HCL BigFix vs. Snow License Manager

BigFix is well suited for patch review and deployment, but there are key features that can definitely be improved. An example is that if a specific patch is deployed, but a cumulative update that contains that patch is not deployed, the system still shows the patch as outstanding or not implemented. Another area for improvement is the customization of BigFix. The tool has many uses and can be extremely helpful, but the amount of knowledge required to customize the solution is significant and customized scripts or "fixlets" need to be created. If common things could be pre-packaged and provided to the customer community, it would allow for an easier deployment and use of the tool.

Incentivized

In large organizations especially with extensive networking among branches, Snow License Manager provides comprehensive information for software application management and acquisition. Users can be given privileges in Snow License Manager commensurate with their job profile. In smaller organizations it could be oversized. Snow License Manager has a stiff learning curve requiring dedicated human resources to grasp, implement and deploy. For small organizations that could be too costly in terms of initial costs and the time the user needs to become proficient

Incentivized

• Custom patch packages are easy to set up and allows for use with a repository.
• Asset management by use of agents is simple and allows for user assignment by the device.
• Reporting has a large variety of templates.

Incentivized

• SLM finds installations of software reliably.
• SLM determines the usage of applications, web apps, and the users who employ them.
• SLM Reports help management determine current and future application usage.
• SLM notifies when forbidden programs are installed.
• SLM provides complete license management.

Incentivized

• No console for macOS
• No easy setup UI for macOS users
• Patching can be complicated if you don't understand relevance
• Patching can be complicated it you don't understand scripting
• Could be better in helping with CIS Benchmarks

Incentivized

• Standard applications reports i.e. reports of applications flagged as denied on the allowed list. This would make the reporting and scheduling automated rather then being manual.
• License / Agreement email notification with to users who do not have access to Snow License Manager with predefined text messages i.e. informing users what they need to do as next steps. The text can be updated based on privilege's set up on Snow License Manager e.g. Snow License Manager administrator
• Standard report which returns empty container application records
• schedule email of dashboards
• ability to record application versions greater then 0.x.x in the SRS library. This is critical to tracking of applications where the latest version.
• consistency of labels of columns through the various reports
• The ability to select and move multiple columns at the same time when building or updating a report .
• one report which shows a application, user, computer, if the application requires a license and which users have a valid license for the application.

Incentivized

Snow License Manager is an integrated part of our Licensing Compliance software solution. It does help us manage current license needs and actual license usage, as well as inventory shadow IT usage. The nice side effect of being able to see hardware specifications and keeping track of hardware usage by users is a bonus!

Incentivized

We currently have the on-premise solution, which is very good indeed. If we were starting working with Snow now, we'd probably select the Atlas (SaaS) managed platform. This would reduce/remove work required to keep the Snow servers up-to-date with Windows and software updates.

Incentivized

Never had issues in this area. Always up and running

Incentivized

It took some growing pains and SNOW fixed performance issues for their product, but never had any issue with it

Incentivized

While some support calls are quickly responded to, many times our engineers have been pointed to collaborative web sites such as Bigfix.me for solutions or the option of engaging professional services has been proposed. While this may seem like a good way to drive business, it is not seen as efficient a support process as could be provided to the customer base.

Incentivized

Support for the most part is responsive, but there are times when it takes more time than I would like to resolve. But then, most of the time it is related to growing pains and the fact I do not have a Dev/Test environment to test items and upgrades before going to Production

Incentivized

Love it, and I got to go to Sweden

Incentivized

It went well, we took out time and verified each step as we went

Incentivized

We have significantly enhanced our ability to patch desktops, including laptops, desktop, cloud, virtual machines and other mobile devices used by end-users. BigFix's endpoint management functionality allows us to seamlessly patch a wide range of operating systems, such as Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, and Linux systems, ensuring comprehensive patch management across IT infrastructures. We have established a track record of delivering secure and hassle-free patching solutions to our clients

All the top tools out there do the same sort of job, one quarter product A has a new service and within the next 3 quarters the other all have that service, some vendors innovate, other just buy in and integrate (to varying levels of success), and Snow License Manager does a bit of both. One area we did look at was the manpower that comparable business took to run those services and Snow License Manager came out with the smallest overhead, this meant that we could direct more money to the use of the tool, rather than making to tool work.

Incentivized

Not quite sure I understand the deployment question. We deployed company wide

Incentivized

• Overall, the product helps achieve the security posture mandated by HIPAA for our organization.
• It is a decent inventory management solution, and provides IT leaders with useful information for decision making.

Incentivized

• Utilization statistics have helped us to eliminate unused licenses and software.
• The central repository has eliminated the multiple spreadsheets and folders, which also reduced the amount of time our asset manager spends looking up information for others.
• The computer software mapping has helped our staff during computer upgrades. It allows them to see what software is installed on a current workstation without having to go and inspect the old computer itself. They can now look up the software that needs to be added to the new workstation, saving time.

Incentivized