Control-M vs. VisualCron

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Control-M
Score 9.3 out of 10
N/A
Control-M from BMC is a platform for integrating, automating, and orchestrating application and data workflows in production across complex hybrid technology ecosystems. It provides deep operational capabilities, delivering speed, scale, security, and governance.
$29,000
per year
VisualCron
Score 7.0 out of 10
N/A
VisualCron is an automation, Integration and Task Scheduler tool. VisualCron combines many features into one product. VisualCron was founded in 2004. Through scheduling users can set Jobs to run on a specific time or event with the help of Triggers. The Tasks in each Job automate scripts to eliminate human errors. Through various Tasks users can integrate different systems through file transfer, encryption, compression and…N/A
Pricing
Control-MVisualCron
Editions & Modules
On-Premise
Contact Sales
SaaS
Starting at $29,000
per year
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Control-MVisualCron
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptional$1,499 per Server
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Control-MVisualCron
Features
Control-MVisualCron
Workload Automation
Comparison of Workload Automation features of Product A and Product B
Control-M
8.7
Ratings
5% above category average
VisualCron
-
Ratings
Multi-platform scheduling9.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Central monitoring9.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Logging8.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Alerts and notifications8.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Analysis and visualization8.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Application integration8.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Customization
Comparison of Customization features of Product A and Product B
Control-M
-
Ratings
VisualCron
3.5
Ratings
54% below category average
API for custom integration00 Ratings4.00 Ratings
Plug-ins00 Ratings3.00 Ratings
Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
Control-M
-
Ratings
VisualCron
7.7
Ratings
5% below category average
Dashboards00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Standard reports00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Custom reports00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Process Engine
Comparison of Process Engine features of Product A and Product B
Control-M
-
Ratings
VisualCron
4.2
Ratings
52% below category average
Process designer00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Process simulation00 Ratings3.00 Ratings
Business rules engine00 Ratings2.00 Ratings
Process player00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Form builder00 Ratings4.00 Ratings
Model execution00 Ratings1.00 Ratings
Business Process Automation
Comparison of Business Process Automation features of Product A and Product B
Control-M
-
Ratings
VisualCron
4.3
Ratings
34% below category average
Business Process Modeling00 Ratings1.00 Ratings
Decision Modeling00 Ratings3.00 Ratings
Code-Based Automation00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
No-Code Automation00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
User Ratings
Control-MVisualCron
Likelihood to Recommend
9.3
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
8.8
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
8.8
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.1
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
9.6
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
9.2
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
8.6
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Control-MVisualCron
Likelihood to Recommend
Scenarios where it's well suited are where you're running jobs across platforms. We have processes on our mainframe that have to complete our daily batch processing and the controlling handles the scheduling of the daily batch processing. Then once that's done, it moves into executing stuff on servers like SQL loads and transferring files to load into SQL and then also running reporting on the SQL servers when the data's been loaded and is available. It makes for a really smooth transition of the overnight processing the bank has to go through. That's our main function that we use it for currently. It handles it very well.
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VisualCron does accommodate continuous file processing. Like packing and unpacking compressed files, splitting or merging files, sending E-mail's and executing queries on databases. VisualCron in less suitable for performing very complex operations on files like, arithmetic with numbers, dates or amounts. Very complex job scripts become cluttered. Debugging Job scripts is not easy.
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Pros
  • Workload change manager is one of our favorite features of this product. It enforces standards, which is a huge benefit. Users don't just make crazy changes that cause issues with other jobs. It does great promotions from one environment to another, transforming all the data to match the next environment.
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  • VisualCron can pack and unpack files from many types of packing methods.
  • Clear job scripts with complex constructions can be written in VisualCron
  • VisualCron provides a clear graphical overview of the situation of all jobs.
  • VisualCron clearly indicates when a job has run into an error.
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Cons
  • Certificate on all levels: Each agent uses different keystrokes for different functions, such as AI, web service calls, and MFT.
  • It's really hard to manage these keystrokes.
  • Trust stores, in case control-m, act as servers; it should be simple to implement certificates from a corporate CA.
  • Some functions must be performed in the fat client, while others can only be performed through the web interface. This should be streamlined as soon as possible.
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  • VisualCron should more specifically indicate the root cause of an error.
  • If copying a file goes wrong, VisualCron reports 'can't copy file'. I expect 'no read permissions from original' or 'no write permissions from destination'.
  • VisualCron offers no way to execute a Job script line by line
  • In VisualCron, nested loops cannot be created.
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Likelihood to Renew
Control-M integrates with DevOps toolchains to automate the deployment of applications and updates. It supports Jobs-as-Code, allowing developers to define workflows programmatically, which accelerates development cycles and improves deployment consistency1.These use cases highlight how Control-M can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support critical business functions across various domains.
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No answers on this topic
Usability
Since it is GUI-based, it is not hard to use, although all new programs have a learning curve. The color scheme is easy to use to find the status of different Batch jobs. The check-in and check-out feature of job definitions is easy to use and avoids problems with users trying to use the same resource at the same time.
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No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Secondary Instances: Control-M supports the installation of a secondary instance of the entire Control-M environment, Control-M/EM, or Control-M/Server.Automatic & Manual Failover: In case of a failure on the primary host, Control-M can automatically failover to the secondary host if using Oracle or MSSQL databases. Manual failover is also an option, enabling a controlled switch during planned maintenance.Fallback: After resolving the issue on the primary host, you can easily fall back to it, or even designate the secondary host as the new primary. Database Replication: For high availability, Control-M leverages database replication from the primary site to a disaster recovery site. While replication is essential, its implementation and maintenance are the user's responsibility.
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No answers on this topic
Performance
good page load times, efficient report completion, and minimal impact on integrated systems. Specifically, the well-designed GUI contributes to a positive user experience, and the platform's ability to automate various stages of the workflow, including Big Data processes, is highlighted as a key strength. Fast Page Loads: Control-M is reported to have a responsive user interface with fast page load times, allowing users to quickly navigate and manage their workflows
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No answers on this topic
Support Rating
He contactado varias veces con el soporte de BMC y ha sido bastante bueno, siempre han sabido darme una solución a lo que he pedido. Esta vez quiero hacer alguna nueva pregunta, pero no se si se me podrá contestar, ya que es algo que tal vez fuera de otro rango y no pertenezca a ellos.
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Questions and problems can be addressed to VisualCron 's support department via E-mail. I usually get a good answer from them fairly quickly. There is also a VisualCron forum where you can ask questions that will be answered by other VisualCron users.
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In-Person Training
Very knowledgeable instructors provide a hands-on, collaborative learning experience and can interact directly with instructors to develop our Control-M skills. This format allows for immediate feedback, in-depth discussions, and tailored guidance, leading to a deeper understanding of Control-M concepts and practical application. Face-to-face interaction fosters higher engagement and a more dynamic learning environment.
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No answers on this topic
Online Training
Simple and easy to use web based, well paced. Available any time. All online courses are simple and easy to access and use. Very practical everyday use scenarios and solutions. Incorporates software simulations, learning games, and built-in assessments to enhance comprehension and engagement. Online subscriptions are regularly updated with the latest product information, ensuring users have access to the most current knowledge.
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No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
As HA we have depend on the external DB, why don't we have HA feasibility with embedded DB. As with external DB, there are performance issues and fine tuning the DB. As if its embedded DB, Control-M it self take care of the functionality.
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Alternatives Considered
I met him as a Control-M consultant, performing migrations from CA to BMC. I knew the product and interface were not as friendly or intuitive as Control-M's and could not integrate new technologies and external applications. One of CA's excellent capabilities was the ability to incorporate executions with Java Scripting to obtain variable values ​​or to order processes natively in the application using its utilities.
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For simple processes, VisualCron is easier to use and maintain. For complicated processes, Quadient Inspire offers more options. The graphical representations of waiting, running or completed jobs is adequate for both products. The logging of job actions is better in Quadient Inpire as in VisualCron.
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Scalability
awesome product.Control-M delivers advanced operational capabilities easily consumed by Dev, Ops, data teams, and lines of business.Control-M Workflow InsightsApplication and data workflow observability: Increased confidence that SLAs are being met for Control-M users and IT leadersComprehensive control and management capabilities: Enhanced dashboards and reporting with constant telemetry and intelligent analysis on executing workflowsSelf-service visibility: In-depth reporting to help teams work autonomously
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No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
  • Control-M has improved service delivery times, reliability and quality of batch processing.
  • It has simplified the management of the operation and the use of the alert system has made it possible to act in a coordinated and efficient manner to solve problems.
  • The implementation of policies has made it possible to make greater use of Control-M and thus reduce development costs that are generated unnecessarily when the potential of the system is not considered.
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  • With VisualCron, I need 3 times less time to get file processing right.
  • If a VisualCron job goes wrong I need twice as much time to find the problem.
  • Visualcron does not run on Linux but on Windows which can make an upgrade and reboot take up to 6 times as long.
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ScreenShots

VisualCron Screenshots

Screenshot of Job - CPU usageScreenshot of Job - execution timeScreenshot of Job - ROI resultScreenshot of Main windowScreenshot of Main window - right clickScreenshot of Output - as table