Obsolete software and applications are among the primary gateways for cybercriminals, making the management of patches a crucial aspect of cybersecurity hygiene. Fortunately, the vast availability of Linux and Windows patch management software, whether commercial or open-source, offers IT professionals an abundant amount of accessible and affordable tools. This piece explores crucial factors one should consider when choosing a patching solution and evaluates the effectiveness of free patch management software as an option.
What is Open-source Patch Management Software?
In essence, the majority of open-source patch management software can be regarded as the “free” option for commercial patching solutions. Although some open-source MSP software is fully open, only a few options are genuinely open-sourced for patching. A limited number of examples, updated within the last year, can be found by searching on GitHub. Even though these limited solutions can be effective for a skilled technician when paired with other free tools such as PowerShell or Command Line or free-tiered versions of vendor products, costs can remain low.
Benefits Of Open-source Patch Management Software
Using open-source or free patch management software can be a smart choice for certain organizations. If a small MSP is just starting out, a solution that is free for the first 25-50 devices, but still retains key features, can provide the necessary foundation to learn the necessary skills. For example, Gorelo, an RMM Software and PSA with Help Desk and ticketing software provider, offers a 14-day free trial of their automated tools and scripting library specifically designed for patch management. This can provide users full access to a range of services to assist with patch management.
Open-source patch management software is becoming increasingly popular due to the many benefits it offers.
- It is usually available for free, making it a viable option for organizations that cannot afford expensive commercial patching solutions. Since open-source software is developed by the community, it usually receives more frequent updates than commercial software, ensuring that any security vulnerabilities are quickly addressed.
- Open-source patch management software offers more flexibility in terms of customization, allowing organizations to tailor the software to their specific needs. This can be particularly helpful for organizations that require a more comprehensive patching solution than what a commercial option can provide.
- Choosing open-source software can also help build trust with users and stakeholders as it offers more transparency in the software development process. Due to its open-source nature, anyone can inspect the code for security vulnerabilities, ensuring greater transparency and credibility.
- Open-source patching solutions also tend to have more extensive and active communities of users, providing additional resources for support and a more extensive knowledge base. This can be especially critical for smaller organizations that lack a dedicated IT team.
Overall, open-source patch management software offers many benefits over commercial options, including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and transparency. However, it is crucial to remember that choosing any patching solution requires careful consideration and evaluation of the organization’s specific needs and priorities to ensure that the selected software is effective against potential threats.
Disadvantages Of Free and Open-source Patch Management Software
Open-source and free patch management software may be useful for small businesses or those just starting out, but may not be sufficient for organizations with plans for growth. While free MSP solutions may offer some benefits, such as ample features and device management options, they may also have limitations in terms of the number of devices they cover. As the company expands and begins to manage various operating systems, device types, and network environments, the restrictions of free-tier solutions may become more burdensome for the organization.
Open-source patch management software offers many benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and transparency. However, like any solution, it also has some drawbacks to be aware of.
- One key disadvantage of free and open-source patch management software is that it may lack some of the advanced features and capabilities that commercial options offer. These features could include streamlined workflows, automated notifications, and priority support. Additionally, open-source software may also have a higher learning curve than commercial options, requiring more time and effort to become proficient in its use.
- Potential drawback is that open-source software may be less tested and documented than commercial software. This means that it can be less reliable or require more troubleshooting when issues arise. Support options may also be limited when using open-source software, as commercial vendors typically provide full-time support and resources.
- Free and open-source patch management software may not always be up to date with the latest patches and security updates. This is because these solutions rely on the community to update and maintain the code, which can be unpredictable and slow.
- Finally, open-source solutions may have limited compatibility with third-party software or hardware due to the lack of resources or support from commercial vendors. This can result in additional time and effort to integrate and maintain compatibility.
Overall, while free and open-source patch management software offers many benefits, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks as well. The decision to use open-source software should be based on a careful assessment of an organization’s requirements and resources, to ensure that the selected software provides adequate functionality and support for the organization’s needs.
Better Commercial Alternatives to Free and Open-source Patch Management Software
When selecting a patch management solution, it is crucial to assess its feature set and how well it aligns with the needs of the platform. By opting for a solution with a comprehensive feature set customized for the respective platform, businesses can generate revenue faster. However, when considering open-source patch management software, it is essential to evaluate how it can support the company’s revenue generation goals and consider if a more advanced commercial alternative could better serve their needs.
While open-source patch management software can be a viable option for businesses, utilizing such tools come with trade-offs that must be considered. While in-house development of open-source projects may be preferable, customization may take longer and require more developer resources. Open-source and free patch management solutions, while useful as entry-level options or for businesses seeking to learn the fundamentals, are not always sufficient for scaling operations. To generate and save money for the business, it is usually recommended to utilize leading, professionally developed tools when scaling up.
Author Bio Fazal Hussain is a digital marketer working in the field since 2015. He has worked in different niches of digital marketing, be it SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, PPC, or content marketing. He loves writing about industry trends in technology and entrepreneurship, evaluating them from the different perspectives of industry leaders in the niches. In his leisure time, he loves to hang out with friends, watch movies, and explore new places.
Website: https://www.gorelo.io