Methods and instructions for patch management

A method of implementing a patch management process to install a software patch in a computer system, the method comprising an act of:

• following instructions that describe the patch management process in a hierarchical manner so that the patch management process is described as comprising a plurality of top-level activities, with each of the plurality of top-level activities being described as comprising at least one sub-activity, the instructions describing trigger events that result in transitions between the top-level activities.

A method of administering a computer system that comprises one or more software packages that are anticipated to receive patches, the patches to be installed on at least one computer device in the computer system, the computer system comprising a plurality of resources that are employed in the installation of the patches, the method comprising an act of:

• distinct from the installation of any particular patch, assessing the computer system to determine the preparedness of the computer system to process future anticipated but unspecified patches.

A method of instructing users in the implementation of a protocol for administering patch management in a computer system that comprises one or more software packages that are anticipated to receive patches, the patches to be installed on at least one computer device in the computer system, the computer system comprising a plurality of resources that are employed in the installation of the patches, the method comprising acts of:

• providing instructions that describe procedures for installing the patches;
• and
• providing instructions that describe the protocol as including an assessment phase that is distinct from the installation of particular patches, wherein the assessment phase relates to assessing the computer system to determine the preparedness of the computer system to process future anticipated but unspecified patches.

A method of implementing a protocol for administering patch management in a computer system that comprises one or more software packages that are anticipated to receive patches, the patches to be installed on at least one computer device in the computer system, the computer system comprising a plurality of resources that are employed in the installation of the patches, the method comprising acts of:

• following instructions that describe the installation of the patches;
• and
• following instructions that describe the protocol as including an assessment phase that is distinct from the installation of particular patches, wherein the assessment phase relates to assessing the computer system to determine the preparedness of the computer system to process future anticipated but unspecified patches.