BMC Helix Discovery vs KACE Asset Management Appliance comparison

BMC Helix and Quest Software are both solutions in the IT Asset Management category. BMC Helix is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.4, while Quest Software is ranked #13 with an average rating of 8.0. BMC Helix holds a 5.3% mindshare in IAM, compared to Quest Software’s 1.7% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of BMC Helix users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 66% of Quest Software users who would recommend it.

BMC Helix Discovery

Read 28 BMC Helix Discovery reviews

2,114 Views
2,051 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

KACE Asset Management Appli...

Read 7 KACE Asset Management Appliance reviews

476 Views
476 Comparison Views

66% willing to recommend

BMC Helix Discovery

KACE Asset Management Appli...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 23, 2025

BMC Helix Discovery and KACE Asset Management Appliance compete in the asset discovery and management category. KACE Asset Management Appliance generally has an advantage due to its comprehensive features and ease of use, especially for faster implementation, while BMC Helix Discovery is better suited for larger enterprises requiring extensive insights.

Features: BMC Helix Discovery provides advanced discovery capabilities, including continuous scanning, dynamic service modeling, and the ability to integrate with ITSM platforms. KACE Asset Management Appliance offers an integrated asset management platform with features like deployment, patch management, and remote control capabilities.

Room for Improvement: BMC Helix Discovery could benefit from simplifying its setup process and enhancing user-friendliness. It might also improve its query language usability. KACE Asset Management Appliance may need improvements in its scalability, reporting capabilities, and integration with other enterprise systems.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: KACE Asset Management Appliance is noted for seamless deployment and reliable customer service. BMC Helix Discovery has a more complex setup, which may require technical expertise, although it offers detailed support for troubleshooting.

Pricing and ROI: BMC Helix Discovery generally has higher upfront costs but promises long-term ROI for extensive IT environments. KACE Asset Management Appliance provides a more budget-friendly pricing model with quicker ROI, appealing to smaller and medium-sized businesses.

To learn more, read our detailed BMC Helix Discovery vs. KACE Asset Management Appliance Report (Updated: January 2026).

Buyer's Guide

BMC Helix Discovery vs. KACE Asset Management Appliance

January 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 881,082 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

BMC Helix Discovery

Ranking in IT Asset Management

4th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

KACE Asset Management Appli...

Ranking in IT Asset Management

13th

Average Rating

7.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the IT Asset Management category, the mindshare of BMC Helix Discovery is 5.3%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of KACE Asset Management Appliance is 1.7%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

IT Asset Management Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
BMC Helix Discovery	5.3%
KACE Asset Management Appliance	1.7%
Other	93.0%

IT Asset Management

Featured Reviews

reviewer2729955

Systems Integration Specialist Advisor at a insurance company with 1,001-5,000 employees

Flexible data discovery has streamlined processes and enhances efficiency

The best aspect of BMC Helix Discovery is its flexibility. You can perform scanning at any time, and it provides substantial data for extraction. If there is data it doesn't extract and you understand TPL, you can write your own patterns to pull the data out of it, making it very powerful from that standpoint. The query language is somewhat challenging to learn as it uses a Berkeley database. However, it has an excellent query building tool, and they have recently released a new visually-based version, which is very beneficial. Extracting data is straightforward through writing queries, running them, and pulling reports. The scanning process and credential setup are also easily manageable. Overall, it is an excellent tool.

Read full review

Adam Augustín

Country Manager at Prianto Ltd

Remote control and massive deployment streamline operations efficiently

It seems that it is a bit difficult to learn and purchase. The requirement for employees to be certified before purchasing is understandable yet can be a hurdle. A focus on more simplicity and user-friendly features would be beneficial. More training deals, up-to-date articles, and improved documentation would help users navigate the solution more intuitively.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It is a scalable solution."

"The solution's most valuable feature is service modeling."

"The initial setup is simple."

"BMC provides great support. As managed service support, they are gold."

"Accuracy and clarity are vastly improved for the service lines."

"The most valuable feature of BMC Helix Discovery is it operates well. It is well known and has gained recognition for its software."

"The solution is definitely useful."

"BMC Helix Discovery is very intuitive."

More BMC Helix Discovery pros

"The platform offers efficient stability."

"Feature-wise, I think it's more to do with the usability. It's pretty simple and it's got a very low learning curve, so that helps a lot. Feature-wise, things work pretty well as it's provided a lot of information available on the guides and the manuals, and things work as per the description."

"We use the solution for IT service desk management and asset management."

"The solution is scalable."

"We utilize the package management feature the most. We also use it for getting the inventory. Companies like us don't have an inventory or asset management system per se. A lot of companies, for instance, use SCCM as their asset management tool. We are using Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance for asset management, which is a good feature. The feature that I really like is to be able to upgrade to the Windows management systems or Windows version. It is very seamless, and I have found it fairly good."

"We have a support team here in India that has been helpful. We have not reached out to the global support for Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance."

"The ability to work on printers and everything can be done remotely, which enhances functionality."

Cons

"There are certain limitations in the mapping feature of the solution."

"It is very complicated to use."

"The product is not fully automated."

"The solution is definitely useful."

"I would like to see the ability to scan some of the newer cloud platforms. I know that BMC has them on the roadmap, and they are coming soon, but they can't come fast enough. Being able to scan more of GCloud, Alibaba Cloud, or whatever the public clouds that our customers are buying, we need to make sure that Discovery can find them as well."

"Management of its own application infrastructure and integrations with other BMC tools."

"BMC Helix Discovery is a bit tough to use and administer."

"The CMDB could be improved. Getting data from the CMDB is the greatest challenge."

More BMC Helix Discovery cons

"Sometimes, it feels like the inventory it takes is not 100% accurate. I would say it is correct 90% of the time. We have had some issues. So, we have to rely on some factors of inconsistency in the data."

"A focus on more simplicity and user-friendly features would be beneficial."

"The first thing I don't like about KACE is that it needs to have a proper service desk. The categories and the command section do not reflect the users and the permanent users porting commands on updating. There is an issue and delay in loading the commands. We also want a proper structure for infrastructure management. Also, the AI chatbot and user template options are missing."

"Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance can improve by incorporating AI and machine learning into the solution."

"The remote desktop tool they are using needs improvement. They have integrated some third-party tools for remote desktop connections but that is a bit complicated. That can be further simplified."

"The initial setup was burdensome."

"Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance could improve areas related to the management of updates, especially concerning new operating systems."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licenses are very complex and quite costly."

"We are on a three-year agreement with BMC Helix Discovery to use the solution. There are not any additional fees other than the standard license."

"We have a perpetual license for the solution."

"I rate the pricing an eight out of ten. All BMC products are expensive."

"Operating cost is actually high compared to other products, actually. It's a little expensive only, but it's very good than other products."

"The price was fair compared to competitors. BMC is very affordable. There are optional consulting services to assist with implementation."

"The solution offers yearly licenses."

"You need a license to use BMC Helix Discovery. The license is paid yearly, though I have no idea how much it costs."

More BMC Helix Discovery pricing and cost advice

"Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance provides two remote desktop licenses which are helpful. The price of the solution is high, it would be beneficial if it was more flexible and less expensive."

"I would rate the solution's pricing a six out of ten."

"It is less expensive as compared to SCCM."

"The product is expensive."

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which IT Asset Management solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

881,082 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

17%

Computer Software Company

15%

Manufacturing Company

Government

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	11
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	13

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Large Enterprise	3

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about BMC Helix Discovery?

I like the artificial intelligence and machine learning that it uses in the solution. Because once the solution discovers all the assets, all the infrastructure, and all the dependencies between se...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for BMC Helix Discovery?

That's always a million dollar question regarding whether the solution is affordable or quite expensive; if you talk to the vendor, the pricing's great, but end users are always looking for a bette...

See all answers

What needs improvement with BMC Helix Discovery?

Technical support from BMC is generally good. Resolutiion time is what's bothering me, as it's not always easy to get to the correct person or the right technical level needed to resolve the issue.

See all answers

What do you like most about Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance?

The platform offers efficient stability.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance?

They are maybe on the higher end, however, their solutions suit bigger companies well. Building a solution out of smaller packages could end up being more expensive. Their pricing corresponds to th...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Quest KACE Asset Management Appliance?

See all answers

Comparisons

ServiceNow vs BMC Helix Discovery

Compared 45% of the time

ServiceNow Discovery vs BMC Helix Discovery

Compared 19% of the time

Lansweeper vs BMC Helix Discovery

Compared 7% of the time

Device42 vs BMC Helix Discovery

Compared 7% of the time

Flexera One vs BMC Helix Discovery

Compared 5% of the time

More BMC Helix Discovery Competitors

ServiceNow vs KACE Asset Management Appliance

Compared 23% of the time

Freshservice vs KACE Asset Management Appliance

Compared 22% of the time

Lansweeper vs KACE Asset Management Appliance

Compared 19% of the time

Qualys VMDR vs KACE Asset Management Appliance

Compared 18% of the time

InvGate Assets vs KACE Asset Management Appliance

Compared 17% of the time

More KACE Asset Management Appliance Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

BMC Helix Discovery

January 2026

Download BMC Helix Discovery product report

Buyer's Guide

IT Asset Management

December 2025

Download KACE Asset Management Appliance product report

Also Known As

Discovery, ADDM, Atrium Discovery & Dependency Mapping

KACE Asset Management Appliance, KACE Asset Management

Overview

BMC Discovery, formerly ADDM, is a digital enterprise management solution that automates asset discovery and application dependency mapping to build a holistic view of all your data center assets and the relationships between them.

BMC Helix

KACE Asset Management Appliance enhances asset usability with popular package management and inventory features, ideal for companies that lack systems. The tool provides seamless Windows upgrades, remote control, and deployment, making it essential for businesses managing multiple devices.

KACE Asset Management Appliance provides streamlined asset management, featuring prominent package management and inventory functionalities that support seamless Windows upgrades and remote control for bug fixing. Users greatly value its capabilities for remote printer work and automated compliance reporting. Suggested improvements include enhanced remote desktop integration, more precise inventory accuracy, and effective service desk features. Simplifying these elements, integrating AI for better image management and operating system deployment would enhance its effectiveness. Updated documentation, user-friendly features, and enhanced training are needed to overcome learning challenges and certification requirements.

What are the most important features of KACE Asset Management Appliance?

Usability with Low Learning Curve: Makes it accessible for organizations with limited IT resources.
Package Management and Inventory: Popular features for streamlined asset management.
Remote Control and Deployment: Allows for effective bug fixes across multiple devices.
Automated Compliance Reporting: Ensures up-to-date compliance without manual intervention.
Remote Printer Work: Facilitates management of remote printing tasks.

What benefits or ROI should users look for in reviews?

Consolidated Data Management: Combines data from multiple desktops and laptops.
Efficient IT Service Desk Management: Supports efficient handling of service desk tasks.
Seamless System Upgrades: Simplifies upgrading systems to new Windows releases.
Private Cloud Integration: Essential for organizations working within private cloud environments.
Scalability for Large Distributed Workforce: Suitable for businesses with over fifty employees and multiple clients.

This appliance is frequently implemented by companies for deploying Windows and non-Windows patches, managing IT service desks and assets, and facilitating software installations. Common within private cloud environments, it supports businesses managing over fifty employees, numerous clients, and a distributed workforce who need consolidated data management for effective IT operations.

Quest Software

Sample Customers

Windstream Communications, News UK, Mercator Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR)

Coastal Community Credit Union, St. Dominic Hospital

Buyer's Guide

BMC Helix Discovery vs. KACE Asset Management Appliance

January 2026

Free Report: BMC Helix Discovery vs. KACE Asset Management Appliance

Find out what your peers are saying about BMC Helix Discovery vs. KACE Asset Management Appliance and other solutions. Updated: January 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

881,082 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our BMC Helix Discovery vs. KACE Asset Management Appliance report.

See our list of best IT Asset Management vendors.

We monitor all IT Asset Management reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.