REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SupportSoft (Company
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Studies), Inc. (Nasdaq: SPRT - News), a leading provider of Real-Time Service Management (RTSM(TM)) software, today announced the latest version of its Patch+(TM) software. The new version of Patch+ includes real-time vulnerability assessment to extend the reach of enterprise software distribution (ESD) by more effectively targeting computing endpoints and by verifying successful patch installation across the enterprise, including hard-to-reach endpoints used by remote and mobile employees.
SupportSoft's agent-based Patch+ software uses a Web-based architecture to help organizations build a deeper defense against IT infrastructure problems with their patch management strategy. Patch+ can provide real-time vulnerability assessment at the endpoint to accelerate typically complex patch processes, harden endpoints against emerging threats through end-user alerts and other methods, enforce IT policies and independently verify software and regulatory compliance. For remote and mobile users, IT administrators can also provide patch alerts when end-users connect to the corporate network, alerting them that a patch is available for installation or installing it automatically to ensure protection from a virus, for example.
New features of Patch+ include a more intuitive interface for managing the criteria for precision targeting of endpoints -- both in preparing for patch distribution and in verifying that the distribution was successful. The new interface enables IT managers to more effectively address the population of mobile and remote users within the enterprise by finely detailing the critical updates and vulnerabilities of those endpoints. Other new features of Patch+ include:
-- More flexibility in grouping targeting criteria
-- Enhanced reporting for trouble shooting and patch verification
-- Improved Microsoft "hot-fix" patch targeting
-- Enhanced Microsoft Active Directory integration
In a recent U.S. study of 150 IT managers responsible for software patches and updates within their organizations, the vast majority said that mobile and remote employees are the number one reason that patches aren't deployed to 100% of endpoints on the first attempt(1). The survey found that 74% of enterprises are not able to reach 100% of computing endpoints during initial patch distribution due to the number of remote and mobile employees.
When asked about the most important features of a patch management solution, 65% of IT managers said that their organization considered the ability to ensure the delivery of patches was the most important feature. Despite this requirement --
21% of organizations said that they have no way of knowing precisely which patches are still in place 3 months after the initial distribution, and 24% of enterprises surveyed said it takes weeks or more to complete the distribution of patches across the enterprise.
"Enterprises realize that their patch management strategy is not complete without the ability to achieve full endpoint coverage throughout the distributed enterprise," said Chris Grejtak, senior vice president of products and marketing at SupportSoft. "Patch+ is a key component of our vision for the X-Celerated Enterprise, in which our strategy is focused on improving the way that enterprises manage and secure their computing endpoints, as well as service and support the end-users who rely upon them. Patch+ helps to plug the holes in current enterprise patch management and software distribution processes by providing enterprises with the tools to build a deeper defense against the security and other IT threats that they face."
About SupportSoft
SupportSoft is a leading provider of Real-Time Service Management (RTSM(TM)) software designed to provide for IT endpoint automation, ease enterprise technical support, and enable triple play service automation for VoIP, video or broadband delivery by service providers to their customers. Digital service providers benefiting from SupportSoft solutions include Adelphia Communications, Belgacom, BellSouth, Charter Communications, Comcast Communications, Cox Communications, Time Warner, TeliaSonera and UPC. Enterprises that have licensed SupportSoft software for IT requirements include ADP, Bank of America, BT, IBM, Procter & Gamble, Siebel Systems, Sony and Thomson Financial. Managed service providers that utilize the Company's solutions to provide outsourced services to their enterprise customers include ACS, CGI, CompuCom, CSC and IBM Global Services. For more information, visit www.supportsoft.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the expected benefits of our products. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements including, but not limited to: the ability of the software to operate with hardware and software platforms that are used by our customers now or in the future, the technical challenges and time and effort involved in the deployment of the solutions, the rapid pace of technological change as well as other risks detailed in SupportSoft's SEC filings. Statements included in this release are based upon information known to SupportSoft as of the date of this release, and SupportSoft assumes no obligation to update information contained in this press release.
(1). The survey was conducted by online research firm InsightExpress on behalf of SupportSoft, Inc., and completed in February, 2005. The survey interviewed 150 IT Managers with responsibility for software patches and updates in organizations with IT budgets of $25 million or more. The survey data is projectable across similar enterprises in the United States at a margin of error of +/- 1.59% at a 95% confidence level.
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