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Other Software products for Contractors.

Patch Management & Software Update Tools for Contractors
Albert Richer

Finding the Right Fit: An In-Depth Analysis of Patch Management and Software Update Tools for Contractors When analyzing customer feedback across multiple platforms, it's clear that the world of patch management and software update tools can be both overwhelming and essential for contractors. Market research indicates that tools like SolarWinds Patch Manager and ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus frequently appear in top-rated lists due to their robust features and user-friendly interfaces. Interestingly, many reviews indicate that contractors often prioritize ease of use and automation over advanced features, suggesting that a simpler solution might be more effective than one loaded with bells and whistles. Why complicate your life when a straightforward tool may help streamline your workflow? Data suggests that while some users get caught up in the latest features, what truly matters is reliability and support. For instance, Ivanti Patch Management receives positive feedback for its solid performance and exceptional customer service, which can often be the difference between a smooth operation and a tech-induced headache. Finding the Right Fit: An In-Depth Analysis of Patch Management and Software Update Tools for Contractors When analyzing customer feedback across multiple platforms, it's clear that the world of patch management and software update tools can be both overwhelming and essential for contractors.

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1
Expert Score
9.9 / 10
542
51

Scalefusion Windows Patch Management

Scalefusion Windows Patch Management
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Scalefusion's Windows Patch Management software is a powerful tool for contractors, simplifying the process of managing, deploying, and securing software patches. Its efficiency, speed, and reliability are crucial in the fast-paced contracting industry where secure and smooth device performance is paramount.
Scalefusion's Windows Patch Management software is a powerful tool for contractors, simplifying the process of managing, deploying, and securing software patches. Its efficiency, speed, and reliability are crucial in the fast-paced contracting industry where secure and smooth device performance is paramount.

Best for teams that are

  • IT teams managing diverse endpoints (Windows, Mac, Linux) via MDM
  • Organizations managing kiosks and remote mobile workforces
  • Teams already using Scalefusion for device management

Skip if

  • Environments with legacy Windows versions (7/8) not enrolled in MDM
  • Server-heavy infrastructure requiring traditional agent-based management
  • Users needing complex third-party application patching outside of standard catalogs

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Scalefusion excels by integrating robust third-party application patching directly alongside Windows OS updates, a feature often requiring separate tools. Research indicates their 'Scalefusion Academy' and sub-4-minute support response times significantly mitigate the learning curve for new administrators. Based on documented pricing, the inclusion of patch management in the Enterprise plan offers exceptional value for organizations requiring compliance at scale.

Pros

  • Automated third-party app patching
  • Included in Enterprise plan ($4/mo)
  • Support response under 4 minutes
  • SOC 2 Type 2 & ISO 27001 certified
  • Granular update scheduling control

Cons

  • Initial setup can be complex
  • Reporting analytics are somewhat basic
  • Patching is paid add-on for Starter
  • No built-in native VPN service
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
2
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
678
149

Tenable Patch Management

Tenable Patch Management
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Tenable Patch Management is designed to meet the needs of contractors in the IT industry. It combines autonomous patching, vulnerability intelligence, and prioritization, significantly reducing mean time to remediate (MTTR). This is particularly beneficial for contractors who often work on multiple projects and need to ensure all systems are up-to-date and secure.
Tenable Patch Management is designed to meet the needs of contractors in the IT industry. It combines autonomous patching, vulnerability intelligence, and prioritization, significantly reducing mean time to remediate (MTTR). This is particularly beneficial for contractors who often work on multiple projects and need to ensure all systems are up-to-date and secure.

Best for teams that are

  • Security teams prioritizing remediation based on vulnerability risk scores (VPR)
  • Large enterprises already invested in the Tenable vulnerability ecosystem
  • Organizations wanting to bridge the gap between security scans and remediation

Skip if

  • Small IT teams needing a standalone patch tool without vulnerability management
  • Organizations not using Tenable Vulnerability Management or Security Center
  • Users looking for a simple tool just to update basic third-party apps

Expert Take

Tenable Patch Management is a powerful tool for IT contractors. Its autonomous patching feature allows contractors to focus on other aspects of their work, knowing that their systems are secure. The advanced vulnerability intelligence provides insight into potential security risks, and the built-in prioritization helps manage patches effectively. This reduces MTTR and ensures smoother project executions, critical for contractors juggling multiple projects.

Pros

  • Autonomous patching
  • Advanced vulnerability intelligence
  • Built-in prioritization
  • Reduces MTTR
  • Designed for IT contractors

Cons

  • Pricing information not readily available
  • May be complex for beginners
  • Dependent on vendor for support
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
529
129
TOP CONTRACTOR CHOICE
MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY

SolarWinds Patch Manager

SolarWinds Patch Manager
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SolarWinds Patch Manager is a comprehensive solution for contractors looking to maintain optimum performance of virtual desktops and servers. It specifically addresses the industry need for efficient and reliable patch management, even for offline machines, which is crucial for ensuring system security and compliance.
SolarWinds Patch Manager is a comprehensive solution for contractors looking to maintain optimum performance of virtual desktops and servers. It specifically addresses the industry need for efficient and reliable patch management, even for offline machines, which is crucial for ensuring system security and compliance.
TOP CONTRACTOR CHOICE
MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY

Best for teams that are

  • Enterprises using SCCM or WSUS needing to patch 3rd-party applications
  • Organizations requiring detailed compliance reporting and on-premise control
  • Teams needing to extend Microsoft native patching capabilities

Skip if

  • Small businesses lacking existing WSUS or SCCM infrastructure
  • Cloud-first organizations avoiding on-premise server maintenance
  • Teams needing a lightweight, quick-to-deploy SaaS solution

Expert Take

Our analysis shows SolarWinds Patch Manager effectively bridges the gap for Windows-centric organizations struggling with third-party application updates. By leveraging existing WSUS/SCCM infrastructure, it avoids the need for a completely new agent deployment while adding critical capabilities like pre-tested Adobe and Java packages. Research indicates it is particularly strong for regulated industries requiring detailed compliance reporting, though it remains best suited for predominantly Windows environments.

Pros

  • Extends Microsoft WSUS and SCCM capabilities
  • Pre-tested packages for 3rd-party apps
  • Wake-on-LAN for offline machine patching
  • Comprehensive compliance and audit reporting
  • Integrates with SolarWinds Orion Platform

Cons

  • Requires existing WSUS or SCCM infrastructure
  • Limited native support for Linux/Mac patching
  • Setup and configuration can be complex
  • No free plan available (only trial)
  • Reports of significant renewal price hikes
4
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
475
65
RISK REDUCTION
TIME SAVER

Qualys Patch Management

Qualys Patch Management
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Qualys Patch Management is a powerful SaaS solution designed specifically for contractors to efficiently manage software updates and patches. It prioritizes and deploys patches across various systems, reducing security risks and ensuring timely rectification of critical vulnerabilities. Its automated processes and real-time visibility features are crucial for contractors who need to maintain the highest level of security while managing multiple projects.
Qualys Patch Management is a powerful SaaS solution designed specifically for contractors to efficiently manage software updates and patches. It prioritizes and deploys patches across various systems, reducing security risks and ensuring timely rectification of critical vulnerabilities. Its automated processes and real-time visibility features are crucial for contractors who need to maintain the highest level of security while managing multiple projects.
RISK REDUCTION
TIME SAVER

Best for teams that are

  • Enterprises requiring unified vulnerability scanning and patching in the cloud
  • Hybrid environments needing to patch remote endpoints without VPNs
  • Teams needing to correlate patches directly with detected vulnerabilities

Skip if

  • Small businesses seeking a simple, low-cost standalone patch tool
  • Organizations requiring strictly on-premise management consoles
  • Teams that find comprehensive vulnerability suites too complex for their needs

Expert Take

The software is a real game-changer for contractors, an industry where the security and timely updating of systems are paramount. The Qualys Patch Management's ability to efficiently prioritize and deploy patches across systems helps contractors maintain the highest level of security while managing multiple projects. Its real-time visibility and automated deployment of patches significantly reduce the risk of security breaches, making it a favorite among industry professionals.

Pros

  • Automated patch deployment
  • Real-time visibility
  • Prioritization of critical vulnerabilities
  • Scalable solution
  • Multi-platform support

Cons

  • Might require technical expertise
  • Higher price point for smaller businesses
  • Initial setup may be complex
5
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
653
168
SIMPLE & POWERFUL
OFFLINE CAPABILITY

PDQ Patch Management

PDQ Patch Management
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PDQ is an industry-leading patch management software specifically designed for IT teams and contractors. It enables automated updates, reduces risk, and saves valuable time by eliminating the need for manual updating. Its key strength lies in the perfect blend of power and simplicity, making it an ideal solution for the complex IT needs of contractors.
PDQ is an industry-leading patch management software specifically designed for IT teams and contractors. It enables automated updates, reduces risk, and saves valuable time by eliminating the need for manual updating. Its key strength lies in the perfect blend of power and simplicity, making it an ideal solution for the complex IT needs of contractors.
SIMPLE & POWERFUL
OFFLINE CAPABILITY

Best for teams that are

  • Sysadmins managing Windows-heavy environments who value speed and simplicity
  • Teams preferring on-premise infrastructure (Deploy & Inventory)
  • IT professionals wanting a 'set it and forget it' automation for third-party apps

Skip if

  • Environments with significant macOS or Linux patching needs
  • Remote workforces without VPN (unless using the newer PDQ Connect product)
  • Organizations requiring strict role-based access control (RBAC) in the base product

Expert Take

Our analysis shows PDQ Connect successfully translates the beloved 'sysadmin-first' philosophy of its on-prem predecessor into a modern SaaS platform. Research indicates that while it may lack the complex reporting of full-suite RMMs, its strength lies in the curated library of over 200 pre-tested packages, which significantly reduces packaging time for IT teams. Based on documented features, the integration of vulnerability management directly with patching workflows offers a streamlined approach to security that is often fragmented in other tools.

Pros

  • Library of 200+ pre-built third-party packages
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Agent-based architecture ideal for remote workforce
  • Integrated vulnerability scanning and remediation
  • Highly active community and educational resources

Cons

  • No support for Linux operating systems
  • Connect lacks full parity with on-prem Deploy
  • Reporting less robust than enterprise RMMs
  • Remote desktop features are relatively basic
  • Minimum 100-device purchase for Connect
6
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
420
129
AUTONOMOUS EFFICIENCY
SECURE ENDPOINTS

NinjaOne Patch Management

NinjaOne Patch Management
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NinjaOne's Autonomous Patch Management Software is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of contractors in the IT industry. It improves productivity by automating updates, securing endpoints, and optimizing IT efficiency across organizations. Its autonomous nature minimizes manual intervention, reducing the risk of human error while ensuring timely software updates.
NinjaOne's Autonomous Patch Management Software is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of contractors in the IT industry. It improves productivity by automating updates, securing endpoints, and optimizing IT efficiency across organizations. Its autonomous nature minimizes manual intervention, reducing the risk of human error while ensuring timely software updates.
AUTONOMOUS EFFICIENCY
SECURE ENDPOINTS

Best for teams that are

  • MSPs and IT teams managing mixed OS (Windows, Mac, Linux) endpoints
  • Organizations requiring top-tier customer support and a unified cloud interface
  • Teams looking to consolidate RMM and patching into a single pane of glass

Skip if

  • Organizations seeking a free or open-source solution
  • Teams needing purely on-premise infrastructure without cloud connectivity
  • Users looking for a standalone patch tool without broader RMM features

Expert Take

Our analysis shows NinjaOne stands out for its FedRAMP Moderate Authorization, making it a uniquely trusted option for government and regulated industries. Research indicates its 'single pane of glass' architecture significantly reduces complexity for IT teams managing remote workforces by eliminating VPN requirements for patching. While macOS patching has documented limitations, the platform's ability to automate over 135 third-party applications alongside OS updates provides substantial operational efficiency.

Pros

  • FedRAMP Moderate Authorized security
  • No VPN required for remote patching
  • Patches 135+ third-party applications
  • Unified Windows, macOS, Linux console
  • High customer support satisfaction (98%)

Cons

  • Inconsistent macOS patching reliability
  • Reporting can show false positives
  • No public pricing list available
  • Annual contract often required
  • Limited granular control for some apps
7
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
631
148
REAL-TIME UPDATES
REMOTE MANAGEMENT

LogMeIn Resolve Patch Management

LogMeIn Resolve Patch Management
View Website
LogMeIn Resolve is an invaluable tool for IT contractors dealing with system and application updates across multiple remote locations. Its patch management feature streamlines the identification, testing, and deployment of patches, addressing the industry's need for efficient remote system maintenance.
LogMeIn Resolve is an invaluable tool for IT contractors dealing with system and application updates across multiple remote locations. Its patch management feature streamlines the identification, testing, and deployment of patches, addressing the industry's need for efficient remote system maintenance.
REAL-TIME UPDATES
REMOTE MANAGEMENT

Best for teams that are

  • SMBs and MSPs needing combined remote support, ticketing, and patching
  • IT teams managing distributed workforces via a single cloud console
  • Organizations wanting an all-in-one IT support solution

Skip if

  • Environments requiring extensive Linux server patching
  • Large enterprises needing advanced, granular patch compliance reporting
  • Teams needing deep vulnerability risk analysis integrated with patching

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that GoTo Resolve (formerly LogMeIn Resolve) stands out for its rigorous Zero Trust security architecture, which requires unique signature keys for sensitive tasks—a feature rarely found in standard RMM tools. Research indicates it effectively unifies patch management and remote support into a single, intuitive interface, making it ideal for SMBs. Based on documented features, the inclusion of a functional free tier for small fleets provides exceptional value compared to competitors requiring minimum seat purchases.

Pros

  • Zero Trust security architecture
  • Free tier for up to 5 devices
  • Unified RMM and remote support
  • Automated third-party patching via winget
  • Intuitive single-pane-of-glass dashboard

Cons

  • No major macOS OS upgrades
  • No Windows ARM patch support
  • Occasional connection latency issues
  • Reporting customization can be limited
  • Mobile support often costs extra

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 Scalefusion Windows Patch Management
Yes No Yes - 14 days No Yes Yes Not specified Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack Yes Contact for pricing
2 Tenable Patch Management
No No Contact for trial No Enterprise API only Email/Ticket only SOC 2 Splunk, ServiceNow, AWS Enterprise plans only Contact for pricing
3 SolarWinds Patch Manager
No No Yes - 30 days No Enterprise API only Email/Ticket only ISO 27001 Active Directory, SCCM, WSUS Enterprise plans only Contact for pricing
4 Qualys Patch Management
No No Contact for trial No Yes Yes Both ServiceNow, Splunk, AWS Yes Contact for pricing
5 PDQ Patch Management
No Yes Yes - 14 days No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Active Directory, SCCM, WSUS No Free
6 NinjaOne Patch Management
No No Yes - 14 days No Yes Yes SOC 2 Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack Yes Contact for pricing
7 LogMeIn Resolve Patch Management
Yes No Contact for trial No No Yes Not specified Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack Yes Contact for pricing
1

Scalefusion Windows Patch Management

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
2

Tenable Patch Management

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Enterprise API only
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Splunk, ServiceNow, AWS
Supports SSO
Enterprise plans only
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
3

SolarWinds Patch Manager

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Enterprise API only
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
ISO 27001
Popular Integrations
Active Directory, SCCM, WSUS
Supports SSO
Enterprise plans only
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
4

Qualys Patch Management

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Both
Popular Integrations
ServiceNow, Splunk, AWS
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
5

PDQ Patch Management

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Active Directory, SCCM, WSUS
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Free
6

NinjaOne Patch Management

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
7

LogMeIn Resolve Patch Management

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing

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How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The 'How We Choose' section for Patch Management & Software Update Tools tailored for contractors evaluates products based on key factors such as specifications, features, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value. Important considerations for this category include the tools' ability to automate patch deployment, ease of use, compatibility with a variety of operating systems, and the level of reporting and analytics provided. Rankings were determined through a comprehensive analysis of available data, including a comparison of product specifications, thorough research of customer feedback, and evaluation of ratings to ensure a well-rounded understanding of each tool's performance and value in the marketplace.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of patch management effectiveness and software update capabilities.
  • Rankings based on analysis of user reviews and expert ratings specific to contractor software needs.
  • Selection criteria focus on security features, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities within contractor workflows.

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Score Breakdown

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