise clients adhere to leading practices to ensure that development or deployment projects are completed on schedule and on budget.

  • Remote Workforce Durham Consulting and Support Services - Help Desk Call Center Outsourcing Consulting Experts Durham, NC Durham, NC, USA Durham Remote Workforce Call Desk Outsourcing Guidance
  • Sacramento-Davis Computer System Consultant Cisco and Microsoft Sacramento, California System Engineers
  • Small Office Network Consulting BlackBerry BES Hialeah Florida BlackBerry Synchronization Security Consulting Services Hialeah
  • Spokane Ransomware Snatch Preparedness Consultation Eastern Washington Spokane Spokane Ransomware Preparedness Spokane Inland Northwest, America
  • Sunnyvale Outsourcing IT Mountain View Online Help

  • wireless LAN controller Computer Engineer
    5520 wireless controller Consultant Services

    Catalyst family of Wi-Fi controllers simplify the management of wireless LANs by unifying the provisioning and management of Wi-Fi access points, optimizing Wi-Fi performance by limiting the impact of RF congestion, improving Wi-Fi uptime with rapid failover, and hardening security by identifying cyber threats and filtering network traffic according to user class and locale. Progent's Wi-Fi consultants can assist your business to deploy Cisco Wi-Fi controller appliances to manage wireless LANs of any size. Progent can help you to administer and debug your existing Cisco-based Wi-Fi solution or implement a smooth migration to Cisco's modern wireless controller solutions.

  • Technical Support Services Gentoo Linux, Sun Solaris, UNIX North West England North West England Computer Consultants Redhat Linux, Sun Solaris, UNIX
  • Telecommuters Expertise nearby Oklahoma CIty - Cloud Integration Solutions Guidance Oklahoma City Shawnee, U.S.A. Offsite Workforce Oklahoma CIty Guidance - Cloud Solutions Consultants Oklahoma City, OK
  • Server patch management Consultant Services
  • Toledo, OH Information Technology Consulting Group Top Toledo Configuration Services
  • Consultant Router patch management
  • Tukwila At Home Workers Backup/Restore Systems Consulting Tukwila-Auburn, WA, U.S.A. Tukwila Remote Workers Backup Systems Consulting Tukwila-Kent, WA
  • Windows Consultancy Services Company New York - New York City, NY, Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, Syracuse, NY New York Windows Small Business Computer Consulting Companies
  • Windows Server 2016 Network Design and Consulting Norfolk Virginia Windows Server 2012 Solution Provider Norfolk Virginia Beach
  • Windows Server 2016 Networking Services Decatur - Buckhead - Norcross Windows Server 2016 Security Consulting Group Georgia
  • Work from Home Employees Consulting near Providence - Integration Consulting Services Providence, RI Top Quality Work at Home Employees Providence Consulting and Support Services - Integration Guidance Providence Cranston Woonsocket, United States

  • © 2002-2025 Progent Corporation. All rights reserved.