Patching methods
BigFix® for Patch Management for Mac offers more flexibility to the solution by providing several patching options that can cater to your needs.
Generally, Fixlets can be deployed through the BigFix server that downloads and caches the update installer. The endpoints or relays then downloads it from the server and caches the file to the client folder. The next time other endpoints in the same deployment need to be patched, the update installer is downloaded from the server. This patching method offers greater stability and scalability.
In some cases, Fixlets can be deployed through the Apple Software
Update tool. Apple Software Update downloads the files from the Apple
server and stores them directly to the endpoint. You can configure
an OS X Server as the caching server and host your own patches in
your network. This type of architecture prevents your network from
overloading. This alternative patching method is best used for endpoints
that are offsite and have internet connection.
Note: To successfully
install patches and updates through the Apple Software Update tool,
all endpoints must have continuous internet connection and can connect
to the Apple server.
The Apple Software Update is supported in the following updates:
- Mac OS X security and non-security updates
- Apple Safari updates
- Apple QuickTime updatesNote: Apple QuickTime is built into OS X. Its updates normally come with an OS X or Safari update.