Software Maintenance is Divided Between these Two Actions

You might see articles on the Internet discussing “patches” and “updates,” and you might even be forgiven for thinking that they are the same thing when they are, in fact, not. There is indeed a difference, and it’s a big one. Let’s talk about how you might think about patches and security updates so that you might best deploy them month after month.

What is the Difference Between Patches and Updates?

Patches and updates are incredibly important to keep your devices secure from the countless threats on the Internet. Vulnerabilities and operational issues can and will emerge as a natural part of the aging process for software. The biggest difference between patches and updates is the scope and scale of them.

Patches are reserved for quick fixes to specific problems that need swift action. It’s like patching a rip or a tear in a piece of clothing. You’re just temporarily fixing it until you can’t deal with it anymore and buy some new clothing.

Updates are a bit different, though. They are more structural in nature and happen on a more grand scale. They might even address multiple problems at once. It’s like changing the fabric of a shirt entirely rather than just patching the hole.

Why Is It Important to Understand This?

The biggest reason you should be aware of these differences is that patches and updates could impact your ability to perform your job.

If you implement a new update, for example, it might solve several problems all at once, but it could very well introduce new bugs and operational challenges that impact your ability to work or perform certain tasks. Consider what would happen if someone updated your operating system overnight and you had to navigate a new user interface or certain applications no longer worked properly. There will of course be a learning curve with any new technology, but you also need to make sure that the update will not impact your productivity or disrupt operations in the process.

Patch and Update Deployment Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Patches and updates don’t have to be disruptive or difficult to implement. If anything, you want something that can make your life much easier to be easy to manage. You can achieve this by working with BNMC and implementing a remote patching and security update service. You’ll never have to worry about issues related to patching or updating your technology, as we will address all of them for you, allowing you to focus instead on being productive with your time.

To learn more about what we can do for your business, call us today at (978) 482-2020.