Automox vs. KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

Automox is well-suited for managing workstations but lacks flexibility for server environments.
It excels in scenarios where systems may not regularly connect to the corporate network but have internet access, ensuring devices can still check in and receive timely patches. This provides organizations with confidence in maintaining patch compliance across remote endpoints.
However, effective use of Automox requires staff who are proficient in PowerShell scripting. The platform has limited native support for third-party applications, often requiring custom worklets to manage software updates. It performs best in environments that primarily rely on widely used, off-the-shelf software.

Incentivized

I think it has added value for any organization. It reduced our Tech Support cost by: -Supporting users anywhere -Reducing users downtime as well keep them informed with the status of their tickets -Managing software and hardware actively -Processing automation -deploy mass software installs, patching or updates - Provide approved software's to users to install without IT help

Incentivized

• Shows applications installed on a specific asset
• Able to push policies and updates remotely , creating policies is easy.
• Keep track of compliant devices and when is the last time they have connected to the servers
• All the great information provided within one single device

Incentivized

• Helpdesk ticketing, the software allows not only the building of a portal that the users can log into to submit the tickets, but it also allows them to generate a ticket via email, which is a huge successful implementation that we have had.
• Live inventory tracking. With an agent installed on a PC, as long as we maintain the data, it can report back information that is crucial to the machine.
• Web portal makes for easy maintenance and implementation of the software and updates.

Incentivized

• I was not aware that the starting default policies are inactive until I activate them. That would have been a nice pop up to see on first login.
• I think the pricing for integrating 3rd party apps could be more competitive. The base tier is so affordable, the jump up is a bit high.
• I'd like the option to remember my device and not have to use 2FA on every single login to the dashboard from the same device.
• I looked, and cannot find, but would appreciate an iOS mobile app of the dashboard to monitor and adminstrate from my mobile device.

Incentivized

• Administrative interface can be slow at times, and does require some decent PC specifications to run adequately.
• The cost of the KACE solution can be very expensive depending on how many agents you plan to deploy
• There is a learning curve in order to master KACE's capabilities - however Quest does provide lots of resources to dig into. It is not as intuitive as it could be.

Incentivized

This is a software that just works. Once configured its a set and forget kind of tool that keeps things up to date and alerts me if something is wrong. I was able to work through an expansion project to deploy an additional 500 devices in almost no time and create a robust self-patching environment.

Incentivized

It is super simple to set up and deploy, Maintaining it also easy as pie. It gives great detailed information daily on patches that succeed and ones that fail as well. with remote, patching, scanning, and monitoring all in one pane it has saved us money hand over fist with the tools we no longer need to have for our organization.

Incentivized

Overall, the software is simple to understand and use. That said, most vendors have been slowly updating their user interfaces to HTML5 so that they have a clean updated look and feel. This is where KACE falls short in that the UI is great for a packaged software 10 years ago. This isn't a major limitation as the software is really meant primarily for technology users.

Incentivized

1. Simplicity and Ease of Use 2. Cross-Platform Support 3. Powerful Automation with Worklets 4. Real-Time Visibility and Control 5. Fast and Reliable Cloud-Based Updates 6. Strong Security Focus

Incentivized

KACE does exactly what you need it to do, it maintains your computer environment. You can set patch schedules, inventory computers, setup software catalogs; basically everything you need to ensure the computers on your network are being actively managed. This is all with little need for constant configuration or updating the setup.

Incentivized

Implementing Automox successfully starts with a clear strategy for organizing and grouping devices based on operating systems, environments, or business criticality. This ensures that patching and configuration policies can be applied with precision. A phased rollout approach is essential—beginning with a pilot group allows teams to test patching schedules, reboot behaviors, and custom Worklets before scaling across the organization. Leveraging Worklets from the start can significantly boost automation by enforcing security baselines and performing routine system tasks. Integration with existing SOC tools, such as SIEMs, enhances visibility and response time by correlating patch compliance with threat intelligence. Additionally, aligning patching schedules with operational downtimes minimizes disruptions, and consistent monitoring and reporting helps maintain compliance and prepare for audits. Overall, Automox offers a streamlined and effective solution, but its true value is unlocked through thoughtful planning, testing, and integration with existing IT and security workflows.

Incentivized

We felt that Automox provided us with the functionality our MSP offered, including OS and device patching, as well as remote control capabilities, but in a better and more manageable way. We also felt the usability of the tool gave us the ability to be effective in our way of working, as well as integrating with Rapid7 was a massive benefit for us.

Incentivized

For our size organization, KACE offered a more complete solution that was easier to understand and deploy when compared to Ivanti. It was also more affordable to get the features we wanted. Ivanti might be more appropriate in a larger environment. You would definitely need someone that was primarily dedicated to run behind Ivanti.

Incentivized

• Being a start up, we have pivoted our strategies a number of times. The pay as you go model has worked very well for us, and has prevented us from overprovisioning
• The time saved pulling reports to provide to auditors has been well worth our small spend on the solution
• We have no need to maintain a scanning tool or invest in hardware thanks to the SaaS nature of Automox

Incentivized

• The time savings on Windows patching through the KACE SMA alone has helped us in saving hundreds of technician hours.
• Ticket tracking through the KACE SMA has reduced the amount of calls to our helpdesk asking about the status of a ticket.
• The tracking of licensed software through the KACE SMA has kept us in compliance and saved time from having to run around and look to see where the software is installed.

Incentivized