Do you have the ultimate control over the patch management process in your network? This depends on the flexibility handed over to you by the patch management solution you choose. These following questions can help you assess the flexibility provided by the solution:

• Does it support all of the various types of patches that I'd like to deploy?
• Can I create various groups of systems for simplifying patching?
• Will the software deploy patches without interfering with end-user productivity?
• Can I configure when and how the patches are deployed to the end-users?

Deploying buggy patches is the last thing we want to do. But isn't manually testing all the updates before deployment equally laborious and time-consuming? If you find yourself in the same plight, here's your solution: Automated Testing of Patches.

Any of the best patch management tools lets you be in control over configuring your test environment, choosing the types of patches to be tested, and automatically deploying the tested and approved patches to the end-user systems.

Flexibility in hosting differentiates the best patch management tools from the rest. The best patch management software will cater to the growing needs of users, thereby providing the flexibility to be hosted both on-premise and on the cloud, leaving the choice to you.

The best patch management solution should accommodate all types of network needs, be it for users in LAN, WAN, or for employees working from home. Moreover, the patching management tool should offer patching support for multiple operating systems and third-party applications.

Another unique functionality for a patching tool should be its ability to deploy Microsoft and Windows patches. Being the best Windows Patch Management Software, the tool should offer the capability to deploy all of the Microsoft updates as well as offer proactive support during the monthly Patch Tuesdays.