ConnectWise RMM vs. KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

It is well suited for environments with a large number of users (think MSPs) that need remote access, and quickly getting to a client site is either not an option, or will greatly increase delays in support. It also works well to monitor client devices and make decisions based on the robust reporting offered (hardware, installed OS version, OS Patching, etc.). It is not very well suited for small environments or single businesses due to cost, and management required.

Incentivized

I think it has added value for any organization. It reduced our Tech Support cost by: -Supporting users anywhere -Reducing users downtime as well keep them informed with the status of their tickets -Managing software and hardware actively -Processing automation -deploy mass software installs, patching or updates - Provide approved software's to users to install without IT help

Incentivized

• Grouping/Reporting: static organization as well as dynamically and quickly getting inventory and other machine-based information
• Out-sourced teams do a good job of handling small things without much input as long as you are clear and concise.
• Patching is likely the best thing about their platform. Windows patch testing is actually performed in house and they make recommendations for you. Allowing you to push through patches if you know someone needs something. But this is a major task that very few if anyone else does.

Incentivized

• Helpdesk ticketing, the software allows not only the building of a portal that the users can log into to submit the tickets, but it also allows them to generate a ticket via email, which is a huge successful implementation that we have had.
• Live inventory tracking. With an agent installed on a PC, as long as we maintain the data, it can report back information that is crucial to the machine.
• Web portal makes for easy maintenance and implementation of the software and updates.

Incentivized

• It runs heavy on the resources of the computer.
• Sometimes the Updates are a little behind.
• The message tab open up in the background.

Incentivized

• Administrative interface can be slow at times, and does require some decent PC specifications to run adequately.
• The cost of the KACE solution can be very expensive depending on how many agents you plan to deploy
• There is a learning curve in order to master KACE's capabilities - however Quest does provide lots of resources to dig into. It is not as intuitive as it could be.

Incentivized

Overall, the software is simple to understand and use. That said, most vendors have been slowly updating their user interfaces to HTML5 so that they have a clean updated look and feel. This is where KACE falls short in that the UI is great for a packaged software 10 years ago. This isn't a major limitation as the software is really meant primarily for technology users.

Incentivized

KACE does exactly what you need it to do, it maintains your computer environment. You can set patch schedules, inventory computers, setup software catalogs; basically everything you need to ensure the computers on your network are being actively managed. This is all with little need for constant configuration or updating the setup.

Incentivized

ScreenConnect and RMM are two totally different platforms We did not try any other competitive RMM software out their because of the history of using ConnectWise's software. We have never have had any issues with their software so we started using RMM right out of the box and never have had a reason to switch.

Incentivized

For our size organization, KACE offered a more complete solution that was easier to understand and deploy when compared to Ivanti. It was also more affordable to get the features we wanted. Ivanti might be more appropriate in a larger environment. You would definitely need someone that was primarily dedicated to run behind Ivanti.

Incentivized

• Command package from ConnectWise fits mostly with our objectives for our clients in a day to day operations.
• BDR Package is a great platform to manage Disaster Recover options - Sometimes hard to understand the billing options and plans
• NOC services for the servers are the best. Support is on top of the server for anything needed.

Incentivized

• The time savings on Windows patching through the KACE SMA alone has helped us in saving hundreds of technician hours.
• Ticket tracking through the KACE SMA has reduced the amount of calls to our helpdesk asking about the status of a ticket.
• The tracking of licensed software through the KACE SMA has kept us in compliance and saved time from having to run around and look to see where the software is installed.

Incentivized