Patch Management. Testing and deployment of operating system patches.
Every year, Microsoft® issues numerous security patches designed to “fix” operating system vulnerabilities to worms, viruses and other malicious software. For emergency call center operations, it is imperative these patches be adequately tested for compatibility and quickly implemented for application integrity. Patch Management helps ensure data integrity, software compliance and system security at all times.
- Key Services
- Automatic deployment of critical operating system patch updates through required secure, high-speed connections
- Requisite testing of Microsoft® security patches prior to distribution
- Immediate closure of known operating system vulnerabilities and exploitation risks
- Scheduled deployment and reboot sequencing
- Key Benefits
- Continuously certifies its products with the Patch Management solution
- Certifies and evaluates each OS patch, making sure that patch updates do not interrupt service, ensuring that no extraneous patches are deployed
- Assists with setup for managing patch deployment
- The Managed Services website tracks and reports on successful deployments
Understanding the Patch Management system setup
The Patch Management application is loaded onto the Console server by Cassidian Communications System Staging. Similar to Monitoring and Response, the SMC initiates deployment of the Patch Management software application from the server to other approved workstations and servers at the site. Once this deployment is completed, the Patch Management service will be activated.
Understanding the Patch Management Update Process
Prior to the deployment of a Microsoft OS patch, Cassidian Communications reviews the patch to determine its relevance to Cassidian Communications applications, potential impact to customer networks, and testing requirements. Once a patch is certified by Cassidian Communication's System Verification and Test group, the Managed Services team will create a software package for deployment. The package will include the patches to be deployed and applicable deployment rules for each patch. The Console server will automatically check for new patch updates, typically on a daily basis. If new patches are found on the SMC Application Server, they are downloaded to the Console server at the site, based on an agreed-upon schedule. Because many update packages require a reboot, these patch updates will remain on the Console server until an SMC specialist initiates deployment to each of the clients. This deployment is only begun after obtaining approval from your site or the appropriate maintenance partner.
