http://whitepapers.comdex.com/data/detail?id=1063320526_115&type=RES&src=KA_RES
The rapid development of a whole host of security threats, particularly to Microsoft systems, has made patch management a major issue. Surveys showing significant numbers of unpatched servers are cause for much hand-wringing and finger-pointing. In this paper: "Give IT Managers a Break: Why Patching Is Not Easy", some of the mitigating circumstances are discussed, along with a recognition that patch management is a difficult, wearisome, and time-comsuming process.
Another white paper which addresses "Taking the Risks and Guesswork Out of Patch Management", in an area which amounts to a $2 billion/year expenditure, can be found here:
http://ewrma.com/ct?id=5393-3181-3409848
Microsoft, for one, is trying to reduce the problems caused by patching, as explained in their white paper "Beyond Security Patching", available here:
http://whitepapers.comdex.com/data/detail?id=1076340273_667&type=RES&src=KA_RES
Posted by jho at September 18, 2003 11:40 AM