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Automations
Top 8 3rd-Party Patch Management Software for 2025: 1. Level 2. Action1 3. ManageEngine 4. NinjaOne 5. Atera 6. Avira 7. Automox 8. Heimdal.
Level
Friday, January 10, 2025
Managing third-party software updates is one of the most time-consuming yet important responsibilities for IT teams. Missing patches can expose systems to vulnerabilities that hackers can quickly exploit.
Many businesses rely on 3rd-party patch management software to automate software updates. However, with so many options today, choosing the right solution for your organization's needs can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we'll look at the best patch management tools for third-party updates. We'll also share the key features to consider when evaluating different solutions.
But first, let's discuss what they do and why they matter.
Third-party patch management software automates updates for applications not developed by an operating system, such as Windows and Linux.
Think of apps like Adobe Reader, Java, and Zoom. They are common tools most organizations use but are often overlooked during patch management processes.
Third-party patching software makes sure that non-native apps receive the necessary updates to run smoothly and securely. This digital solution can scan IT asset inventory for software vulnerabilities, identify missing patches, and notify teams of pending updates.
Managing third-party applications without dedicated tools can overwhelm even the most experienced IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs).
Check out some of the reasons why you need a patch management solution:
New cyber threats emerge every day, and they often target unpatched software. Every missed update opens the door to security threats that can compromise sensitive company or client data.
A third-party patch management tool helps your organization stay ahead by automating patch updates and closing security gaps.
Since it quickly deploys the latest security patches, it can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. This protects your business from extended downtime and breaches.
Regulatory frameworks often require businesses to prove they can manage patches effectively.
A patch management solution keeps all your company's third-party software up to date. At the same time, it can generate detailed reports to show your compliance during audits.
This can save your IT team headaches down the road and maintain trust with clients.
Outdated third-party software can stop working properly and interrupt operations. Scheduling software updates during peak hours may also lead to unplanned downtime.
Automated patch management tools minimize both risks by installing updates during off-peak hours. They also test patches before full deployment to reduce the chance of compatibility issues. This keeps your systems running smoothly and makes sure your team stays productive.
Manual patching is time-intensive and error-prone, especially for organizations that oversee hundreds of devices.
Third-party patch management tools can automate software patches across different IT environments. Some platforms can also instantly notify your IT department when updates fail.
Automated patching means less time chasing updates and more time focusing on strategic IT initiatives. Your team gets more done with fewer resources.
Patch management software can save your business money in several ways.
First, it can proactively address security vulnerabilities. This prevents expensive breaches, extended downtime, and non-compliance fines.
This digital solution can also optimize resource use. It frees up your IT department to work on more important activities.
Investing in a patch management tool often pays for itself in increased efficiency and reduced risk.
After learning the importance of patch management tools, you're probably ready to invest in one. Here are the best platforms to help you manage third-party application updates.
Level offers a modern remote monitoring and management or RMM software with patch management features. The platform can automatically deploy updates or patches to third-party apps across different systems. It saves valuable time while keeping IT infrastructures secure and compliant.
Level is also highly flexible, allowing IT teams to customize patch schedules and prioritize important updates with ease.
Plus, it offers real-time notifications when updates fail. These alerts help organizations to act immediately before cyber threats attack their networks.
Level's standout feature is its intuitive interface. It is hosted on the web, which provides a clear overview of patch statuses without needing complex on-premises infrastructure. This enables IT teams to address security vulnerabilities quickly without digging through complex dashboards.
Book a personalized demo to get started with Level!
Action1 is a comprehensive patch management software solution designed for remote and distributed teams. It automates patch deployment for operating systems and third-party applications. This frees up IT employees to focus on more important activities.
Action1 can also detect missing patches and notify the relevant departments to minimize security vulnerabilities.
It can even generate real-time reports to meet regulatory requirements. Combined with audit trails, Action1 can help businesses prove necessary compliance with cybersecurity standards.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is an all-in-one solution for automating patching across Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications. It provides end-to-end patch management, from detecting vulnerabilities to deploying patches seamlessly.
One standout feature is its ability to test patches before deployment. This can minimize the risks of system issues due to incompatibility.
Patch Manager Plus even offers detailed analytics and audits. These help businesses stay on top of patch compliance statuses.
NinjaOne is a reliable RMM patch management solution for IT teams and managed service providers. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems in addition to numerous third-party applications.
NinjaOne's patch management software can automatically scan networks to detect outdated apps. Then, it instantly deploys patches to reduce security gaps.
The cloud-based platform also uses RMM agents to make sure both on-premise and remote devices receive timely updates. It can significantly improve endpoint security without the need for a VPN.
Atera combines patch management, RMM, and PSA software in one platform. It is designed to improve IT efficiency at scale.
Atera's patch management features can schedule updates, prioritize important apps, and monitor patching progress.
The software can also notify IT teams about pending updates for managed devices. These real-time alerts can protect endpoints against security threats.
Avira Software Updater can easily deploy patches for popular third-party apps like Adobe and Zoom with just a click. It automates system scans to give IT teams a centralized view of outdated software.
In addition to third-party patching, Avira can also update drivers to maintain system stability. It supports monitors, hard disks, printers, and other computer components.
Plus, Avira Software Update can strengthen any company's security posture by fixing software vulnerabilities. It guarantees that it only deploys correct and clean patches.
Automox is a cloud-native patch management platform built for speed and simplicity. It automates updates across Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications.
Automox features a centralized dashboard that provides real-time visibility into endpoint statuses. It also enables advanced scheduling to prevent interruptions during peak hours.
It comes with the proprietary Worklets technology. It uses pre-built scripts to automate endpoint management tasks and save valuable time for IT teams.
Heimdal offers a patch and asset management platform that can automate software updates across different apps and operating systems. It can track software assets in real time for efficient device monitoring.
The platform also ensures compliance by keeping systems up to date with the latest security patches. Combined with policy customization and audit trails, Heimdal can prevent non-compliance issues.
On top of these features, Heimdal can automatically schedule updates based on specific requirements. It minimizes operational disruptions and manual oversight.
After reviewing the top patch management tools, it’s important to understand what makes them effective. The best solutions share key features that simplify processes, strengthen security, and improve IT efficiency.
Let's take a closer look below:
Automation is the foundation of effective patch management software.
Tools with automation capabilities can scan for vulnerabilities, deploy patches, and track updates without manual intervention. This saves your IT team countless hours and money.
Every organization has unique needs. Custom patch management solutions allow you to tailor patching schedules, prioritize software updates, and define policies based on your IT environment.
For example, you may need to delay non-essential updates to avoid interrupting workflows. A great patch management tool allows you to do this.
Your patch management solution should work across your entire IT environment. This includes Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications your business relies on.
Compatibility across operating systems and apps means fewer security gaps and a more unified approach to patching.
Real-time reporting and analytics provide detailed insights into your patching efforts. These features help you track which devices are updated, identify vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance with regulations.
You should seek patch management software that can generate clear, actionable reports. Then, evaluate how easy it is to customize and share findings with the relevant stakeholders.
Compliance is non-negotiable in industries with strict regulations. Tools with compliance management features make it easier to meet these requirements.
These solutions generate detailed logs of all patching activities to provide the necessary documentation during audits. They can reduce stress for your IT team.
To maximize the software's features, you should follow these best practices:
Managing patches for third-party apps can be complex and time-consuming. Level simplifies this process with its automated patch management solution.
It can instantly deploy patches, schedule installations during off-peak hours, and provide immediate notifications of any update failures. This saves valuable time and prevents human errors that may lead to security issues.
In addition to third-party programs, Level can also patch Windows, macOS, and Linux systems to keep operations running smoothly.
On top of these features, Level includes proactive device monitoring, advanced scripting tools, background management, and an extensive asset inventory. Whether you're looking to improve efficiency or expand your service offerings, Level provides the technology to make it happen.
Book a demo or try Level free for 14 days right now!
Third-party patch management refers to updating applications that aren’t part of the operating system. It typically involves patch management software to keep apps secure and up-to-date.
The three common types are security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates. Security patches address software vulnerabilities, while bug fixes solve functionality issues. Lastly, feature updates add new capabilities to the third-party app.
Patch management software automates the process of scanning, updating, and deploying patches for operating systems and third-party applications. It keeps systems secure and compliant with security standards.
Yes, Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) includes patch management tools. It primarily manages Windows updates. However, it can also handle third-party patching processes with additional configurations or integrations.
At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.
Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.
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