Better Patch Management with NetTec NSI Managed Services
Patches Testing Overview
Microsoft Security Patch Testing Overview
How NetTec NSI’s NOC Helps You Test and Manage Security Patch Rollups
Patching is an important service we provide to clients to help keep their software secure, up-to-date, and running efficiently. However, new patches often cause issues with existing applications, which can create additional work for your team and result in lost productivity. To avoid these problems, our NOC thoroughly tests new patches before deploying them.
To help reduce the number of issues experienced when installing Microsoft’s monthly security patch rollup, our NOC technicians conduct extensive testing to identify any errors and conflicts with existing applications so we can provide a more efficient and comprehensive patching service to our clients.
Below is an overview of our Windows security rollup patch testing process:
Day 1: Patch Tuesday
Microsoft releases their monthly security patch rollup on Patch Tuesday, the second Tuesday of each month. At this time, we delay the installation of this rollup for two weeks to thoroughly test how the installation impacts common business applications.
Note: Patch rollup is only delayed if the security updates/Delay for NOC Testing option is enabled in the patch policy. In addition, any identified zero-day patch follows the same patch policies designated for security updates, but the testing period is expedited to seven calendar days (rather than 14).
Day 11: Patch Testing Report Published
Eleven days after Patch Tuesday, we publish a report in our Doc Center listing any identified issues and, if applicable, providing steps to avoid or remediate the issue. This report also includes any previously blacklisted patches included in the monthly rollup.
Day 14: Patch Rollup Released
Fourteen days after the patch rollup is made available, it is marked as NOC Tested and made available for download and installation according to existing patch policies.
Note: If significant and/or extensive issues are found with the patch rollup, NetTec NSI may delay the release of that rollup past Day 14 to provide us with more time to prepare and to minimize the impact on end clients.
The Benefits of Patch Rollup Testing
Patch management can be a very time-consuming process for both MSPs and end clients. By delaying the installation of Microsoft’s monthly security patch rollup, our team is able to extensively test the different patches within the rollup on your behalf—helping us identify and remediate issues before they happen and provide a better overall patching service to our clients.
Additionally, delaying the installation provides other software vendors with time to release updates that fix known issues, giving us a better chance at avoiding additional problems altogether.
Our job as an MSP is to minimize our clients’ technology issues so that they can keep their business running smoothly. With NetTec NSI’s patch testing process, you don’t just have a patch management tool; we have a complete team that enables us to provide a better patching service to our clients.
Want more information? Contact us now.
