Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) Reviews

Name: Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)
Brand: Quest Software
Rating: 4 (38 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

38 reviews
95% willing to recommend

462 followers

What is Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)?

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance is a comprehensive endpoint and service desk management platform. It supports IT operations with functionalities such as ticketing, patch management, software deployment, and asset management.

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Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is the #7 ranked solution in top Endpoint Compliance solutions, #7 ranked solution in top Patch Management solutions, and #14 ranked solution in top Configuration Management solutions. PeerSpot users give Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is most commonly compared to Microsoft Intune: Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Microsoft Intune. Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 56% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

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Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

October 2024

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Helped 814,528 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Fernando Cezario

Level 2 Support at Tigs

I like the KACE software dashboard so much! It's convenient. I don't need to know technical details like file formats (PDF or whatever) for installation, even for applications like Adobe. Here's how I use it: Let's say I have a license for Adobe and I need to install it on a computer named Julian. I simply open a case, enter the name of the application (Adobe), open the dashboard, and search for the computer named Julian. Once I select the computer, it shows up in the dashboard. Now, in the same case, I can open a large batch of software, select the application (Adobe Acrobat again), and choose the computer named Julian. KACE then deploys the application with minimal errors, usually within one or two minutes. Julian even receives a notification on their computer that the installation process has begun. It's fantastic! Moreover, it helped so much streamline our IT asset management and inventory. Sometimes someone changes the computer assigned to someone else. For example, Juliano had a computer, and then Matos changed it to his own use. I wouldn't know about this change if it weren't for KACE. KACE automatically tracks this information and saves it for me, allowing me to call it up on the dashboard. For example, if I need to find Juliano's computer in the system, I don't need to search through endless spreadsheets. I just search for "Juliano" in KACE. KACE also lists other details like the last login user. So, if I see "Juliano" on KACE but a different user is logged in, that tells me something might be wrong. I find this functionality very helpful for IT asset management.

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Michael (Mikey) Wright

Systems Administrator at Custom Truck One Source

My favorite features are the feature build update and managed installations. Using the Windows feature build update means that instead of having to do things manually or set it up through a WSUS-type environment, you can easily download the package into the K1000. From there, you can culture and cater to it and then set it up by smart labeling. Or, you can completely automate the process to where, as it checks in, you can set those intervals. You don't have to be an advanced user. Rather, in terms of ease of use, this product is right where it needs to be. It's easy enough where a layman can do a lot of basic stuff, but it's advanced enough such that you've got to have some knowledge of what you're doing, otherwise it's just not going to work as well as you need it to. It's right on par with where it needs to be.

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reviewer1717593

Computer Management at University South Brittany

On a single page I can have access to the hardware information, the status of the warranty, the associated support tickets, the installed software, the software waiting to be installed, the last user connected, the accounting information, the date of purchase, et cetera. It gives us the ability to create our own indicators by using customized inventory rules. We can also create our own indicators thanks to personalized inventory fields and thus bring up very targeted information, including the state of Windows activation, the number and model of connected screens, the power supply scheme used, the presence of a file, et cetera.

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Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) mindshare

Product category:

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) in the Configuration Management category stands at 4.2%, up from 3.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Configuration Management

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Oct 27, 2024

Valuable Features

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) excels in asset management with its seamless integration with systems like Bomgar. It offers efficient imaging, mass deployment, and patch management, enhancing productivity for remote campuses and large IT departments. Its intuitive interface supports help desk operations, scripting, and reporting. KACE SMA's centralized management simplifies software deployment, compliance, and license tracking. It is praised for ease of use, saving time, and ensuring security across various environments.

"KACE automatically tracks this information and saves it for me, allowing me to call it up on the dashboard. For example, if I need to find Juliano's computer in the system, I don't need to search through endless spreadsheets. I just search for "Juliano" in KACE. KACE also lists other details like the last login user."
"My company had bought some new machines. We used the tool to do some basic settings to ship every machine the same way and undertake the Windows deployment. We did the scripted installation. The tool helped us deploy custom software for specific departments. We also did Windows updates with the product."
"KACE’s knowledge-based articles are very good."

Room for Improvement

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) encounters challenges with scalability and automation, making advanced tasks complex. Users report difficulties in patch management, reporting limitations, and interface customization. There are issues with image deployment limits, SMB dependency, and integration with non-Dell devices. Users experience inconsistent updates and troublesome support interactions with a pushy sales approach. Enhancements in user training, GUI, agent management, and automation could help address these concerns and improve overall functionality.

"Easier integration would be beneficial."
"We had issues with the tool's support. We are a Dutch firm and everything has to be in Dutch. We were not able to do the alerts. You were required to tweak them a lot to get them in the language that you preferred. The solution's support depended on the person that you got online. Sometimes, the response was fast and other times you needed to wait a long time. The support also depended on the levels of support that you had requested."
"It could be designed a little bit more intuitively in terms of administration."

ROI

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance significantly boosts productivity and efficiency. Users report substantial time savings in IT management tasks, attributing improvements in task automation and reduced manual interventions to Quest KACE. These efficiencies translate to notable resource and staffing cost reductions. By simplifying processes such as software patching and updates, users see positive returns, often within months. Organizations across various sectors experience enhanced IT capabilities, improving service quality and response times while managing large networks with smaller teams.

Pricing

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is perceived by users as competitively priced, offering substantial value for price, particularly in enterprise environments. Licensing is based on the number of endpoint devices, with costs generally considered reasonable. Users note the efficiency in cost savings, ease of licensing, and robust functionality, appreciating the value in renewals. The system is praised for its ROI and flexibility, though it may be less affordable for smaller organizations or certain regions.

"It is expensive in Brazil."
"The product is reasonably priced."
"Some of the other solutions were just astronomical in price compared with KACE and didn't necessarily have the ease of use either. So, we chose Quest KACE for its easy-to-use features and cost."

Popular Use Cases

Primarily, Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is utilized for tasks like ticketing, patch management, software deployment, and asset management. Organizations use it to manage and secure environments, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards and facilitating accreditation processes. It efficiently handles inventory, script automation, endpoint management, and provides a central platform for diverse IT operations across regions, supporting extensive reporting and software updates remotely.

Service and Support

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance offers excellent, responsive customer service. Users praise their quick response times, knowledgeable and professional support staff, and effective problem-solving capabilities. Premier support enhances user experience, providing in-depth assistance and access to technical account managers. Users find the support staff reliable and proactive, often resolving issues rapidly. However, some note occasional delays or the need for multiple follow-ups. Many utilize Premier support to address complex questions and value consistent, helpful interactions.

Deployment

Many found Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance's initial setup straightforward, citing helpful instructions and videos. Several reported complexity due to unique environments or erroneous sequences, necessitating vendor assistance. Configurations often required time, ranging from hours to weeks, particularly when involving extensive network architectures or multiple systems. Users appreciated the intuitive interface once familiar. Some experienced technical challenges but noted subsequent ease of use, especially with professional guidance. The updates and maintenance were generally described as manageable, requiring minimal staff involvement.

Scalability

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance is noted for its impressive scalability, managing thousands of workstations and supporting large IT environments. Users appreciate its easy expansion through adding licenses and resources. Although some mention concerns about future growth and training costs, many successfully handle substantial networks efficiently. With built-in scalability, KACE allows effortless adjustments and integration with existing structures. Its flexibility to accommodate additional devices is frequently highlighted, demonstrating its capacity for diverse organizational needs.

Stability

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance exhibits strong stability, with most users experiencing minimal downtime and reliable performance. Issues, when they arise, are often linked to user mismanagement or external factors. Its robustness is highlighted by long stretches without reboots, except for updates. Technical support efficiently addresses any technical challenges. The system handles upgrades well, although some users find the frequency cumbersome. Overall, it is considered a highly stable and reliable tool for management tasks.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

University

12%

Government

10%

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Retailer

Non Profit

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Performing Arts

Insurance Company

Outsourcing Company

Hospitality Company

Media Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Comms Service Provider

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Mining And Metals Company

Logistics Company

Compare Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) with alternative products

Learn more about Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

KACE provides robust automation for managing software distribution and patch tasks. Organizations depend on it for security updates, system compliance, and centralized control over diverse devices. Integration with tools like Bomgar and ServiceNow enhances its remote support capabilities, while its intuitive interface streamlines IT processes, increasing productivity. Managing thousands of endpoints, it supports accreditation compliance and reports on system status and security.

What are the key features of Quest KACE SMA?

Automation: Streamlines software deployment and patch management.
Asset Management: Offers comprehensive inventory controls.
Integration: Compatible with Bomgar and ServiceNow for enhanced remote support.
System Deployment: SDA simplifies deployment across multiple machines.
Intuitive Interface: Facilitates IT task management from a single pane.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Increased Productivity: Simplifies IT tasks, optimizing resources.
Centralized Control: Manages a wide range of devices from one interface.
Security Compliance: Ensures systems are updated and compliant.
Enhanced Support: Improved remote support through integrations.
Reporting Capabilities: Provides insights into IT operations and status.

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance is implemented across industries needing robust IT management solutions such as healthcare for compliance and security, education for asset tracking, and corporate enterprises for efficient IT operations. Its multifunctional nature caters to diverse industry requirements, enhancing communication and data management.

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) was previously known as Dell KACE Systems Management.