ScriptLogic Corporation Launches Patch Authority Plus, Powerful Enterprise-Class Patch Management Solution For Servers and Desktops; Minimizes Risk of Costly Security Breaches, Increases IT Staff Productivity, Reduces the Burden of Regulatory Compliance

Business Wire, May 18, 2005

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- ScriptLogic(R) Corporation (www.scriptlogic.com), a leader in network administration software for Microsoft(R) Windows(R)-based networks, today announced the availability of Patch Authority Plus(TM), a comprehensive, enterprise-class patch management solution that enhances security and simplifies the process of updating Windows desktops and servers. Patch Authority Plus combines comprehensive patch management based on Shavlik's industry-leading technology together with ScriptLogic's Service Explorer - an enterprise-wide solution offering centralized management of services and tasks on both desktops and servers. Together they offer a network security solution that keeps servers and desktops fully patched, and also keeps them running smoothly and securely.

With Patch Authority Plus, IT administrators can protect their networks and keep their operating systems and applications up-to-date with interactive and scheduled patching on all desktops and servers across an enterprise. Patch Authority Plus puts the administrator in control of the patching process with a comprehensive feature-set that includes deployment by criticality, grouping by type or selection, grouping of machines, extensive reboot controls and re-usable deployment templates. Patch Authority Plus supports the scanning and patching of today's most widely used platforms and products including Windows NT, XP, 2000, Windows Server 2003, Exchange, SQL Server, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.

"In today's Windows networks, the threat of security breaches and the demands of compliance auditing require a comprehensive, enterprise-wide approach to patch management," said Ben Battle, vice president of product development at ScriptLogic Corporation. "One vulnerable machine can bring down your entire network. Patch Authority Plus ensures patches available for known vulnerabilities are in place. This innovative solution gives customers peace of mind, increases IT staff productivity, and helps overcome the burden of regulatory compliance."

Patch Authority Plus offers extensive reporting on the patch status of computers based on a frequently updated, high-quality patch database. Its simple, intuitive, drag-and-drop interface gives IT professionals centralized control over when, where and how computers should be scanned and patches deployed. Patch Authority Plus also features Active Directory integration, an industry-leading scanning engine that thoroughly checks whether patches are applied completely, extensive reporting capabilities including executive summaries and top-10 charts, and distribution servers for localized patch distribution in a wide area network.

Combined with ScriptLogic's Service Explorer, the two solutions provide total patch management with the added benefit of ensuring the security and maintenance of services on servers and desktops across the enterprise.

"We've been looking for a comprehensive patch management solution that will protect and maintain the patch levels on all our customers' Windows servers and desktops from one location," said Rick Lewellyn, senior vice president of sales & services at Software Medium, an authorized ScriptLogic reseller based in Texas. "ScriptLogic's Patch Authority Plus gives our customers total control over the patching process, and the fact that it comes with Service Explorer, which lets them update and secure the service account passwords used by their backup and anti-virus software, is just gravy."

ScriptLogic's Extensive Patch Management Offerings

Patch Authority Plus is one of two recent ScriptLogic security offerings that focus on patch management functionality. In April 2005, the Company introduced a Patch Deployment for Desktops option for ScriptLogic's Desktop Authority desktop management platform. With this feature, IT managers can configure automatic patch deployments at user logon or logoff, based on dozens of characteristics.

Patch Authority Plus is a stand-alone, separate offering for IT administrators needing a point solution that can deploy patches on desktops and servers and provide extensive reporting.

ScriptLogic's patch management solutions are in response to an overwhelming market need. According to Gartner, in 2005, 90 percent of Internet attacks will exploit security holes for which patches have already been issued, and IT managers will spend two hours per server testing and deploying patches. For a company with 1,000 servers this quickly grows to about $300,000 for each patch, and the cost to patch 5,000 desktops exceeds $1 million. With Microsoft releasing 50-60 security patches and service packs per year it is easy to see how quickly ScriptLogic's patch management offerings will pay for themselves.

Pricing and Availability

Patch Authority Plus 5.0 is available immediately. A free 30-day evaluation of this product and all software solutions from ScriptLogic are available at www.scriptlogic.com. The product is priced on a per-seat basis with volume discounts available through ScriptLogic's global network of reseller partners.