JetPatch can deploy and update 3rd party software with the following steps
- Install the 3rd Party Software Plugin
- Import and Publish 3rd Party Applications to WSUS
- Configure all Windows endpoints
Overview of Components
The JetPatch 3rd Party Software solution consists of several components:
- Windows Update Center - The Microsoft Windows main repository.
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) - The Microsoft Windows repository for Windows patches, pulling the patches from the Windows Update Center
- Windows Update Agent (WUA) - The agent that is installed on each Windows endpoint and configured to communicate and pull patches from the WSUS.
- Windows Endpoint - Any Windows Server/Desktop supported by JetPatch
- JetPatch Application - The JetPatch Application
- JetPatch 3rd Party Software Plugin - An extension deployed on the WSUS to push 3rd party software and updates through WSUS and WUA
- JetPatch Catalog - A repository of 3rd party updates.
- 3rd Party Software Certificate - A certificated that sign the updates on the WSUS so the WUA will be able to install them.
High-Level Architecture
WSUS Server
The WSUS Server consists of two main components
- WSUS - Communicating with the Windows Update Center to pull the latest Microsoft Windows patches. Updates are pulled automatically using WSUS Synchronizations
- 3rd Party Plugin - Communicating with the JetPatch Catalog to pull the latest 3rd party updates. By default, updates are pulled manually. You can configure automatic updates (see article).
Updates Information
Both of the updated information (from Windows Update Center and JetPatch Catalog) are eventually populated into the WSUS.
JetPatch
JetPatch is controlling the environment by managing the WUA on the Endpoints (using the JetPatch Connector). It also pulls all of the patches information every configured time (along with other required information)
Endpoints Configuration
- The Windows Update Agent in the Endpoints is configured to work with the WSUS and can deploy 3rd party updates. No additional ports needed.
- Configure Windows Endpoints for 3rd Party Updates
- Tell Computers to install locally publish updates
- Deploy your code signing certificate on Endpoints
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which applications and software are JetPatch supports?
A: The full list, including the versions of the applications, can be found in Supported 3rd Party Software.
Q: Does it work with WSUS Replica?
A: Yes, assuming the replica is in the same domain as the primary or trust between two domains. In addition, the 3rd party plugin must be installed on the replica and the same updates as the primary must be published in the catalog. See steps
Q: I don't see my required application in the JetPatch Supported 3rd Party Software list. When will you support it?
A: Please send us more information about your request and we will be happy to provide you with an estimated time for the support. See contact information.
Q: I see JetPatch supports my required application, but it's not the latest version!
A: JetPatch is always working to support the latest version available and it is taking time to wrap & test a new version (we don't want it to crush your endpoints...). We will be happy to know what you are waiting for - please send us a message! See contact information.
Q: Can I rollback 3rd party updates?
A: Currently, not supported. You can deploy new 3rd party software or update existing ones to the latest versions. At the moment, the 3rd party plugin does not support application removal, but we can help you do that using other JetPatch features
Q: I only need to push some executables... Do I need the JetPatch 3rd Party Software solution for that?
A: If your only request is to push an executable - you can follow the How to execute a Binary executable file guide. You will find it very easy to do that with JetPatch. You can even monitor the execution activities by Creating a Custom Report.
Q: Is there an additional cost?
A: It's a free add-on! Our customers can use the full JetPatch Patch Management power immediately after the JetPatch deployment.
Q: Why can't I access the the 3rd Party Catalog?
A: Our 3rd Party Catalog is a proprietary repository with a variety of applications for our customers to use. It is located in a secure location on one of the biggest cloud vendors.
The JetPatch Catalog is restricted to JetPatch customers. If you are trying to deploy the 3rd party solution and having issues reaching the catalog - please contact JetPatch with the environment external IP (the public IP the WSUS is using) and we will provide you access.
Q: But what is the difference between the JetPatch 3rd party software solution to the JetPatch Agent Management Module?
A: The JetPatch Agent Management Module is a separate module. It provides a full Enterprise Agent Management solution and includes an automated, policy-based process for managing and monitoring the agents in your environment (Cloud and On-Premises) in every step in the agent lifecycle - starting with deploying the agent, configuring it with the requested setting, and make sure it was fully removed if needed.
The 3rd party Software solution described above is a built-in feature in the JetPatch Patch Management Module, it provides you the needed capabilities to deploy and update your applications as any other OS patch in your environment.
If you are searching for a full-blown enterprise solution for agent management on (mostly) your organization servers (agents like Splunk, Networker and Zabbix) - the JetPatch Agent Management Module is the solution for you.
But if you are more interested in a single-pane-of-glass for your environment overall patching management with an additional capability of patching 3rd party software user-oriented (such as Google Chrome, Java, Adobe suits) - the JetPatch Patch Management Module with the 3rd party software solution is what you need.
Contact Information
If you are a JetPatch customer, please submit a new request or send an email to support@jetpatch.com.
Otherwise, you can talk with us in JetPatch.com chat or send an email to sales@jetpatch.com. Our team will contact you soon.
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