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SCOM Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
3.9 out of 5
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What is SCOM?

SCOM monitors Microsoft environments with a focus on Windows servers and applications such as SQL, Exchange, and SharePoint. It offers integration with Active Directory and Azure, along with customizable dashboards, management packs, and robust alert mechanisms, aiding efficient management and control.

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SCOM is the #4 ranked solution in top Event Monitoring solutions and #14 ranked solution in best Network Monitoring Tools. PeerSpot users give SCOM an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. SCOM is most commonly compared to Datadog: SCOM vs Datadog. SCOM is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 53% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 14% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
SCOM
April 2026
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SCOM mindshare

Product category:
Event Monitoring
As of April 2026, the mindshare of SCOM in the Event Monitoring category stands at 9.3%, up from 7.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Event Monitoring Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
SCOM9.3%
ServiceNow IT Operations Management9.7%
OpsRamp8.1%
Other72.9%
Event Monitoring

PeerResearch reports based on SCOM reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryEvent MonitoringApr 27, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersApr 27, 2026Download
ComparisonSCOM vs ServiceNow IT Operations ManagementApr 27, 2026Download
ComparisonSCOM vs BMC Helix Operations Management with AIOpsApr 27, 2026Download
ComparisonSCOM vs IBM Tivoli NetCool OMNIbusApr 27, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Datadog4.3N/A97%208 interviewsAdd to research
Zabbix4.2N/A95%108 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

SCOM showcases extensive capabilities in monitoring Microsoft products and other technologies. Users value its reporting, dashboards, and flexibility with custom monitoring solutions. The integration with Active Directory enhances management, while real-time alerts and comprehensive management packs streamline operations. Its ease of deployment and configuration, paired with threshold notifications, provide efficient infrastructure oversight, including application and network monitoring. The seamless integration with third-party tools and Azure supports scalable solutions for enterprise systems.
  • "Let me first say that I would be delighted if Citrix would extend the Edgesight functionality in their product so that it really monitors all of the Citrix components."
  • "We leverage every component of SCOM; we have dashboards up, customized management packs, and monitors for both Windows and Linux, and we use SNMP traps to pull in information from network devices across the enterprise, so we use it for everything."
  • "It's a lot more powerful than people realize, and I believe people become dissatisfied with it because of the complicated setup, but once it's up and running, it's pretty amazing at what it can do."

Room for Improvement

SCOM faces issues with high licensing costs, weak dashboards, and limited non-Microsoft application support. Reporting is complex, requiring customization. There's difficulty in monitoring non-domain systems, and false positives are common due to configuration challenges. Management packs need improvement, as does the integration with third-party systems. The user interface is cumbersome, lacking intuitive design and cross-platform support. Additionally, its ability to handle cloud, big data, and container monitoring is lacking, and application performance management features need enhancement.
  • "Microsoft SCOM is an old fashion beast of a monitoring solution that offers basic monitoring out of the box and for a dime because it comes with licenses they forced on us anyway."
  • "Third-party tools have had to be created to make SCOM management pack creation more efficient and effective. However, this weighs down the application as it just adds a resource requirement, which is ballooning the size of the necessary storage and all that for essentially substandard components."
  • "I would like to see them improve their network monitoring."

ROI

SCOM provides a significant ROI by enabling efficient infrastructure monitoring and proactive issue management. Many users highlight reduced penalties and enhanced SLA compliance due to minimized downtime. Centralized data-center monitoring leads to effective issue escalation. Licensing challenges are addressed when utilizing multiple Microsoft System Center components. Some organizations are unable to quantify the ROI, yet they benefit from improved control and reduced costs. A few encounter latency issues that affect perceived benefits.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers report mixed experiences with SCOM's pricing, licensing, and setup costs. Many find it cost-effective due to inclusion in Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. Others note complexities in licensing based on agents installed and rely on Microsoft for accurate calculations. SCOM is often bundled with the System Center suite, reducing individual costs. Some users benefit from additional discounts or free setups tied to existing Microsoft agreements, while others compare SCOM unfavorably to cheaper or open-source alternatives.
  • "The platform is cost-effective due to our existing Microsoft support."
  • "It is the cheapest product available in the market."
  • "SCOM's pricing is average."

Popular Use Cases

Primary use cases of SCOM include monitoring Linux and Windows systems, network devices, hardware, and infrastructure in Microsoft environments. Users use it for server performance tracking, application monitoring, reporting, and analytics. It integrates with third-party dashboards, supports virtual environments, and handles endpoint management. SCOM is employed for service availability and proactive system health checks, alerting users to issues across diverse sectors and industries.

Service and Support

Microsoft's customer service and support for SCOM receive positive feedback. Users note prompt, professional attention, especially with Microsoft Premier agreements. Technical support often resolves complex issues quickly, guided by knowledgeable personnel. However, experiences vary with occasional limitations. Users frequently rely on community resources like TechNet and forums for additional insights, highlighting the importance of Premier agreements for more effective support. Some users report sluggish responses and prefer hands-on assistance or alternative services for faster resolutions.

Deployment

SCOM's initial setup is often described as straightforward, especially when documentation and best practices are followed. Some users find it complex due to prerequisites like TCP ports and resource allocations. The process is simplified if preliminary work is done, but configuring and tuning alerts presents challenges. Deployment duration varies depending on environment size, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Users appreciate available guidance but note that complex configurations require significant attention and experience.

Scalability

SCOM is known for its capability to increase in size efficiently. Users can incorporate additional management servers or resources, facilitating easy growth. The architecture supports numerous devices and servers, though monitoring non-Microsoft systems can prove challenging. Challenges arise with specific configurations, such as extensive network devices monitoring. Nonetheless, users often commend SCOM for its flexibility in adapting capacity, scalability potential, and suitable nature for large enterprises with good monitoring expansion.

Stability

SCOM demonstrates strong reliability with most users experiencing stability and no major issues. Some mention that it depends on the infrastructure and design choices, with challenges arising from hypervisors, SQL servers, or outdated versions. Occasionally, users encounter minor glitches during maintenance or scaling, but correct configurations typically ensure smooth operation. Proper resource allocation and maintenance such as periodic updates and patching can contribute significantly to maintaining reliability. Users frequently acknowledge SCOM's robust nature.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our SCOM Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business15
Midsize Enterprise20
Large Enterprise46
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business311
Midsize Enterprise175
Large Enterprise554
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
14%
Government
10%
Computer Software Company
8%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Retailer
5%
Transportation Company
4%
Healthcare Company
4%
Insurance Company
4%
Construction Company
4%
University
3%
Energy/Utilities Company
3%
Performing Arts
3%
Outsourcing Company
3%
Educational Organization
3%
Legal Firm
3%
Media Company
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Marketing Services Firm
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Non Profit
2%
Logistics Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Religious Institution
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%

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Learn more about SCOM

SCOM provides a comprehensive monitoring solution for Microsoft technologies, helping organizations track performance and availability of applications, services, and infrastructure. It integrates with Active Directory and Azure, offering capabilities for monitoring Windows and Linux environments. Extensive management packs, customizable dashboards, and automated alerts offer a refined monitoring experience. Users benefit from detailed performance data, network monitoring, and auto-discovery features, enhancing operational insights and server management efficiency.

What are key features of SCOM?
  • Microsoft Environment Monitoring: Specialized for Windows servers and applications such as SQL, Exchange, and SharePoint.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with Active Directory and Azure for streamlined operations.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Tailor visual data displays to enhance monitoring and decision-making.
  • Extensive Management Packs: Broad range of management packs for enhanced resource and application control.
  • Robust Alert Mechanisms: Comprehensive alerting to maintain service stability and address potential issues promptly.
What benefits should users seek in reviews?
  • Operational Efficiency: Enhanced management of server applications and infrastructure.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring: Detailed insights into performance and service availability.
  • Proactive Issue Notification: Timely alerts for quick issue resolution.
  • Improved Control: More efficient server management through automation and visibility.

In technology sectors, SCOM is widely implemented for its ability to monitor server applications and infrastructure components. Healthcare and finance utilize its monitoring and alert systems for compliance and uptime. Enterprises integrate SCOM for managing complex systems like Exchange, SharePoint, and Active Directory, enabling comprehensive analytics and reporting.

SCOM was previously known as System Center Operations Manager, SCOM 2012.

SCOM customers

Dialog Telekom

Related questions

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Do you think there is a minimum critical threshold that justifies the deployment of the System Center suite?
  • 26
What are the top pros and cons of SCOM?
  • 476
What is the difference between IT event correlation and aggregation?
  • 54
When evaluating Event Monitoring, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 59
What questions should companies ask vendors when researching event monitoring solutions?
  • 75
What insider threat detection tool do you recommend to a company with a modest budget?
  • 93
Have you successfully migrated from a best-of-breed enterprise management/monitoring & automation/orchestration platform to the ServiceNow framework?
  • 57
Why is Event Monitoring important for companies?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Event Monitoring
Network Monitoring Software

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SCOM Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Assistant Manager at SMS group GmbH5.0I manage SCOM mainly for monitoring Linux systems and configuration, integrating it with Grafana for dashboards. Its alerting mechanism is beneficial, though the dashboarding needs improvement. Enhanced visualization for non-administrators would significantly enhance user experience.
ICT System Administrator at College of Europe4.0We use SCOM to integrate and monitor systems like Active Directory with alerting and threshold settings. Its user interface could be more intuitive, and a SaaS Azure version would improve accessibility. We also use SolarWinds and Defender portal for monitoring.
Network Operations Center at Student Loans Company2.5I use SCOM primarily for infrastructure monitoring, focusing on performance metrics like CPU, memory, and space. While it helps with server monitoring, I'm considering moving towards Icinga for application monitoring and CloudWatch or Azure for cloud solutions.
Senior Manager - Monitoring & Observability at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees4.0I manage SCOM for monitoring Windows OS and Microsoft products like Active Directory and Exchange. It provides quick, end-to-end monitoring with helpful management packs. While it lacks some APM features, it meets my current requirements effectively.
IT Technical Support Deputy General Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees5.0I find SCOM valuable for its availability reports that enhance service stability. However, it could benefit from improved dashboards and detailed logs for real-time monitoring. It has aided in making informed decisions on server upgrades and replacements.
It Genst Adm 1 at a government with 10,001+ employees3.5We use SCOM for monitoring our Windows servers, valuing its alert system from a central location. However, it needs usability improvements. It’s cost-effective, offering benefits similar to a help desk without transaction costs.
Information Technology Consultant at University of the Witwatersrand3.5I utilize SCOM for performance monitoring and role-based access in Windows environments. It offers detailed reporting and easy issue detection. Improvements are needed in cloud monitoring tools, and certification options would be beneficial as they are currently discontinued.
system engineer 2 at a retailer with 10,001+ employees4.5We use SCOM for server monitoring, valuing its Azure monitoring and integration features. Direct integration with third-party tools needs improvement. Compared to AppDynamics, SCOM excels in Microsoft services monitoring, though it lacks bulk licensing options but remains reasonably priced.