Automox vs. HCL BigFix

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Automox
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Automox is an endpoint management solution used to keep desktops, laptops, and servers updated and ready for users anywhere in the world. Using automation, IT can fix critical vulnerabilities and boost user productivity.N/A
HCL BigFix
Score 7.1 out of 10
N/A
BigFix, now supported by HCL Technologies since the acquisition of BigFix from IBM in 2018, is an endpoint management solution providing endpoint visibility and IT asset discovery, automated endpoint patching (BigFix Lifecycle and BigFix Patch) policy enforcement (BigFix Compliance), and software asset discovery for licensed and unlicensed software (BigFix Inventory).N/A
Pricing
AutomoxHCL BigFix
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
AutomoxHCL BigFix
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptional
Additional DetailsAutomox can patch macOS, Windows, and Linux endpoints with PatchOS, an offering at $1 per endpoint/ month with an annual commitment. The Automate Essentials or Automate Enterprise packages are for scaling IT automation, endpoint configuration, and software updates. Modules are available with Automox Assist, a one-on-one remote endpoint control and assistance for helpdesk technicians.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
AutomoxHCL BigFix
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User Ratings
AutomoxHCL BigFix
Likelihood to Recommend
8.9
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.1
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
5.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
1.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.2
(0 ratings)
6.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.1
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
6.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
AutomoxHCL BigFix
Likelihood to Recommend
Automox is well-suited for managing workstations but lacks flexibility for server environments.
It excels in scenarios where systems may not regularly connect to the corporate network but have internet access, ensuring devices can still check in and receive timely patches. This provides organizations with confidence in maintaining patch compliance across remote endpoints.
However, effective use of Automox requires staff who are proficient in PowerShell scripting. The platform has limited native support for third-party applications, often requiring custom worklets to manage software updates. It performs best in environments that primarily rely on widely used, off-the-shelf software.
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BigFix is well suited for patch review and deployment, but there are key features that can definitely be improved. An example is that if a specific patch is deployed, but a cumulative update that contains that patch is not deployed, the system still shows the patch as outstanding or not implemented. Another area for improvement is the customization of BigFix. The tool has many uses and can be extremely helpful, but the amount of knowledge required to customize the solution is significant and customized scripts or "fixlets" need to be created. If common things could be pre-packaged and provided to the customer community, it would allow for an easier deployment and use of the tool.
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Pros
  • Shows applications installed on a specific asset
  • Able to push policies and updates remotely , creating policies is easy.
  • Keep track of compliant devices and when is the last time they have connected to the servers
  • All the great information provided within one single device
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  • Custom patch packages are easy to set up and allows for use with a repository.
  • Asset management by use of agents is simple and allows for user assignment by the device.
  • Reporting has a large variety of templates.
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Cons
  • I was not aware that the starting default policies are inactive until I activate them. That would have been a nice pop up to see on first login.
  • I think the pricing for integrating 3rd party apps could be more competitive. The base tier is so affordable, the jump up is a bit high.
  • I'd like the option to remember my device and not have to use 2FA on every single login to the dashboard from the same device.
  • I looked, and cannot find, but would appreciate an iOS mobile app of the dashboard to monitor and adminstrate from my mobile device.
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  • No console for macOS
  • No easy setup UI for macOS users
  • Patching can be complicated if you don't understand relevance
  • Patching can be complicated it you don't understand scripting
  • Could be better in helping with CIS Benchmarks
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Likelihood to Renew
This is a software that just works. Once configured its a set and forget kind of tool that keeps things up to date and alerts me if something is wrong. I was able to work through an expansion project to deploy an additional 500 devices in almost no time and create a robust self-patching environment.
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Usability
It is super simple to set up and deploy, Maintaining it also easy as pie. It gives great detailed information daily on patches that succeed and ones that fail as well. with remote, patching, scanning, and monitoring all in one pane it has saved us money hand over fist with the tools we no longer need to have for our organization.
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Support Rating
1. Simplicity and Ease of Use 2. Cross-Platform Support 3. Powerful Automation with Worklets 4. Real-Time Visibility and Control 5. Fast and Reliable Cloud-Based Updates 6. Strong Security Focus
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While some support calls are quickly responded to, many times our engineers have been pointed to collaborative web sites such as Bigfix.me for solutions or the option of engaging professional services has been proposed. While this may seem like a good way to drive business, it is not seen as efficient a support process as could be provided to the customer base.
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Implementation Rating
Implementing Automox successfully starts with a clear strategy for organizing and grouping devices based on operating systems, environments, or business criticality. This ensures that patching and configuration policies can be applied with precision. A phased rollout approach is essential—beginning with a pilot group allows teams to test patching schedules, reboot behaviors, and custom Worklets before scaling across the organization. Leveraging Worklets from the start can significantly boost automation by enforcing security baselines and performing routine system tasks. Integration with existing SOC tools, such as SIEMs, enhances visibility and response time by correlating patch compliance with threat intelligence. Additionally, aligning patching schedules with operational downtimes minimizes disruptions, and consistent monitoring and reporting helps maintain compliance and prepare for audits. Overall, Automox offers a streamlined and effective solution, but its true value is unlocked through thoughtful planning, testing, and integration with existing IT and security workflows.
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Alternatives Considered
We felt that Automox provided us with the functionality our MSP offered, including OS and device patching, as well as remote control capabilities, but in a better and more manageable way. We also felt the usability of the tool gave us the ability to be effective in our way of working, as well as integrating with Rapid7 was a massive benefit for us.
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We have significantly enhanced our ability to patch desktops, including laptops, desktop, cloud, virtual machines and other mobile devices used by end-users. BigFix's endpoint management functionality allows us to seamlessly patch a wide range of operating systems, such as Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, and Linux systems, ensuring comprehensive patch management across IT infrastructures. We have established a track record of delivering secure and hassle-free patching solutions to our clients
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Return on Investment
  • Being a start up, we have pivoted our strategies a number of times. The pay as you go model has worked very well for us, and has prevented us from overprovisioning
  • The time saved pulling reports to provide to auditors has been well worth our small spend on the solution
  • We have no need to maintain a scanning tool or invest in hardware thanks to the SaaS nature of Automox
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  • Overall, the product helps achieve the security posture mandated by HIPAA for our organization.
  • It is a decent inventory management solution, and provides IT leaders with useful information for decision making.
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