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KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) Reviews

Vendor: Quest Software
4.4 out of 5
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What is KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)?

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.

Get the KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager and more!
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is the #3 ranked solution in top Client Desktop Management solutions, #7 ranked solution in top Endpoint Compliance solutions, #9 ranked solution in top Patch Management solutions, #10 ranked solution in top Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions, and #12 ranked solution in top Remote Monitoring and Management Software. PeerSpot users give KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is most commonly compared to Microsoft Intune: KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Microsoft Intune. KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 44% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a university, accounting for 12% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)
March 2026
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Helped 885,264 peers since 2012

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KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) mindshare

Product category:
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
As of March 2026, the mindshare of KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) in the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) category stands at 1.7%, up from 1.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)1.7%
Kaseya VSA15.0%
NinjaOne12.0%
Other71.3%
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)

PeerResearch reports based on KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryRemote Monitoring and Management (RMM)Mar 28, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMar 28, 2026Download
ComparisonKACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs NinjaOneMar 28, 2026Download
ComparisonKACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Kaseya VSAMar 28, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Microsoft Intune4.1N/A94%335 interviewsAdd to research
Microsoft Configuration Manager4.1N/A91%86 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

KACE Systems Management Appliance's most valuable features include efficient asset and patch management, seamless software deployment, and comprehensive endpoint management. Users benefit from its ease of use, integration with Bomgar, and automation capabilities, reducing manual processes. The appliance's single pane of glass provides a unified view for managing devices, updates, and compliance. Additionally, its reporting and scripting functions streamline operations, resulting in significant time savings and enhanced productivity across IT departments.
  • "From using KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), the main benefits I have seen are that if my organization has a thousand users and I plan to distribute software such as Adobe to all endpoints, by simply launching a script in KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), I can provide that software effectively."
  • "There is ease of use, and its pricing was a driving factor."
  • "I like how when you click on the device, it shows you everything that has changed as well as the software versioning, and I am really enjoying the inventory aspect of it."

Room for Improvement

Users often find KACE SMA lacks scalability and automation, causing challenges in updating large numbers of machines and integrating Microsoft updates. Patching and reporting functions could be more intuitive, while the GUI needs streamlining to reduce confusion. Sale approaches are too aggressive. Image deployment limitations and manual customization requirements also hinder efficiency. Enhanced asset management, improved training, seamless integration with external tools, and better multilingual support are desired to meet diverse user needs.
  • "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 do not find it particularly useful for daily scenarios."
  • "Sometimes the information is not as real time as it's supposed to be."
  • "With KACE, you have to use smart labels and groups, and it can be annoying."

ROI

Companies using KACE Systems Management Appliance experienced significant time and resource savings, enhancing IT productivity. Implementation efficiency led to quicker problem resolution and fewer staff requirements for management tasks. End users and technicians reported substantial time reductions in processes like patching and software updates. Organizations noticed ROI within the first year, with increased efficiency allowing them to handle more tasks without additional resources. Enhanced security capabilities and ease of use contributed to overall value retention.

Pricing

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) offers competitive pricing with a model based on per-device licensing, making it advantageous for larger environments. While initial setup and licensing can appear costly for smaller organizations, many find the investment justified by the robust features and seamless integration across devices. Users praise its value in asset management, security patching, and scalable support, ensuring that technical needs are met efficiently without incurring additional charges beyond standard fees.
  • "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."
  • "The pricing is fair."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) for ticketing, patch management, software and update deployment, and endpoint management. They often utilize its capabilities for device inventory, asset management, and imaging. SMA supports multiple departments and helps manage large volumes of IT requests. It is used for managing distributed environments, automating tasks, and maintaining security standards. Many rely on SMA for generating reports, tracking hardware and software, and deploying various software packages across their networks.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for KACE Systems Management Appliance are highly praised for their responsiveness, knowledgeable staff, and fast resolution times. Users frequently commend the helpfulness and skill level of the support team. While minor delays in reaching the correct person occur, once connected, guidance and solutions are prompt and efficient. Many users value the Premium Support, particularly for more complex inquiries or advanced consultations. The support's 24/7 availability and willingness to assist receive exceptional ratings.

Deployment

Initial setup experiences with KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) varied. Some found it straightforward with helpful support, clear instructions, and videos. Others encountered complexity, needing detailed training or assistance. Difficulties included network challenges, extensive steps, or configuration errors. However, many appreciated quick deployments and automation. Professional services and clear documentation often aided the process, while some faced longer durations or minor technical issues. Managed environments benefited from streamlined installations and upgrades.

Scalability

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is highly adaptable for various environments. Users report deploying it across numerous devices, with ease in scaling operations, often without issues. Appliance accommodates increasing demands, with capabilities extending to large networks. Organizations have successfully integrated additional resources as needed, contributing to seamless scalability. There may be concerns about capacity limitations, but generally, SMA handles growth effectively, supporting transitions like virtualization and using cloud-based features efficiently as resources expand.

Stability

Users report that KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is highly stable and rarely experiences downtime. It upgrades and maintains performance effectively. Technical support is prompt and efficient, resolving rare issues quickly. While some users faced network-related challenges, these were typically due to infrastructure mismanagement rather than the appliance itself. Regular updates enhance the system, and its ability to deploy software intelligently is praised. Users appreciate its reliability over extended periods.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business8
Midsize Enterprise17
Large Enterprise15
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business151
Midsize Enterprise100
Large Enterprise199
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
University
12%
Non Profit
9%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Performing Arts
6%
Healthcare Company
5%
Manufacturing Company
5%
Educational Organization
5%
Construction Company
5%
Computer Software Company
4%
Comms Service Provider
4%
Outsourcing Company
4%
Marketing Services Firm
3%
Retailer
3%
Media Company
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
Transportation Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Insurance Company
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Engineering Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Museum Or Institution
1%
Cloud Solution Provider
1%

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Learn more about KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

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.

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

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) customers

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

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
Client Desktop Management
Endpoint Compliance
Patch Management
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

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KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Server Administrator III at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees5.0I use Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance for deploying applications and maintaining security, finding its scripting function valuable for patching vulnerabilities quickly. However, I wish it had a top-down approach for deploying across all our university's organizations.
Security Administrator at EbixCash3.5I find KACE SMA excellent for software deployment, patch management, and scripting across 230+ PCs, improving operational efficiency. While stable and secure, I wish it offered integrated EDR functionality and a more interactive dashboard to enhance its capabilities further.
Avocat at Star Boxes India Pvt Ltd5.0I use Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance for managing touch systems, software, and hardware inventory. Its simplicity and efficient deployment stand out, though the interface needs improvement. It offers quick information access and strong ROI with effective inventory management.
Windows Engineer at a tech services company with 5,001-10,000 employees4.0I use Quest KACE for package deployment and inventory, appreciating its reliable agent and inventory. The confusing labeling and missing SCCM features are drawbacks. It's a stopgap solution, yet I rate it 8/10.
Systems Administrator at Custom Truck One Source4.5I use KACE for comprehensive IT management, significantly boosting productivity by streamlining machine imaging and updates. Its combined features and ease of use are excellent, despite some smart label adaptation delays. Overall, it's a great solution, and I rate it 9/10.
System Administrator - Desktop Operations at Manhattan College4.0I've used KACE SMA for five years to efficiently deploy software and fixes to Windows endpoints. It's stable, scalable, and makes my team productive, with PowerShell support being key. I only wish for larger file scripting capabilities.
IT Infrastructure Manager at Magellan Aerospace4.0I value this solution's ease of use and pricing for updates and asset management. However, I desire more real-time, accurate information and automation for vendor-agnostic patch management, reducing manual tasks.
Sr. Systems Engineer at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees4.5I highly recommend KACE for its excellent patching and endpoint management, which saves us significant time. While it lacks full monitoring, a strong cloud option, and support can be limited, I find it very effective.