Microsoft Configuration Manager and VMware vCenter are core IT management tools in the IT infrastructure management category. VMware vCenter often gets an edge for robust virtualization features, although it is at a higher price point.
Features: Microsoft Configuration Manager is valuable for centralized application deployment, patch management, and enforcing configurations within Microsoft environments. It integrates well with mobile management through Intune Connector and offers comprehensive reporting tools. VMware vCenter is noted for its centralized virtual machine management capabilities, offering efficient clustering and automation tools, which enhance resource management and operational efficiency.
Room for Improvement: Microsoft Configuration Manager could improve on simplifying application deployment processes and integrating better with non-Microsoft products. Performance issues due to heavy CPU and memory usage and a need for enhanced automation are noted. VMware vCenter draws criticism for its high cost and complicated fault tolerance features, alongside calls for a more streamlined licensing model. Enhancements in dashboard clarity and management simplicity are also needed.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Configuration Manager is mostly deployed on-premises with some hybrid and cloud usage. Customer service experiences are mixed, with some users finding the technical support to be slow. VMware vCenter also predominantly sees on-premises usage and is noted for more favorable customer service and strong online documentation support.
Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Configuration Manager is seen as expensive when considering licensing and hardware costs, yet it offers a strong ROI through operational efficiency. It's more accessible to small businesses but requires considerable investment for larger enterprises. VMware vCenter's prices are higher, especially post-subscription model shift, significantly affecting smaller businesses, although users report satisfactory ROI due to robust capabilities in managing large-scale virtual environments.
The technical support is good.
The product is suitable for our size, handling 800 devices.
On a scale of one to ten, I would rate its scalability as ten.
The scalability is good in vCenter.
There were misconfigurations by our team rather than issues with the product itself.
The licensing model has shifted, leading to higher costs, particularly for smaller organizations.
Better redundancy options can be achieved by using multiple vCenter machines.
The personal portal is difficult to navigate.
The setup cost is considered sufficient.
The licensing model now requires purchasing 96-core solutions, even if fewer cores are needed, adding to the cost burden.
The product valuable for deployment recovery.
High availability is employed so if an ESXi server is down, the VM is supported on another ESXi on other servers.
VMware vCenter is excellent for managing and monitoring hypervisors, specifically with features like live migration, storage vMotion, and host vMotion.
Troubleshooting is easy, and it is possible to detect noncompliance configurations, minimizing costs.
Microsoft Configuration Manager helps IT manage PCs and servers, keeping software up-to-date, setting configuration and security policies, and monitoring system status while giving employees access to corporate applications on the devices that they choose. When Configuration Manager is integrated with Microsoft Intune, you can manage corporate-connected PCs and Macs along with cloud-based mobile devices running Windows, iOS, and Android, all from a single management console.
New features of Configuration Manager, such as the support of Windows 10 in-place upgrade, co-management with Microsoft Intune, Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise Servicing Dashboard, integration with Windows Update for Business, and more make deploying and managing Windows easier than ever before.
VMware vCenter is essential for managing virtual machines, deploying systems for customers, and centralizing ESXi servers' management. It aids in monitoring hosts, handling backups, recovering data, and virtualizing compute resources.
Organizations leverage VMware vCenter to oversee virtual infrastructure, automate administrative tasks, and provide self-service portals. It simplifies the management of IT environments by offering features like host profiles, high availability, and cluster configuration. Other notable features include scalability, resource management, performance monitoring, cloning, snapshots, DRS, LACP, and lifecycle management. VMware vCenter ensures continuous system availability, benefiting sectors like healthcare through efficient server management and process automation. The platform's alerting mechanisms, backup and restore functionalities, and elastic resource allocation enhance operational efficiency.
What are the key features of VMware vCenter?Healthcare organizations use VMware vCenter to ensure uninterrupted access to critical applications and patient data. It helps manage large volumes of virtual servers, providing necessary performance and reliability. This platform's automation and monitoring capabilities are crucial for maintaining efficient IT operations and supporting healthcare needs.
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