JAMS Reviews

Name: JAMS
Brand: JAMS Software
Rating: 4.4 (35 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

35 reviews
97% willing to recommend

What is JAMS?

JAMS offers efficient automation and scheduling with strong capabilities in planning, dependency management, and multi-platform support. Its intuitive interface and robust tools assist in managing complex workflows for enhanced resource allocation.

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JAMS is the #4 ranked solution in top Workload Automation solutions. PeerSpot users give JAMS an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. JAMS is most commonly compared to Control-M: JAMS vs Control-M. JAMS is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 52% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Helped 865,295 peers since 2012

Featured JAMS reviews

Patrick Norton

Manager of Reliability Engineering and Security Operations at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees

JAMS support has been among the most helpful and knowledgeable we've ever worked with. They're always eager to assist and quickly find solutions. While a few minor issues required escalation, we've been able to resolve them all within the current version of JAMS. After initial misuse, we have optimized the use of several agents deployed in our environment. This improvement was made possible through collaboration with internal stakeholders and guidance on JAMS best practices. While agents might appear to directly solve user problems due to their ability to perform custom tasks on machines, in our cases, they operate behind the scenes, unseen by users. JAMS handles exceptions well, especially when calling PowerShell scripts, successfully bubbling up errors. It centralized our job and orchestration management functionalities into a single control plane, providing visibility into previously siloed work. This consolidation streamlined operations and enhanced oversight through a unified dashboard. Additionally, JAMS empowered us to build advanced processes by effectively managing retries, workflows, and sequences. Without JAMS, replicating this functionality would have been manual and inefficient, lacking the comprehensive visibility and control JAMS provides. Data Slack refers to delays in data pipelines caused by disparate and siloed processes. Using JAMS, while powerful for scheduling and orchestration, can exacerbate this issue if teams break down processes into isolated tasks within different tools. This fragmentation leads to data sitting in queues and folders, awaiting processing. To improve efficiency and timeliness, it's recommended to consolidate these fragmented processes entirely under JAMS. This allows JAMS to execute the entire workflow from start to finish within a single execution, eliminating data slack and ensuring timely data delivery. JAMS has helped save IT staff time by automating tasks previously performed with scripts, and its scheduling feature has been particularly useful.

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Kevin Gore

Software Developer Consultant at Broward Health

JAMS effectively alerts us to potential job disruptions, enabling us to address issues proactively. We rely on it for timely problem notifications and monitor it daily. The Runaway feature is invaluable for identifying jobs that take too long to complete, preventing backlogs. We can effectively manage and resolve these issues by configuring the runaway limit, ensuring smooth job execution. JAMS is highly versatile in handling exceptions. We can easily prevent a job from running on specific dates by creating exceptions within the scheduler. For instance, we can configure an exception if we don't want a job to run next Wednesday, July 4th. Additionally, JAMS allows us to skip specific dates and times or even run jobs hourly if needed, providing the flexibility to accommodate various scheduling scenarios. JAMS centralizes job management across all our platforms and applications. We can install the JAMS client on any machine to manage it directly, and some programmers, including myself, have done so. I have the client installed on my laptop and can access all features from there. Alternatively, users can connect to the JAMS server and run the client remotely, limited to one or two people at a time. I prefer having the client installed for convenient and unrestricted access. JAMS significantly reduces troubleshooting time for stalled jobs by providing a centralized monitor. Instead of manually checking the status of numerous jobs, we can quickly assess their progress on a single screen. While it's difficult to quantify the exact time savings, it's evident that monitoring hundreds of jobs individually would be far more time-consuming than glancing at a single monitor for a few minutes daily. JAMS has replaced our previous homegrown program scheduler, which was used to monitor job success. Considering this legacy system, we adopted JAMS as our new monitoring and scheduling tool, eliminating the need to develop and maintain the outdated program further. JAMS is a scheduler, so setting up a new job is easy. Once we configure it, it doesn't take much time. We create jobs all the time. We have over 200 jobs running. So, if we need a new job, creating it in a few minutes is easy, saving us time. We don't have much time to set up a new job. It's swift to do, saving us time for other projects.

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Aaron Johnsen

Senior Systems Engineer at a consumer goods company with 10,001+ employees

I really like PowerSchool scripting. It's really easy for me to produce some really cool code. People will ask if a certain job is possible to do with JAMS and I tell them it is. The JAMS database offers a lot of flexibility in tapping into it. It's good at offering additional functionality. The automation aspect is fundamental to what JAMS is for. If you want to schedule something to run every Monday at 8 AM or whatever, it will work without fail. The code-driven automation is good for helping us handle complex scheduling requirements. That's a cool thing. JAMS has a lot of flexibility with being able to automate. You can just use the built-in features to run a job. However, you can also just code that into a job using PowerShell. I lean more into writing codes rather than relying on built-in functionality. That is really big for me. Currently, we use both Windows and Linux servers, and that creates a lot of issues when it comes to talking between two different operating systems. But we're able to get by with that since JAMS has built-in capabilities to call Oracle directly and it can also call SQL. It doesn't really matter what operating system you're running on. JAMS is good for helping us be aware and handle common issues that prevent our jobs from running. I have jobs I've built and checked on. I can look at the state of servers to foresee if there are going to be any issues. If we have critical processes that run at 5 AM and the server is offline, then the job will fail. However, we can check-in, or it will give us alerts so that we can see what's going on and fix the issue before the job can fail. The solution's ability to handle exceptions that we have created has been sufficient. JAMS helped eliminate data slack across our applications. We get these reports in, and they need to be run from a Windows server into a Linux server and ingested there. I just created a job this morning that would transfer these files to the Linux server, and then we would run some sort of features that would load them up. It's easy to do that. The built-in triggers are great. If a file comes in, someone doesn't have to manually look for it. We just have jobs that will scan folders to see if files come in or if they're removed. It makes remedial tasks obsolete as they can just be automated. We've freed up about 20% of staff time as there have been a lot of opportunities to automate manual effort.

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JAMS mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of JAMS in the Workload Automation category stands at 1.9%, up from 1.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Workload Automation

PeerResearch reports based on JAMS reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Workload Automation	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	JAMS vs Control-M	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	JAMS vs Automic Automation	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	JAMS vs Redwood RunMyJobs	Aug 20, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Control-M	4.3	19.9%	98%	126 interviews Add to research
MuleSoft Anypoint Platform	4.0	5.9%	92%	59 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

JAMS' standout features include robust planning capabilities, ease of use, and powerful job dependencies. Users value its automation, job sequencing, and natural language scheduling. Its metrics, PowerShell integration, and disaster recovery readiness enhance operational efficiency. Interactive Agents, exceptional error handling, and comprehensive logging streamline troubleshooting. The extensive execution methods and platform compatibility support diverse requirements, making JAMS a reliable tool for complex scheduling and automation tasks, with strong customer support and flexibility.

"The most valuable feature of JAMS is its user-friendly interface, especially after upgrading from version six to seven."
"JAMS has helped save IT staff time by automating tasks previously performed with scripts, and its scheduling feature has been particularly useful."
"I appreciate JAMS for its readily available templates that allow me to create and deliver stand-up presentations within minutes quickly."

Room for Improvement

JAMS users suggest improvements in simulation, search capabilities, and intuitive web interfaces. The client and UI could enhance ease of use and error messages. Improved documentation, better exception handling, and enhanced automation features are needed. Users express the necessity for advanced reporting, security permissions, and built-in integrations. Global search functionality is lacking, and a more efficient learning curve is desired. Notifications for hung jobs need enhancements, and a comprehensive audit feature is essential for compliance.

"The monitoring of the JAMS product and its performance is an area of concern for me."
"The monitoring of the JAMS product and its performance is an area of concern for me."
"The error messages from JAMS often need clarification, hindering our ability to resolve issues swiftly."

ROI

JAMS frees up staff by automating batch monitoring and failed batch remediation, delivering significant cost and time savings. Its use has eliminated the need for additional staff despite increased job processes and client intake. Organizations have seen reduced costs compared to previous systems. JAMS saves time, enhances productivity, and provides better process visibility. It integrates well across platforms, growing with companies and offering substantial value for the money invested.

Pricing

JAMS pricing is generally seen as competitive and cost-effective for enterprise solutions. Users highlight a straightforward licensing structure, often based on the number of jobs or agents, with flexibility in scaling usage. Initial costs are reasonable, with maintenance fees ranging annually. Compared to competitors like Control-M and Tivoli, JAMS is described as more affordable while providing extensive functionality. Some users noted recent price hikes and complexity with Fortra's new subscription model, yet overall satisfaction remains high.

"Fortra's JAMS pricing structure has deteriorated significantly since its acquisition by Fortra."
"The pricing is reasonable."
"The licensing model for JAMS is straightforward and based on the number of agents, not the number of jobs you run. It's cheap and fairly simple."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use JAMS for workflow and batch automation. It schedules various tasks including SSIS and SQL jobs, Python scripts, and custom executions. JAMS supports file transfers, FTP jobs, and centralized job management across different environments. Users include IT, finance, and educational sectors, employing JAMS for data management, SFTP tasks, and automation of repetitive processes. It's implemented across cloud and on-premise environments, supporting diverse scheduling needs and facilitating enterprise-level task coordination.

Service and Support

Customers find JAMS service and support exceptional, highlighting quick response times and knowledgeable staff. They appreciate the proactive and supportive team, often rating them highly for resolving issues efficiently. Although some mention minor delays or escalation needs, the overall sentiment is positive, with references to comprehensive assistance and resourcefulness. JAMS is recognized for its high-quality service, prompt responses, and effective problem-solving, making the support experience highly satisfactory for users.

Deployment

Users found JAMS's initial setup straightforward and manageable with proper guidance and documentation. Deployment times varied from an hour to several weeks depending on the complexity and number of jobs. Some users experienced minor challenges with unclear instructions and SQL permissions, but support was readily available when needed. Migrating and converting jobs was largely smooth, with some users utilizing professional services. Learning to leverage JAMS's full capabilities was occasionally time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.

Scalability

JAMS demonstrates impressive scalability, accommodating tens of thousands of daily jobs without issues. It benefits from flexible agent deployment and works well in varied environments. Multiple organizations manage extensive tasks with ease, noting potential for greater usage with additional resources. Many users experience smooth scaling across departments. While certain limitations exist in licensing and server usage, most find it meets their organizational demands effectively, with some exploring further expansion and integration possibilities.

Stability

JAMS exhibits exceptional stability according to various sources. Users find the current version more reliable than its predecessors, citing zero downtime and minimal issues. Reports indicate incidents were typically due to external factors like system resources or misconfigurations. Upgrades have enhanced dependability; the desktop version scored higher in stability than the web version. Clients appreciate JAMS' performance during heavy workloads, finding it dependable over extended periods and praising consistent performance improvements.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our JAMS Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Healthcare Company

Manufacturing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Non Profit

Photography Company

Retailer

Insurance Company

Performing Arts

Energy/Utilities Company

University

Educational Organization

Government

Real Estate/Law Firm

Hospitality Company

Construction Company

Outsourcing Company

Comms Service Provider

Legal Firm

Media Company

Logistics Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Leisure / Travel Company

Transportation Company

Music Company

Mining And Metals Company

Marketing Services Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Renewables & Environment Company

Compare JAMS with alternative products

Learn more about JAMS

JAMS stands out for its blend of automation and scheduling capabilities, making it suitable for handling complex workflows across platforms. Its features such as batch scheduling, natural language scheduling, and interactive agents promote seamless integration with other tools like PowerShell. The focus on metrics and notifications ensures users are informed about operational efficiency enhancements. While JAMS is effective in many areas, users report a need for improved simulation for termination processes and a more intuitive client setup. They see potential in enhanced search functions, better exception handling, and greater transparency in custom execution. The current setup challenges like disappearing options and mobile accessibility can affect user satisfaction. Including a fully web-based client and improving documentation could add value.

What are JAMS' key features?

Planning and Scheduling: Coordinates workflows efficiently with advanced scheduling techniques.
Dependency Management: Ensures seamless operation by managing inter-task dependencies.
Interactive Agents: Integrates with PowerShell and other tools to enhance automation.
Natural Language Scheduling: Simplifies job creation with intuitive language use.
Multi-Platform Flexibility: Operates across diverse environments ensuring robust performance.

What benefits should users consider?

Operational Efficiency: Reduction in manual oversight with robust scheduling and integration tools.
Resource Allocation: Efficient management of workflows across multiple timeframes and platforms.
User Satisfaction: Seamless user experience with intuitive interfaces and integration capabilities.
Visibility: Centralized management provides comprehensive oversight over tasks.

Organizations using JAMS for workflow and batch job automation leverage its capabilities for SSIS, SQL procedures, and Python scripts. JAMS supports file automation and managed file transfers across environments like AWS and Azure. Users employ JAMS for data management, reporting, and integration tasks, including handling holiday-aware scheduling for improved task coordination.