Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 19, 2025
KACE Systems Management Appliance and Qualys Patch Management are top choices in endpoint management and patch management. KACE SMA is favored for its cost and support, while Qualys gains an edge for its advanced functionalities, justifying a higher price.
Features: KACE SMA offers seamless integration with Bomgar, a comprehensive service desk ticketing system, and robust asset management. The solution efficiently manages devices with automated deployments and powerful scripting, providing a single-pane view for endpoint management. Qualys Patch Management excels with detailed vulnerability detection, real-time insights, and automated patch capabilities that ensure swift threat response while integrating seamlessly into existing security frameworks.
Room for Improvement: KACE SMA's scalability becomes challenging during large-scale deployments, often requiring manual interventions and users highlight difficulties navigating advanced features without technical expertise. Qualys Patch Management, although comprehensive, is critiqued for limited built-in driver updates, occasional patching issues with specific applications like Oracle, and an interface that some users find unintuitive.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: KACE SMA is mainly deployed on-premises, with its customer service praised for effectiveness and professional services. However, this often necessitates more support during setup. Qualys Patch Management thrives in cloud environments, with simplified deployment processes; its customer support is generally well-regarded, though improvements in response time have been suggested.
Pricing and ROI: KACE SMA is recognized for its competitive per-device licensing, perceived as valuable for its broad functionality, driving productivity and ROI through time savings. Qualys Patch Management, though more costly, is viewed as worthwhile for comprehensive vulnerability remediation, providing long-term advantages with its robust capabilities for large-scale infrastructure management, despite the higher initial cost.
