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Microsoft System Center Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
3.9 out of 5
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What is Microsoft System Center?

Microsoft System Center offers comprehensive management of IT environments, integrating seamlessly with Microsoft platforms. It supports automated updates, antivirus management, and endpoint monitoring, delivering insights and managing applications efficiently.

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Microsoft System Center is the #14 ranked solution in top Application Infrastructure solutions and #28 ranked solution in top Cloud Monitoring Software. PeerSpot users give Microsoft System Center an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. Microsoft System Center is most commonly compared to Datadog: Microsoft System Center vs Datadog. Microsoft System Center is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 38% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a construction company, accounting for 17% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft System Center
April 2026
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Microsoft System Center mindshare

Product category:
Application Infrastructure
As of May 2026, the mindshare of Microsoft System Center in the Application Infrastructure category stands at 2.4%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Application Infrastructure Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
Microsoft System Center2.4%
Apache Web Server8.5%
NGINX Plus7.9%
Other81.2%
Application Infrastructure

PeerResearch reports based on Microsoft System Center reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryApplication InfrastructureMay 1, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMay 1, 2026Download
ComparisonMicrosoft System Center vs IISMay 1, 2026Download
ComparisonMicrosoft System Center vs Microsoft .NET FrameworkMay 1, 2026Download
ComparisonMicrosoft System Center vs IBM WebSphere Application ServerMay 1, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Datadog4.3N/A97%208 interviewsAdd to research
Zabbix4.2N/A95%108 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Key features of Microsoft System Center include seamless integration with Microsoft products, automation capabilities, intuitive GUI, and comprehensive monitoring tools. It provides efficient endpoint management, deployment automation, and tailored updates. Users benefit from ease of configuration, performance tracking, and third-party integrations. It excels in antivirus administration, patch management, and offers insightful reporting. The native Windows tools and pre-installed services simplify usability, while license and software deployment features enhance management efficiency. Its all-in-one design offers extensive inventory visibility.
  • "System Center is a full product that can work together and do a lot of cool things such as monitoring servers and even non-Microsoft products such as routers, switches and Linux machines using System Center Operation Manager."
  • "I like the automated features of it that let you schedule those updates and the ability of the product to focus on the specific updates, specific platforms, and products that we're interested in keeping up to date."
  • "The solution is stable; we haven't had issues, it doesn't crash or freeze, there aren't bugs or glitches, and it's reliable."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft System Center faces various challenges, including complex integration with non-Microsoft products and third-party hypervisors. The installation process is cumbersome, and documentation is outdated. Users find the platform's interface and performance lacking, highlighting a need for better mobile app support and cloud capabilities. Integration with third-party tools and multi-tenancy support needs improvement, alongside more efficient data flow creation. Users also desire enhanced monitoring features for AWS and Azure, as well as more intuitive management and user-friendliness.
  • "In my opinion, DPM needs a lot of improvements to its limitations."
  • "Most of the documentation is online, however, there are some gaps there. The product documentation still refers back to the 2012 Server."
  • "I wouldn't describe the solution as scalable. That's not necessarily why you would use it."

ROI

Organizations experienced significant ROI through Microsoft System Center. They maximize license investments and save team time. Remote support enhances client service, boosting ROI over 50%. Costs are reduced by eliminating third-party management, replacing it with in-house teams. Application pools and upgrades are automated, saving additional expenses. ROI is achieved in about eight months.

Pricing

Microsoft System Center pricing varies, with users often including it in an enterprise subscription around $25,000 annually. While some find it expensive, others rate its affordability between five to seven out of ten, acknowledging yearly licensing costs. Consulting with specialized firms can alter perceptions, and potential cost reductions can occur when bundled with Microsoft SQL Server. License purchases are necessary, with optional support contracts for additional coverage.
  • "Microsoft System Center's licensing is costly."
  • "I rate the product price as five to six on a scale of one to ten, where one means it is cheap and ten means it is expensive."
  • "I know that sometimes there is some reduction in the prices of Microsoft System Center because of the costs of Microsoft SQL Server, which can be advantageous."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Microsoft System Center for infrastructure management, including monitoring server performance and device management. It is utilized for inventory collection, patch and antivirus distribution, application deployment, endpoint protection updates, and security management. The suite supports various environments by providing reporting capabilities, monitoring server functionalities, and managing desktop and server security. It helps IT departments in banks and government bodies with server monitoring and infrastructure administration, enhancing operational efficiency and system upgrades.

Service and Support

Microsoft System Center's customer service and support receive mixed feedback. Users express satisfaction with their knowledge and responsiveness, but others mention issues with delays and insufficient preparedness. Some users avoid using support due to cost, preferring community assistance. Regional challenges and language barriers also affect experience, with some finding it difficult to create tickets. Generally, experiences with Microsoft System Center support vary, with some describing it as acceptable, though needing improvements in timeliness and engagement.

Deployment

Microsoft System Center's initial setup varies in complexity. Some find it straightforward due to Microsoft's documentation, while others experience challenges due to network size or configuration intricacies. Setup times range from days to months, depending on the environment and resources. Expertise in IT is often necessary, with larger teams benefiting from specialized skills. Some implementers engage external partners or community resources for additional support, finding ongoing maintenance manageable once initially configured.

Scalability

Microsoft System Center demonstrates strong scalability, effectively managing diverse environments from small firms to large enterprises. Users confirm its adaptability in handling various workloads, including managing extensive amounts of clients and servers. While some consider its scalability paramount, others prioritize different features, acknowledging the system's complexity. Organizations highlight its ability to integrate across different sites, accommodate numerous configurations, and maintain critical tasks. Despite varied usage, scalability is consistently rated highly for accommodating future growth.

Stability

Microsoft System Center is generally considered stable by various users. Many note its reliability with minimal disruptions, citing manageable bugs as typical of most applications. The stability often relies on proper hardware and implementation, with some recalling only rare instances of issues during updates. Long-term users report comfort with its performance, rating its stability highly. Others mention that Microsoft’s maturity contributes to its dependable performance over extensive usage periods.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Microsoft System Center Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business6
Midsize Enterprise4
Large Enterprise8
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business37
Midsize Enterprise30
Large Enterprise31
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Construction Company
17%
Comms Service Provider
10%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Marketing Services Firm
7%
Transportation Company
6%
Energy/Utilities Company
6%
University
6%
Insurance Company
5%
Financial Services Firm
5%
Educational Organization
4%
Media Company
3%
Logistics Company
3%
Performing Arts
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
3%
Religious Institution
2%
Retailer
2%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Think Tank
1%
Government
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Non Profit
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Wellness & Fitness Company
1%

Compare Microsoft System Center with alternative products

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Learn more about Microsoft System Center

Microsoft System Center stands out as a robust IT management solution, delivering efficient performance monitoring, seamless integration with Microsoft environments, and effortless configuration. Users benefit from automated updates, endpoint and antivirus management, and precise reporting capabilities, ensuring full visibility of applications and hardware. With features like PXE deployment and Virtual Machine Manager automation, coupled with an intuitive interface, it enhances operational efficiency in managing deployments and updates. Yet, areas such as integration with non-Microsoft products, resource demands, and mobile app support present challenges needing improvement, alongside complexities in multi-tenant environments.

What are the most important features of Microsoft System Center?
  • Seamless Microsoft Integration: Ensures effortless synergy with Microsoft environments.
  • Automated Updates: Simplifies the update management process with automation.
  • Antivirus and Endpoint Management: Provides centralized control over security and device management.
  • Performance Monitoring: Delivers real-time insights into system performance and functionality.
  • PXE Deployment: Eases network-based installation of operating systems and applications.
  • Virtual Machine Manager Automation: Enhances virtual environments with automation capabilities.
What benefits or ROI can users evaluate in Microsoft System Center?
  • Operational Efficiency: Improves productivity through streamlined management processes.
  • Low Learning Curve: Reduces training time due to intuitive design.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Enhances decision-making with detailed operational insights.
  • Full Infrastructure Visibility: Offers complete view of applications and hardware ensuring transparency.

In industries like retail and government, Microsoft System Center plays a critical role in monitoring server functionality, performance, and application management. It aids infrastructure management, facilitates device deployments, and enhances cybersecurity with endpoint protection. Organizations use it for collecting inventory data, generating insightful reports, and supporting help desks through efficient ticketing, alongside centralized antivirus oversight.

Microsoft System Center was previously known as MS System Center.

Microsoft System Center customers

Kassen_rztliche Vereinigung Nordrhein, Magyar Telekom Nyrt., Adeka, QualCare, Aeriandi, UniCredit Bank d.d., Mostar, Allianz Australia Ltd., Grupo Familia

Related questions

  • 176
Do you think there is a minimum critical threshold that justifies the deployment of the System Center suite?
  • 55
When evaluating Application Infrastructure, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 67
What application infrastructure solution do you recommend?
  • 82
What do you use application infrastructure solutions for in your organization?
  • 63
Why is Application Infrastructure important for companies?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Application Infrastructure
Cloud Monitoring Software

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Microsoft System Center Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Sr. Sys. Server & Storage Egineer / Tech .Consultant at CANAR OFFICE SYSTEMS4.5I've used Microsoft System Center for five years for patch and application deployment; it's feature-rich and integrates well, though complex to install. It's stable and scalable, but support and service dependencies can be challenging.
Cloud Security Engineer at Punch Powertrain nv4.5I use Microsoft System Center for managing applications and upgrades in my company, finding its management features valuable. However, improvements are needed in its UI and third-party integration. It achieves cost savings by automating application management previously outsourced.
IT Lead at 04.5We use Microsoft System Center primarily for managing Windows updates and deployments on servers and desktops. Although it has valuable features like license tracking and software deployment, it's complex to manage and deploy compared to cloud-based solutions like Automox.
Engineer Specialist at Telekom Slovenije4.0We use Microsoft System Center to maintain desktops and laptops. It's well integrated into the Microsoft environment and enhances our remote support capabilities, providing over 50% ROI. However, performance, UI speed, and AI features need improvement.
ESM Product Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees2.5We use Microsoft System Center primarily for infrastructure monitoring, appreciating its Operations Manager. However, it needs improvements in the user interface, ease of use, and cloud-monitoring capabilities, especially for AWS and Azure infrastructure, to stay current with industry standards.
Director at Ingenia4.0I use Microsoft System Center for business intelligence data management due to its ease of use with pre-installed services. However, creating dataflows can be challenging, requiring SQL steps for simplification. Improvement in dataflow creation is needed.
System Engineer at Gulf4.0At my previous job in a bank's IT department, we needed a solution to monitor servers and hardware infrastructure, including CPU usage and activities. Microsoft System Center's GUI was valuable, but its pricing could be improved.
Network Engineer at a educational organization with 201-500 employees4.5I utilize this solution for desktop and server security, critical updates, and endpoint protection, valuing its automation and reliability. My primary concern is the significantly outdated documentation. Despite this, I consider it a strong and stable solution for our needs.