Review: Sewing Up App Glitches

The first order of business is to get a valid list of patches; here, users can manually download the latest patch list or set up a schedule to automate patch downloading. That process is, in essence, the managed service portion of the product.

With a list of patches available and agents deployed across the network, patching PCs becomes a simple process of using the management console to identify needed patches and then selecting target systems.

The management console offers an impressive array of views. Administrators can customize the views to meet or work with the dozens of existing views and filters to build ad-hoc management reports.

Those processes also drive policy creation. The product allows the creation of policies that can dictate when systems are scanned, determine whether they are to be automatically remediated or granted access or create automated notifications to the system administrator.

The key word here is flexibility. VARs can build custom reports and policies for their clients, offering them exactly what they need when it comes to patch management while inventing a new service opportunity at the same time.

Other features of note include: security alerts; scalable discovery; the ability to monitor and patch dozens of applications; and protected agent, a feature that resists tampering. For large installations, administrators will appreciate the product's ability to minimize bandwidth needs. That prevents large patch deployments or agent updates from hogging all the bandwidth on the LAN, thus minimizing the impact the product has on network performance.

Overall, Patch Manager does exactly what LANDesk claims it can do: manage the patching process with little fuss or muss. For VARs, the company provides an excellent solution to the patching problem that also can fuel management services and additional software sales.

Furthermore, the product proves to be a valuable ally for those struggling with compliance requirements, such as Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA, where vulnerability assessment and patch management can be key requirements.

For VARs looking to partner with LANDesk, a comprehensive channel program is in place that offers three-tiered access to partner-only features. Solution providers can be classified as Silver, Gold or Platinum partners, each of which is based upon technical expertise, market segment leadership, growth strategy and solution deployments. Partners will find that the company sells almost exclusively through the channel. In addition, it offers a partner portal that provides restricted access to product pricing, marketing materials, online training and account management.

The company also provides lead generation and works with partners to follow through on leads and close deals. LANDesk also hosts partner-only conferences for both technical and sales personnel. In addition, a dedicated sales team helps partners with MDF and co-op marketing efforts, along with post-sales support. A deal registration program rounds out the channel offering with additional discounts.

All in all, LANDesk Patch Manager enables partners to provide lucrative network services with little or no difficulty.