Patch Management is a fully integrated feature of Novell ZENworks 11 SP3 that provides the same agent-based patch, vulnerability patch, and compliance management solution that was used in prior versions.
The ZENworks Server schedules a Discover Applicable Updates (DAU) task for all ZENworks managed devices (servers and workstations) and compiles information on the operating system, hardware, and software.
The results of the scan are sent to the ZENworks Server and can be viewed anytime in the Patches section under the Patch Management tab or in the Devices tab even if a workstation is disconnected from your network.
Based on the above information, it is determined whether the patches are applicable for each device. If applicable, the ZENworks Adaptive Agent performs another scan by using the patch fingerprints incorporated into each patch to determine the device’s patch status (Patched or Not Patched) in relation to that patch. The results of the scan are posted under the Patch Management tab of the ZENworks Control Center, for review by an administrator.
After patch status is established, the ZENworks administrator can deploy the desired patch to each applicable device on the network.
The following features are included in ZENworks 11 SP3 Patch Management: