Top SolarWinds Patch Manager Alternatives

ManageEngine's Endpoint Central, which was previously known as Desktop Central, serves as a comprehensive Unified Endpoint Management Solution that oversees enterprise mobility management. This solution encompasses all aspects of mobile app and device management, in addition to client management for various endpoints, including mobile devices, laptops, tablets, servers, and other computing machines. With ManageEngine Endpoint Central, users can streamline and automate numerous desktop management activities, such as software installation, patching, IT asset management, imaging, and operating system deployment, thereby enhancing operational efficiency across the organization. This tool is particularly beneficial for IT departments looking to maintain control over their diverse technology environments.

Action1 transforms patch management by allowing organizations to swiftly identify and address vulnerabilities, achieving an impressive 99% success rate in patch deployment. Enhance your third-party patching processes, including bespoke software, through Action1’s proprietary Software Repository, expertly managed by security professionals, while also overseeing OS updates in a fully integrated system that ensures functional consistency. Real-time vulnerability detection enables immediate remediation by applying patches, eliminating outdated software, or consolidating documentation for vulnerabilities that are unpatchable through compensating controls. Improve network efficiency when deploying substantial software packages, up to 32Gb, simultaneously, and accelerate patch delivery with Action1’s innovative P2P Distribution technology. Recognized as the most user-friendly patch management solution available, Action1 can be set up within five minutes, allowing for immediate automation of patching through its straightforward interface. With its cloud-native architecture, Action1 is designed to scale infinitely and seamlessly supports both on-site and remote employee systems, servers, and cloud applications without the need for a VPN. As a pioneering patch management provider, Action1 has also become the first vendor to achieve SOC 2 and ISO certifications, further solidifying its commitment to security and reliability in patch management.

SecPod SanerNow stands out as a premier unified platform for endpoint security and management, empowering IT and security teams to streamline and automate essential cyber hygiene processes. Utilizing a sophisticated agent-server framework, it guarantees robust endpoint security alongside efficient management capabilities. The platform excels in vulnerability management by providing comprehensive scanning, detection, assessment, and prioritization features. Available for both on-premise and cloud deployment, SanerNow seamlessly integrates with patch management systems to facilitate automatic updates across major operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as numerous third-party software applications. What truly sets it apart is its expansion into additional critical functionalities, which include security compliance management and IT asset tracking. Moreover, users can leverage capabilities for software deployment, device control, and endpoint threat detection and response. All of these operations can be conducted remotely and automated, reinforcing defenses against the evolving threats posed by modern cyberattacks. This versatile platform not only enhances security but also simplifies the management of IT assets, making it an invaluable tool for organizations of all sizes.

TuxCare aims to combat cyber exploitation on a global scale. With its automated live security patching solutions and long-term support services for Linux and open source software, TuxCare enables numerous organizations to swiftly address vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing their security measures. This innovative approach has made TuxCare a trusted partner for over one million significant entities, including enterprises, government bodies, service providers, educational institutions, and research organizations around the world. By providing these essential services, TuxCare plays a critical role in securing the digital landscape for diverse sectors.

Syxsense Manage enables users to oversee and control all endpoints both within their network and beyond. It supports a variety of operating systems, endpoints, and IoT devices, providing a holistic perspective of the IT infrastructure. With its user-friendly interface and all-encompassing features, Syxsense offers a seamless management experience. The platform delivers detailed endpoint intelligence, including information on operating systems, hardware, and software inventories. Users can identify missing patches or any security standard violations. Critical devices are highlighted through color-coded datagrids, dashboards, and reports, while logical groupings of devices can be efficiently managed using queries, sites, and groups. Furthermore, it allows users to prioritize security measures and patching efforts based on associated risks. Users can also track the release of patches, their severity, and associated vulnerabilities. Additionally, features like Automated Maintenance and Blackout windows ensure that business operations remain uninterrupted during updates, making it a vital tool for maintaining organizational productivity and security. This comprehensive approach not only enhances visibility but also streamlines the management of IT resources across diverse environments.

SaltStack serves as an advanced IT automation platform capable of managing, securing, and enhancing infrastructure across various environments, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge. It operates on an event-driven automation engine that intelligently identifies and reacts to system changes, which proves invaluable in handling intricate settings. This robust framework is especially useful in addressing the complexities of modern IT landscapes. The latest addition to SaltStack's offerings is its SecOps suite, designed to identify security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations within systems. With this advanced automation, issues can be promptly detected and rectified, ensuring that your infrastructure remains secure, compliant, and continuously updated. Within the SecOps suite, the components Comply and Protect play crucial roles. Comply is responsible for checking compliance against standards such as CIS, DISA, STIG, NIST, and PCI. Additionally, it assesses operating systems for vulnerabilities and facilitates the updating of patches to bolster security measures effectively. This comprehensive approach not only enhances security but also simplifies the management of compliance requirements.

Patchdeck is a comprehensive cloud solution designed for efficient patch management across Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. This platform enables IT professionals to swiftly determine which systems require updates and remedy the issues with just one click. Users can establish patch policies to automate the patching process, ensuring a seamless experience. Additionally, it provides detailed reports that track the patching progress within the environment over time. With its robust access control features, IT teams can collaborate effectively to maintain an up-to-date system. Furthermore, Patchdeck supports integration with various security and management tools, enhancing its functionality through integrations or email notifications. This versatility makes Patchdeck an indispensable tool for organizations looking to streamline their patch management processes.

Syxsense Secure represents a groundbreaking advancement in IT management and security solutions by integrating vulnerability scanning, patch management, and EDR functionalities into one comprehensive cloud-based console. This innovative platform allows users to monitor the status of each endpoint across their network, providing assurance by actively mitigating, managing, or eradicating threats as they arise. As a result, the potential for attack vectors and associated risks is significantly reduced. Users can navigate their security landscape with confidence, knowing they have robust protection in place.

Enhance and automate your patching process to save both time and money while ensuring support for Windows and various popular third-party applications. Software patches are often neglected, but our top-tier patch management solution guarantees that all your Windows systems and third-party software receive timely updates with the latest fixes. Within moments, you can deploy thoroughly tested patches across thousands of devices, minimizing the impact on your network. Regardless of your devices' locations—be it behind a firewall, in transit, at remote sites, or even in sleep mode—you can manage them seamlessly. Leverage a single cloud-based platform to oversee all Microsoft Windows and a diverse range of third-party software updates. This streamlined approach not only aids in achieving compliance but also reduces risks, addresses vulnerabilities, and facilitates the remote application of software and Windows updates. Our devoted patch content engineers meticulously test every patch before release, ensuring they perform optimally without causing additional problems. By utilizing this efficient process, you can concentrate on your primary business objectives while we take care of your patch management requirements, ultimately allowing your organization to operate more smoothly. Embracing automation in this area not only increases productivity but also fortifies your cybersecurity posture.

Ivanti Security Controls acts as an automated patch management solution that bolsters security by combining prevention, detection, and response strategies within both physical and virtual environments. The system identifies vulnerabilities and detects missing patches for operating systems and third-party applications, efficiently deploying updates to servers, workstations, virtual machines, and templates, regardless of their online or offline status, utilizing agentless patching and remote task scheduling to minimize disruption. It integrates granular privilege management by implementing Just Enough and Just-in-Time Administration techniques, which eliminate the necessity for full administrative rights while allowing temporary access elevation for authorized tasks. Furthermore, dynamic allowlisting enforces preventive measures that ensure only recognized and trusted applications can execute, supported by a monitoring mode that collects data on application usage to refine controls and diminish false positives. The automation of creating CVE-to-patch lists facilitates the effective grouping of relevant updates derived from any vulnerability assessment, while REST APIs enhance integration and orchestration, thereby providing a seamless security management experience across various environments. This all-encompassing strategy empowers organizations to sustain strong security postures while adeptly addressing their patching requirements, ultimately leading to a more resilient IT infrastructure.

Streamlining the patching process for third-party applications using Microsoft ConfigMgr or Intune can significantly enhance both efficiency and security. By utilizing automatic application creation, you can simplify the initial rollout of software within these management systems. This process allows for the inclusion of various elements like icons, keywords, and detailed descriptions, among other features. We will ensure that foundational installations remain current without manual intervention. There's no longer a necessity to wait for updates or to deploy outdated applications. Microsoft SCCM is already equipped to handle product installations, encompassing task sequences and collection-based deployments. Furthermore, for tailored configurations specific to your environment, you have the option to incorporate your own scripts for pre- and post-update processes. To maintain control over the timing and methods of updates in your organization, it is advisable to disable the self-update feature in applications, ultimately providing you with a more streamlined and secure patch management process. This proactive approach not only optimizes operations but also safeguards your systems from vulnerabilities.

GFI LanGuard facilitates the proficient oversight and upkeep of endpoint security across your network. It provides in-depth visibility into each element of your network, helping you pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and take swift action to mitigate them. This intuitive tool for patch management and network auditing is easy to deploy. It automatically identifies all devices connected to your network, including computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, printers, servers, virtual machines, routers, and switches. You have the option to categorize your devices into groups, which enhances management efficiency. Additionally, responsibilities can be shared among different teams while everything is monitored through a unified dashboard. By leveraging a continually updated database of over 60,000 known vulnerabilities, GFI LanGuard uncovers unpatched vulnerabilities as well as provides insights on open ports and system details related to users, shared folders, and services. It effectively brings attention to weaknesses in widely-used operating systems and reveals missing patches in web browsers and third-party software, thus fortifying network security. Ultimately, GFI LanGuard simplifies the task of ensuring a secure and efficient network environment for your organization, allowing for peace of mind in your cybersecurity efforts. The software also supports compliance with industry standards, making it an essential tool for any organization concerned about data protection.

Patch Management provides a streamlined method for managing vulnerabilities in operating systems and third-party applications across Windows servers and workstations. It covers the complete lifecycle of patch management, which involves discovering, identifying, evaluating, reporting, managing, installing, and addressing security threats. By utilizing this solution, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface and effectively manage the risks associated with potential exploitation of vulnerabilities, thereby strengthening their preventive and containment measures. Moreover, it offers centralized and real-time visibility into the security status of software vulnerabilities, missing updates, patches, and end-of-life (EOL) software. In addition to this, it facilitates the auditing, monitoring, and prioritization of updates for both operating systems and applications, guaranteeing that security protocols are consistently applied and sustained. This all-encompassing strategy ultimately leads to an enhanced security posture for the organization, fostering greater resilience against cyber threats. With these capabilities, organizations are better equipped to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity challenges.

Patch Connect Plus serves as an effective third-party patch management and non-Microsoft patch solution for SCCM, enabling users to deploy updates to over 250 different applications. This tool automates the management of non-Microsoft patches, ensuring systems are safeguarded against potential security vulnerabilities. By utilizing Patch Connect Plus, organizations can avoid the expense of acquiring an additional IT solution dedicated to patch management. Moreover, it offers comprehensive status reports that keep users updated on the availability of patches for their applications, enhancing overall operational efficiency. This solution not only streamlines the patching process but also contributes significantly to maintaining the security posture of IT environments.

Autonomic Software was established with the primary goal of creating solutions aimed at protecting organizations from various cybersecurity threats. By utilizing our specialized software offerings, businesses can effectively mitigate the risk of potential breaches. Importantly, we take pride in the fact that our critical infrastructure has never been successfully compromised by a cyberattack, highlighting our unwavering dedication to security. The Patch and Application Manager acts as a comprehensive tool for users of McAfee ePO, providing an all-encompassing solution for managing updates on both Windows and Mac systems, as well as third-party and custom applications across desktops, laptops, and servers. Furthermore, all data collected by the Patch Manager is integrated into the Risk Advisor for McAfee ePO, which provides a deeper insight into an organization's network vulnerabilities, thereby significantly bolstering the overall security posture. This combination of tools ensures that organizations remain proactive in their cybersecurity measures and can adapt swiftly to the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Numerous cyberattacks target known vulnerabilities, especially those that have had patches available for more than a year. Relying only on manual updates or user intervention to ensure systems are fully patched can be a risky strategy. Ivanti DSM includes a Patch Management feature designed to identify and address vulnerabilities across various operating systems, configurations, and numerous popular third-party applications. This comprehensive approach guarantees that all servers, desktops, and laptops within your organization benefit from consistent security measures. Consequently, your organization can uphold a strong defense against emerging threats and maintain overall system integrity. Maintaining such vigilance is essential for long-term cybersecurity resilience.

ESET PROTECT Complete is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to safeguard business endpoints, cloud services, and email systems. It implements advanced techniques to protect against ransomware and zero-day threats, leveraging cloud sandboxing alongside machine learning for enhanced detection capabilities. In addition, it provides full disk encryption to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. The protection extends to mobile devices, file servers, and email servers, incorporating features such as anti-malware, anti-phishing, and anti-spam measures. Organizations can utilize a centralized cloud-based management console for efficient deployment, monitoring, and response to security incidents. Moreover, it comes equipped with vital vulnerability and patch management tools that promptly identify and address software vulnerabilities. This all-encompassing strategy not only strengthens the organization's cybersecurity defenses but also streamlines the management of security measures and responses, making it easier for teams to maintain a proactive security stance. Ultimately, the integration of these diverse features results in a robust platform that not only protects but also enhances operational efficiency.

ESET PROTECT Elite is an advanced cybersecurity solution tailored for enterprises, effectively merging extensive detection and response features with a solid multilayered defense architecture. By employing innovative methods such as adaptive scanning, machine learning, cloud sandboxing, and behavioral analysis, it proficiently tackles zero-day vulnerabilities and ransomware threats. This platform offers contemporary endpoint protection for both desktop and mobile devices, alongside server security that guarantees real-time safety of data and mobile threat defenses. Furthermore, it includes full disk encryption, assisting organizations in achieving compliance with data protection regulations. ESET PROTECT Elite also features robust email security capabilities, which provide protection against phishing, malware, and spam, while safeguarding cloud applications such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. With its automated vulnerability management and patching abilities, the solution streamlines the detection and rectification of security weaknesses across all endpoints, encouraging a proactive stance towards cybersecurity. In conclusion, ESET PROTECT Elite stands out as a holistic solution that effectively meets the complex and ever-changing demands posed by contemporary cybersecurity threats, ensuring that organizations remain secure in a digital landscape fraught with risks.

Manage and refresh all third-party applications within your organization through a unified platform that features the most extensive application catalog available. Relying on manual processes for managing patches of third-party applications is neither secure nor efficient. By automating the patching process, you can considerably decrease vulnerabilities within your IT environment, thus enhancing security while also saving precious time by removing the burden of repetitive manual tasks. The Application Manager not only streamlines updates but also enables teams to oversee the entire application lifecycle, from installation to decommissioning. This centralized method offers improved visibility into your application ecosystem, simplifying management and increasing efficiency. With a collection of over 2,500 applications, automated software updates enhance productivity while also reducing cybersecurity risks linked to third-party applications. Organizations that neglect to keep their third-party applications updated face significant security threats, underscoring the importance of a robust management strategy. A proactive stance on patch management is critical for protecting your organization from possible threats, ensuring that you stay ahead in the continuously evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Consequently, investing in a thorough application management solution is not just beneficial but essential for long-term security and operational success.

Optimize your patch management with PDQ Deploy and Inventory by first utilizing PDQ Inventory to identify, collect information, and classify your devices. Following this, employ PDQ Deploy to create your preferred deployment timeline, allowing PDQ to manage updates quietly in the background once configured. Here's a brief overview of what you can achieve: - Seamlessly connect to Active Directory for efficient data collection on devices 📊 - Design custom deployments that involve multiple applications and steps 💻 - Access our extensive Package Library featuring over 100 pre-configured third-party applications 📦 - Execute remote commands, run scripts, and initiate reboots with ease 🥾 - Implement updates without interrupting users' activities 🤫 - Categorize devices into personalized groups for better organization 🖥️ - Take advantage of our PowerShell scanner, Command Line Interface, and various built-in tools 🧰 - Produce and export detailed reports, including customized asset information 📈 - Share servers and databases among different consoles for collaborative management 🤝 - Engage with vibrant community forums and social media channels filled with enthusiastic Deploy and Inventory users 🫶 In summary, PDQ Deploy and Inventory not only streamline device management but also enhance system security and efficiency, ensuring tasks are completed swiftly and effectively. By integrating these tools into your workflow, you will find managing updates and deployments becomes a much smoother process.

Automox operates in the cloud and is accessible worldwide. It streamlines the management of operating system and third-party patches, security settings, and custom scripts for both Windows and Mac systems through a unified interface. This enables IT and security operations teams to swiftly establish control and enhance visibility across virtual, on-premises, and remote endpoints, all while avoiding the need for costly infrastructure deployments. By simplifying these processes, Automox ensures that organizations can maintain robust security and compliance efficiently.

The automation capabilities of OneSite Patch revolutionize how companies manage and execute software updates, significantly reducing manual labor and minimizing the risk of human error. By refining the patch deployment process, organizations can ensure their systems are equipped with the latest security measures, thereby enhancing their overall cybersecurity effectiveness with remarkable efficiency. Fully automated patch management allows for vulnerabilities to be swiftly mitigated without requiring any human intervention. This not only reduces the burden of manual tasks but also intelligently manages even the most complex patching procedures within companies. IT and security teams can effectively replicate their desired patching protocols, which include phased rollouts, approvals, testing, and alerts, with OneSite Patch seamlessly overseeing the entire process whenever a new update is released. Consequently, once organizations establish their preferred patching strategies, the automation system takes control of the deployment, allowing for a smooth and efficient update process. As a result, businesses can concentrate on their primary functions while being assured that their systems remain secure and consistently updated with the latest patches. In this way, OneSite Patch not only improves operational efficiency but also reinforces the security posture of the organization.

Effectively manage workstations and servers while accessing a wide range of reports designed for machine setups. Simplify the discovery of systems, assess patch conditions, and effortlessly carry out patch installations across both workstations and servers. Quickly obtain vital insights into your IT environment without the necessity of extra installations in your setup. With Ecora, you can manipulate your data in real-time, ensuring that you experience no delays. The process of installing Ecora is user-friendly, allowing you to start your data collections with minimal effort. Obtain the critical information needed to maintain a secure environment with just a few clicks. Create tailored reports that focus on the specific elements essential for protecting your environment effectively. Furthermore, enhance your investment through IgniteTech’s Consulting Services, a unique benefit offered to IgniteTech Platinum clients, which includes expert advice, process consulting, implementation, and ongoing support, helping you maximize your technological investments. This all-encompassing assistance will empower you to make well-informed decisions while boosting your overall operational productivity. Additionally, the combination of these services ensures that you stay ahead of any potential challenges in your IT landscape.

Streamline your patch management process with automated assessment, monitoring, and remediation, enabling your team to implement patches up to 13 times more efficiently than previously possible. With the ability to create collaborative workspaces, your local and global team members can coordinate their tasks seamlessly online. You can effortlessly track patch compliance, swiftly evaluate vulnerabilities, and apply updates to adhere to established standards. The system continuously oversees your network around the clock, automatically addressing any vulnerabilities that arise. ZENworks adopts a distinctive policy-driven methodology, allowing you to formulate policies and specify required actions, after which you can relax as ZENworks manages the rest of the process. This solution facilitates rapid and automatic patch installations in alignment with your predefined policies, while also offering customization options for specific patches when necessary. Additionally, it accommodates phased rollouts, which guarantee that patch deployments across extensive systems are smooth and devoid of errors, ultimately enhancing your organization's overall security posture. By leveraging ZENworks, you are not only improving efficiency but also ensuring a more robust and resilient IT environment.

Engage with your SCCM environment to explore collections and servers, along with comprehensive details such as their make, model, operating system, and serial numbers. Within each collection, you can assess the compliance status for individual servers and obtain in-depth insights, including the number of missing updates and their specific reasons, categorized into types like security, critical, or service packs. To mitigate the risks associated with patching your virtual Windows infrastructure, you can automate the process of taking snapshots before applying any updates, ensuring that only servers with successful snapshots are considered for patch deployment. In cases where a snapshot fails, those servers will not receive any updates, thus protecting your system integrity. You have the flexibility to set the duration for how long snapshots are retained, along with automated deletion schedules, and you will receive reminder emails before the deletions occur. Additionally, there is the option to exclude certain servers from the automatic snapshot deletion policy, ensuring you stay well-informed at all times about the status of your systems and the patching process. This proactive management approach enhances your operational efficiency and security posture.

Streamline the complete patching process using Patch Manager Plus to ensure that all production environments remain up-to-date. This versatile tool is offered in both cloud-based and on-premise formats. It includes functionalities like automated scheduling for patch deployments, detection of missing patches, testing for approval, tracking patches, ensuring compliance, and generating reports. Additionally, Patch Manager Plus enables users to produce comprehensive audit and compliance reports, enhancing oversight and management capabilities. By utilizing this software, businesses can significantly reduce downtime and improve their overall IT security posture.

Patches are updates designed for software and operating systems that fix security vulnerabilities within applications. Software vendors continually release these updates to address potential security weaknesses and enhance protective measures. While the patching process can be complex and take considerable time, ignoring software updates is simply not an option. Delaying the installation of these patches can expose networks to serious security threats. To mitigate these difficulties, Patch Management offers a streamlined approach to identify and implement critical patches, all while providing oversight through a centralized management console in the cloud. Users can easily schedule automatic patch scans based on their preferred frequency—daily, weekly, or monthly. Automatic deployments are set for all applications, with the option to exclude certain applications from receiving updates. Monitoring patch status, including any that are outstanding and their associated severity levels, is straightforward. Moreover, you can designate specific times for deploying approved patches or choose to manually implement them on individual devices or groups, thereby ensuring that your systems are secure and current. This proactive strategy for managing patches is essential for sustaining a strong security framework, and it allows organizations to respond swiftly to emerging threats. Ultimately, a well-executed patch management process not only protects sensitive information but also reinforces overall operational integrity.

Easy2Patch offers a centralized software platform aimed at simplifying the process of updating third-party applications on computers within IT environments. It works seamlessly with WSUS, ConfigMgr, and Intune, specifically targeting third-party updates for Windows operating systems. Notably, it does not provide options for archiving updates or installation procedures, which ensures that updates and installations take place promptly and without delay. The updates are delivered securely with links to their original sources, and the Microsoft Defender feature allows Easy2Patch to automatically install third-party applications on selected computers as designated by system administrators. This service primarily focuses on applications with CVE scores that may have been neglected or improperly configured for deployment via Easy2Patch. Additionally, it emphasizes keeping systems updated, supports a wide array of applications across different environments, and reinforces system security by addressing potential vulnerabilities in a timely manner. By utilizing this platform, organizations can enhance their overall security posture efficiently and effectively.

XEOX is a comprehensive cloud-based tool designed for the remote management and monitoring of IT environments, featuring capabilities such as patch management, secure remote access, a configuration management database (CMDB) and inventory unit, software distribution, and network management, among others. This platform serves as a centralized hub for overseeing all servers and computers within an organization, while also enabling effective tracking of both inventory and software assets. By automating repetitive tasks, XEOX streamlines IT management and support operations, allowing teams to focus on more complex issues. The tool was developed to enhance IT management by providing a modern, user-friendly interface that ensures quick access from any location. Additionally, XEOX contributes to cost savings by minimizing expensive help desk inquiries and proactively notifying IT staff of potential issues for prompt resolution. With its task automation features, it empowers IT support teams to concentrate on intricate challenges, thereby improving overall efficiency. Ultimately, XEOX represents a significant advancement in the way organizations manage their technology resources.

Datto RMM is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that empowers Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to effectively oversee and safeguard their clients' IT environments with modern and dependable solutions. Its design focuses on minimizing complexity, expenses, and potential risks, ensuring a seamless experience for users. The platform boasts robust automation and monitoring capabilities, including ransomware detection, patch management, and remote access, enabling MSPs to proactively address IT challenges, swiftly react to incidents, and enhance customer service. Additionally, it features an all-in-one cloud backup and disaster recovery system that is image-based, facilitating cloud-to-cloud backups and rapid recovery of vital data across Microsoft 365 and G Suite applications. With support for both Windows and Mac systems, users can quickly backup and restore files and folders, while secure file synchronization and sharing are streamlined through a centrally managed collaboration system. Furthermore, the solution allows for the prompt and reliable restoration of servers, demonstrating its effectiveness as a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery tool for organizations of all sizes. This multifaceted approach ensures that MSPs can maintain high levels of service and operational efficiency for their clients.