Patch management is a subset of the larger function of system administration. Patch management is based on the proper methods for identifying and testing various types of code changes, with the goal of improving the programming code’s efficiency. Patch management also includes the actual implementation of code changes as well as monitoring the code’s function to identify any unanticipated issues that were not discovered during the testing phase.
There are several important functions that are considered part of this ongoing process under the broad banner of patch management. To begin, an administrator who manages patches is expected to have a thorough understanding of all code changes or patches that are applied to a system. This is necessary because each new change to the existing code may cause a conflict with a patch that was applied to the system six months or a year ago.
The administrator who is responsible for patch management must also ensure that the patch is installed correctly. Inserting new code into a string at the incorrect location can cause a variety of issues. As a result, the administrator will go to great lengths to ensure that the code changes are made at the exact same point in the sequence as the previous testing simulations.
Even after the code changes are complete and the system is considered operational and accessible by end users, the administrator will run a number of tests as a third common responsibility. This safeguard is in place to ensure that nothing happens in real-world situations that didn’t happen in simulations prior to the code changes being implemented. As a result, patch management is seen as encompassing responsibilities ranging from evaluating potential code changes to continuously monitoring how well those changes are working in a real-time environment.
Patch management is a common task assigned to system administrators. Many companies require some level of customization in the software they use for various tasks. Patches are sometimes created that allow stand-alone systems to interact with one another to some extent. The patch might be a one-time fix for a one-time problem, and it won’t be needed again after a certain amount of time has passed. Patch management may also be an important change management process in some cases. Temporary patches may enable a company to operate with existing software and hardware until it is possible to purchase and install a system that is more integrated and supports a wider range of applications.