KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Symantec Client Management Suite comparison

Quest Software and Broadcom are both solutions in the Client Desktop Management category. Quest Software is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.5, while Broadcom is ranked #3. Quest Software holds a 12.3% mindshare in CDM, compared to Broadcom’s 13.1% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Quest Software users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 66% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

KACE Systems Management App...

Read 40 KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) reviews

5,370 Views
376 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Symantec Client Management ...

Read 3 Symantec Client Management Suite reviews

716 Views
415 Comparison Views

66% willing to recommend

KACE Systems Management App...

Symantec Client Management ...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 1, 2026

Symantec Client Management Suite and KACE Systems Management Appliance compete in systems management, with Symantec offering strong security management and KACE focusing on asset and inventory management. Symantec is favorable for security-focused environments, while KACE is preferred for comprehensive asset management.

Features: Symantec Client Management Suite provides integrated lifecycle management, seamless patch management, and robust software distribution. KACE Systems Management Appliance offers exceptional asset management, precise inventory tracking, and comprehensive endpoint control.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec Client Management Suite is straightforward to deploy, suiting environments with existing infrastructures and offering quicker setup. KACE Systems Management Appliance involves a more detailed setup but benefits from strong customer support, appealing to those needing guidance.

Pricing and ROI: Symantec Client Management Suite has competitive pricing and provides a solid ROI, particularly for integrated security management priorities. KACE Systems Management Appliance may incur higher setup costs but offers strong ROI through its asset management, justifying the investment for environments requiring asset oversight.

To learn more, read our detailed KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite Report (Updated: August 2026).

Buyer's Guide

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite

August 2026

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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

KACE Systems Management App...

Ranking in Client Desktop Management

2nd

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Endpoint Compliance (6th), Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) (11th), Patch Management (10th), Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) (12th)

Symantec Client Management ...

Ranking in Client Desktop Management

3rd

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2026, in the Client Desktop Management category, the mindshare of KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is 12.3%, up from 6.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Client Management Suite is 13.1%, down from 21.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Client Desktop Management Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)	12.3%
Symantec Client Management Suite	13.1%
Other	74.6%

Client Desktop Management

Featured Reviews

AdityaJain

Security Administrator at EbixCash

Centralized software deployment has simplified endpoint control but needs stronger security alerts

What I like best about KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is that it allows pushing custom-made applications to all computers that have KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) endpoint installed. This makes it easier for the organization to push patches and updates. If I need to push EDR updates, I can use KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), as it automatically updates the EDR on that endpoint, and that is a great feature. Overall, KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) helps streamline my processes by allowing me to check the uptime and downtime of machines, whether they are connected to the internet or not, and how long a machine has been switched off. I can also gather hardware details and software inventory from it. I can show a live demonstration if a video conference can be arranged. Incident resolution capabilities with KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) have improved operational efficiency for system administrators, as it makes it easier to track machines with KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), gather their IP addresses, and push several updates, patches, or software deployments at once. I can design compliances as per my requirements, such as ensuring passwords are reset after 45 days.

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Sathish-Holla

IT Consultant at a real estate/law firm with 51-200 employees

Knowledgeable support, easy client management, and straightforward agent installation

Symantec Client Management Suite is used for Microsoft Windows patches and inventory management. The solution can be deployed on-premise and on the cloud Yes it helped to update systems remotely The most valuable feature of Symantec Client Management Suite is the ease of client management and…

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The solution provides us a single pane of glass with everything that we need for endpoint management of all devices, and it definitely has made our endpoint management process much easier."

"We have seen a return on investment from its ease of use, firstly because the KACE appliance is managed almost entirely by me alone."

"The Systems Deployment Appliance is magical when it comes to automating deployment... Not only can we have multiple images, specific to end-users' uses, but we have a plethora of post-installation tasks to install or configure the system, tasks that can be re-used for each system. You just have one basic base image, and then you use the post-install tasks to customize everything else. It is amazing."

"Quest KACE has provided us with a managed environment that surpasses all expectations."

"My primary use case of this solution is to help us obtain accreditation in the UK of Cyber Essentials Plus, a program sponsored by the UK government which encourages UK companies to obtain a certain level of cyber-security within their cyber environment."

"The help desk is super simple to use and we saw our return on investment a long time ago, just in man hours alone."

"KACE has made our life much easier since we got off the Microsoft solution."

"I haven't come up against anything that I can't use it as a solution for, whether it's deploying imaging, managing, upgrading, or reporting."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) pros

"We can track the incidents, we can track the changes, we can track the assets from cradle to grave and give some kind of accounting as they get older."

"The most valuable feature of Symantec Client Management Suite is the ease of client management and agent installation."

"This is a very strong solution, and the most important thing for us is that it is very easy to use, as well as the availability of it in our support centers."

Cons

"We'd love to see support for larger dependencies in the scripting feature."

"There is always room for improvement. However, the system does most of what we need at this moment."

"There should be a mini toolbox, like the competitors of KACE have, with the small features for KACE administrators. That would make their lives easier. If you are troubleshooting a specific endpoint, remote control is available as is Wake-on-LAN. But if you want to execute some commands, you have to use a third-party tool, the PS tool. If they would integrate those small things, it would make KACE more powerful."

"One of the complications is that they don't have 24/7 support, and they're also not in our time zone... Sometimes, no matter how critical my application is, if my production server is down I won't be able to connect with anybody till 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time."

"KACE implemented the possibility of reducing the network speed of the KACE agent. You can set it so that it takes whatever network speed you want or you can set it to 5 Mb, to save network speed. You set it for all the computers, but it would be preferable to separate between VPN connections in our home office and the local area. It would be great to be able to set separate speeds for different VLANs."

"The problem is that it's harder to directly emulate a lot of the stuff that the group policies do, using the KACE solution."

"It took a little bit of time to figure out how to use the KACE Service Desk. I like the way that I'm able to customize it. But when it comes to how our techs are able to use it, it's not as functional as our current solution, which is BMC FootPrints Service Desk."

"There may be a good reason why some things are not easily able to be done, yet it needs work to compete with some of the other ticketing systems out there now."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) cons

"Some parts are working okay, some of the other components aren't. Workflow isn't working properly."

"The technical support has been troubling for me. I would rate them a six out of ten."

"Some parts are working okay, some of the other components aren't. Workflow isn't working properly. Different people accepting changes and being able to close it has some issues. Putting hot fixes and installing it usually breaks the system."

"Symantec Client Management Suite can improve by adding more network devices."

"The technical support is in need of improvement."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We are also saving on the licensing fee, compared to other endpoint management solutions."

"The product is reasonably priced."

"The pricing and licensing are absolutely fair."

"We pay annually for technical support."

"There are no costs in addition to the standard licensing fees."

"n terms of pricing and licensing, my advice is that you need to assess what you need and then look at what they offer. It's easy to get caught up in the things that you want, but don't really need."

"We buy consulting fees from Software Factory, then we pay extra for it."

"Licensing is done on a per device basis, so it's dependent on how many agents you've got installed."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) pricing and cost advice

"The price of the solution is competitive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

10%

University

10%

Financial Services Firm

Outsourcing Company

Government

13%

University

10%

Outsourcing Company

Hospitality Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	20
Large Enterprise	16

No data available

Questions from the Community

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

In terms of cost-effectiveness, considering a situation where I want to deploy KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) for just pushing updates, it is completely fine. However, apart from that, I d...

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What needs improvement with Quest KACE Systems Management?

For improvements in KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), I would want to see it become a standalone software agent. I am curious about why it does not offer EDR functionality. Additionally, the...

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What is your primary use case for Quest KACE Systems Management?

I have deployed KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) around 230 plus PCs, and I use it to push Windows updates and scripts. I have designed various scripts for tasks such as password resets afte...

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

August 2026

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) report

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Buyer's Guide

Client Desktop Management

August 2026

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Also Known As

Dell KACE Systems Management

Symantec Altiris Client Management Suite

Overview

KACE Systems Management Appliance offers integration capabilities, efficient image deployment, and comprehensive asset management. It supports centralized management across diverse devices and locations, simplifying IT processes and enhancing security.

KACE Systems Management Appliance provides single-pane visibility for endpoint management, mass software deployment, automated patch management, robust scripting, and detailed inventory tracking. It streamlines IT management and improves cyber-security compliance through remote software updates and centralized IT request handling. Despite struggles with scalability and the need for interface improvements, it enables efficient device imaging, script automation, and network management through detailed reporting. Organizations find it effective for software deployment, asset management, and endpoint monitoring, serving thousands of IoT devices and desktops.

What are the key features of KACE Systems Management Appliance?

Integration capabilities: Seamlessly connects with existing IT systems.
Efficient image deployment: Facilitates quick and effective distribution of system images.
Comprehensive asset management: Provides detailed tracking and management of IT assets.
User-friendly helpdesk: Simplifies handling IT requests and issues.
Automated patch management: Ensures devices are up-to-date with security patches.
Robust scripting: Allows for automation of complex IT tasks.
Detailed inventory tracking: Maintains accurate records of all IT assets.

What benefits should users expect from KACE Systems Management Appliance?

Simplified IT processes: Centralized management enhances operational efficiency.
Improved security: Streamlines cyber-security compliance through automated updates.
Flexibility in customizations: Adapts to specific IT environment needs.
Increased productivity: Efficient ticketing and reporting ease organizational operations.
Remote software updates: Ensures all devices are current, reducing security risks.

In healthcare, KACE Systems Management Appliance is used for maintaining device compliance and security standards. Educational institutions benefit from its capabilities to manage large numbers of endpoints across campuses. In finance, it aids in strict compliance requirements through automated patch management and detailed reporting. Retail sectors leverage its asset management features to streamline operations across numerous locations.

Quest Software

Symantec Client Management Suite provides organizations with comprehensive tools to securely and efficiently manage client devices. This solution is ideal for enterprises seeking robust device management, inventory, and deployment capabilities.

Symantec Client Management Suite simplifies device management through a range of features that address core IT needs. Users benefit from integrated asset management, application deployment, and comprehensive security tools. With centralized control, IT departments can enhance operational efficiency and support compliance requirements. Symantec Client Management Suite is designed for scalability, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

What are the key features of Symantec Client Management Suite?

Asset Management: Offers detailed visibility into hardware and software assets.
Application Deployment: Facilitates easy and effective software installations across devices.
Patch Management: Ensures systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Remote Control: Provides IT teams with the ability to troubleshoot devices remotely.

What benefits and ROI should users look for in reviews?

Increased Efficiency: Streamlines repetitive IT tasks for better productivity.
Cost Reduction: Lowers overall IT maintenance costs with automated management tools.
Improved Security: Enhances device security through frequent updates and patches.
Scalability: Adapts to growing IT infrastructure needs without compromising performance.

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and education implement Symantec Client Management Suite due to its reliability and comprehensive security benefits. These sectors prioritize safeguarding sensitive information while maintaining operational efficiency, making Symantec Client Management Suite an ideal choice.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Waypoint, Mattos Filho, Meetic, Gems Education, Green Clinic HealthSystem, Service King

Alghanim Industries, Asia Pacific Telecom Co. Ltd, Barnabas Health, Berry Plastics Corporation, BNY Mellon, Borealis, British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A, Cabela's Inc., Carrington Holding Company, College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), Comparex, Cybercom Plenware Oy, DHL Hub Leipzig GmbH, Dickinson Dees LLP, Farmington Area Public Schools, Fazer Group, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, ForceTEC Co. Ltd., Frucor Beverages Ltd, Hadassah University Hospital, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hutchison Whampoa (China) Commerce Limited, Indian River School District, Johnson County Community College, JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, Kier Group plc, Kwizda Holdings GmbH, Lake Health, Lansky Ganzger & Partner, Mobilezone, Molina Healthcare Inc., Nanyang Technological University, NASDAQ OMX Group Inc., Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pima Community College, Regional council of Franche-Comt_, Shanghai Pudong International Container Terminals Co. Ltd., Siemens Professional Education, Symantec Corporation (Endpoint Security 12.1), TIVIT, Travelport, University of Oxford

Buyer's Guide

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite

August 2026

Free Report: KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite

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