Simplifying the Complex: Third-Party Patching

Managing third-party software updates has been a challenge for IT teams historically. With the rising number of third-party applications in use and the shift from traditional licensing to software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, the need for efficient patch management has never been greater. 

Automox has developed a streamlined and effective methodology to simplify third-party patching and reduce the administrative burden on IT teams.

Third-party software generally refers to any application or package provided by an external vendor that isn’t natively supported through an operating system’s updates. For example, updates for Windows or macOS are considered first-party, but updates for software such as Google Chrome, provided directly by Google, fall into the third-party category.

The challenge with third-party patching lies in the diversity of solutions each vendor employs to distribute updates. Without a centralized solution, IT teams are left juggling various update processes, creating inefficiencies and leaving endpoints vulnerable.

Automox offers a cloud-native solution that simplifies third-party patching by consolidating various update methods into a single, cohesive process. Here’s how the process works from start to finish:

Step 1: Inventory and Identification

Devices are scanned to identify updates needed for first and third-party applications. The default scan interval is 24 hours, but this can be customized to meet specific needs.

Step 2: Centralized Policy Management

IT teams can implement flexible policies to automate patch deployment, allowing for consistent updates across devices without manual input.

Step 3: Caching and Distribution

For macOS and Windows software, Automox caches third-party updates in its software catalog, eliminating the need for IT teams to rely on individual vendor sites or manage complex whitelisting and firewall configurations. Each package is scanned against multiple vulnerability databases before caching, fostering a secure and reliable distribution process that significantly mitigates potential risks.For Linux, Automox leverages native repository tools like yum, dnf, or apt, simplifying patching workflows while maintaining alignment with existing processes.

Step 4: Package Deployment

When a patching schedule triggers, the update is fetched directly from Automox’s cache and installed on the designated devices within the policy. This process allows for streamlined and silent installation, minimizing disruptions for end users and standardizing the patching experience.

By centralizing patching, Automox reduces complexity, saves time, and ensures a reliable, automated experience for IT teams managing multi-platform environments.

Supporting Custom Requirements

For businesses that develop proprietary software or require support for paywalled applications, Automox offers the flexibility of custom worklets. These enable IT teams to deploy tailored patches or updates for non-catalog and custom software, ensuring comprehensive coverage for even the most complex environments.

Automox’s focus on simplicity and scalability sets it apart from traditional patching tools. Here are some of the key benefits of using Automox for third-party patching:

• Centralized Management: Unlike manual patching methods, Automox streamlines patching processes across platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• Improved Security: By scanning and caching updates securely, Automox mitigates vulnerabilities and reduces reliance on external sources for updates.

• Consistent Experience: IT teams and end users benefit from standardized update processes, eliminating the frustration of managing diverse patching mechanisms.

• Cross-Platform Support: Automox provides robust support for macOS and Windows third-party applications. While Linux operates differently, requiring repositories for updates, Automox uses the same process for first-party and third-party needs in Linux environments.

• Transparency and Responsiveness: Automox maintains a public catalog of supported third-party applications, currently exceeding 570 titles, with regular updates informed by customer requests.

One of Automox’s standout features is its customer-driven approach to third-party support. Through an intake process, IT teams can request additional third-party titles for the catalog. Provided the software meets specific technical requirements—such as being publicly accessible and programmatically downloadable—Automox adds it to its ever-expanding list of supported titles. This ensures customers' most-needed tools always remain updated.

Automox simplifies third-party patching by integrating automated distribution, hosted updates, and robust security checks, enabling IT teams to focus on critical priorities over manual patch workflows.

Unlike competitors that inflate catalog numbers by counting variations like versions or architectures separately, Automox maintains a straightforward and transparent methodology. For example, if a software title is available for both macOS and Windows, Automox counts it as two entries—one for each platform. However, even if a title has multiple versions and supports various architectures, such as 13 versions available for macOS on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips, as well as Windows 10 and 11, Automox still considers it as two entries—one for macOS and one for Windows. This ensures the catalog reflects real-world usability rather than artificially boosted figures.

IT teams can request additional software titles, and as long as they meet technical requirements, they’re promptly added. This practical, no-nonsense approach builds trust and ensures IT teams have access to tools suited to their operational needs.