Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs Quest KACE Systems Management comparison

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Microsoft Windows Server Update Services and Quest KACE Systems Management based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Patch Management solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs. Quest KACE Systems Management Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The interface is easy to use.""I am absolutely happy with its stability and performance. It is a stable product.""Downloads critical reports separately.""We can easily download particular patches, and we can apply them on a group basis and policy basis.""The central points of managing product updates have been the tool's most valuable features.""PowerShell is a valuable feature.""Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is highly stable. It is one of the most stable solutions from Microsoft.""The product provides a valuable Single Sign-On (SSO) integration feature within our IES environment, particularly with the IT directory and server systems."

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"The ability to push an image to a machine, wake that image up, and just blast a new image to a computer without even having to touch it, and then push the software to that machine. This just made things so much more convenient for us and so much more efficient.""The big pros of Quest KACE Systems Management are its simple interface, and simple, direct management. It's very easy to maintain and manage the device, and it's easy to get it up and running. You can have it up and running in an hour...""The most valuable feature is the ability to have an overview of all devices that are accessing our environment.""The scripting is a very valuable feature, as it saves us time on pushing certain things out to the users, such as software and patches.""The most valuable feature is the ability to monitor updates—the software versions—on machines so that we can keep everything compliant.""It also does patch management. At the moment, I'm rolling out a new feature update, 20.8.2, and it's a great challenge because we have to deploy it to 1,200 computers in the home office. We want to do it without interrupting production, but KACE is reliable and it's easy to adapt it to my needs for how and when to deploy the feature update.""The most valuable feature is the imaging of computers through the SDA... Being able to do that so quickly with the SDA, and to then use the SMA for reinstalling software, has been huge for our productivity.""The ability to build scripts right on the deployment center itself, as well as building groups that take those scripts/task chains has been absolutely invaluable and one of the most important parts of my whole environment."

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Cons
"The ability to have more fine control within this solution is very important. It is not available for the solution in its current state.""More integration with different platforms would be an improvement.""Microsoft Windows Server Update Services must include functions for providing updates about inventory.""Microsoft should improve their support for the product. A lot of guys are installing their products, especially Xero. If you have a real problem, though, it's quite difficult to find someone who you can support you.""Could be improved with additional features such as an update alarm.""The product must integrate with third-party applications.""The reporting is not as practical as I would like it to be.""They should offer patch management across platforms."

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"I have complaints about smart label adaptation and because of this, I recommend a 24 to 48 hour bake-in period.""Sometimes the information is not as real time as it's supposed to be.""Imaging becomes a problem when you start to try to go beyond doing more than thirty or forty machines at a time. We initially tried to do that virtually and it just, it wouldn't work.""I still need better communication about which processes are really due and which processes are currently being processed. According to the initial setup service provider, there is still no real management or overview on KACE where you can really see 100 percent of what is going on as well as what is going to be processed next and whether I can influence the overall process. It could really help me if I knew, e.g. exactly in 10 minutes my colleague will be supplied with this or that software. I haven't found this yet. If they could add this, that would be cool. It is still missing and I haven't yet found something like this.""There isn't a lot they need to improve with the solution itself at this point. It is pretty close to providing a single pane of glass for everything that we need for endpoint management specifically on all devices. There is very little that it doesn't provide for us, and for those, we have to go to other methods. There are some of the patching solutions that it doesn't take care of for us. So, we have to do those manually on the devices, and that's really the biggest thing. It doesn't do patching really well for non-Microsoft applications. The major application updates, particularly Windows updates, don't function nearly as well, but, for the vast majority of things, it does just fine. If they could improve in this aspect, that'd be great, but I don't know if they're going to be able to do that.""I would sure like them to be able to copy and paste out of OneNote. That drives me nuts. You can't copy from OneNote into KACE.""The software asset management functionality is an area that needs to be improved. It could be more automated because when connections need to be made, such as when I connected Adobe and my malware removed, the process was pretty much manual.""Easier integration would be beneficial."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "Because it is not open-source, it has to compete with open-source solutions. Relatively it is expensive to open-source."
  • "The WSUS cost is included in Microsoft Windows, and there are no licensing fees."
  • "The integration is included in the Windows Server system, and there are no additional fees."
  • "This product comes included with Windows and can be used free of charge."
  • "The licensing of WSUS is free of charge because it comes with the Windows Server operating system, included as a feature of the operating system itself. It's simply a role that you enable within Windows Server."
  • "It doesn't need a license. It's offered for free with Microsoft."
  • "Microsoft's operating model determines the solution's pricing, and we use it based on our enterprise agreement, which incurs an annual cost."
  • "The solution is expensive, and the licensing costs are yearly."
  • More Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "It may be more expensive, but you get what you pay for."
  • "It was a very attractive price. This is a huge feature of this product. If you would "credit score" this product versus others out there on the market, this one has a very attractive price."
  • "We need it, so we have to pay the price. It is what it is. If you need a gallon of milk, then you have to pay the price for it. You don't want to buy the cheap stuff. You want to buy the stuff that is organic and good for your body, which doesn't have all this other junk in it. You want it clean for your body. Quest has done that for our deployment and management systems."
  • "Licensing is done on a per device basis, so it's dependent on how many agents you've got installed."
  • "Its pricing model is good for what it offers. Nobody here gives me a hard time about renewing the contract every year. It might be a little cost prohibitive for a smaller company who has to stand up a virtual environment as well as have virtual environment licensing and the hardware. If you have a smaller environment, it might be cost prohibitive. If you only have a couple of hundred computers, you might be more willing to do those manually. In our environment, the cost savings of having KACE far outweigh the licensing costs. We are okay with its pricing model."
  • "We buy consulting fees from Software Factory, then we pay extra for it."
  • "We are a university. So, we have a very good price for the system. I think the price for the system is worth it because of the security patch management. The security patch management is very important for us. The price is very good for KACE SMA, the functionality you get, and the patch management."
  • "We are also saving on the licensing fee, compared to other endpoint management solutions."
  • More Quest KACE Systems Management Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:The reporting capabilities that help maintain compliance and security are good.
    Top Answer:The solution must provide the issue description of the patches. We are not able to trace the issue resolution for the patches. The issues must be available in the patch portal. It will help us to be… more »
    Top Answer:KACE automatically tracks this information and saves it for me, allowing me to call it up on the dashboard. For example, if I need to find Juliano's computer in the system, I don't need to search… more »
    Top Answer:It is expensive in Brazil. Generally, it's considered expensive, especially compared to solutions like Spiceworks.
    Ranking
    3rd
    out of 49 in Patch Management
    Views
    4,811
    Comparisons
    3,940
    Reviews
    24
    Average Words per Review
    403
    Rating
    8.3
    6th
    out of 49 in Patch Management
    Views
    3,136
    Comparisons
    1,842
    Reviews
    8
    Average Words per Review
    899
    Rating
    8.5
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Windows Server Update Services, Microsoft WSUS, WSUS, Microsoft Software Update Services, Software Update Services, Microsoft SUS, SUS, MS Windows Server Update Services
    Dell KACE Systems Management
    Learn More
    Overview

    Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a patch management tool that simplifies the administrator’s task of deploying the latest Microsoft updates. Administrators use WSUS to manage the distribution of updates released through Microsoft Update to computers in their network.

    WSUS has features you can use to manage and distribute updates from a management console. The WSUS server can also be a source of updates to other servers within the organization, acting as an upstream server.

    Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Use Cases

    The four main use cases that WSUS adds value to businesses are:

    • Centralizes update management.
    • Automates update management.
    • Performs general patch management to ensure compliance and protect against vulnerabilities.
    • Downloads all endpoint updates from data centers to a central location and then distribute them across the organization’s network.

    Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Features

    This built-in server includes the following features:

    • Includes Windows PowerShell cmdlets.
    • Features client and server separation, which means you can deliver versions of the Windows Update Agent (WUA) separately from WSUS.
    • Automatic download of updates.
    • Deploy a targeted download of updates to a specific group of computers.
    • Multiple language support.
    • Advanced reporting capabilities.
    • Centralized management of network resources.

    Requirements

    In order to be able to use WSUS to manage and deploy updates, it is important to use a supported WSUS version, such as:

    • WSUS 10.0.14393
    • WSUS 10.0.17763
    • WSUS 6.2 and 6.3 with installed KB 3095113 and KB 3159706

    Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Benefits

    • Stable.
    • Ensures servers are always patched and prevents vulnerabilities.
    • Works great for internal updating.
    • Enforces automated updates and patching for applications.
    • Because the solution is used in the cloud, clients are always using the latest version.
    • Highly scalable and configurable regardless of the organization’s layout.

    Different Types of WSUS Deployments

    • Simple WSUS deployment: A server inside the corporate firewall serves clients via a private intranet. The WSUS server downloads updates by connecting to Microsoft Update. Using this model, you can configure multiple WSUS servers with a parent WSUS server.

    • Computer groups: You can use computer groups to deliver updates to specific computers. There are two basic computer groups: All Computers or Unassigned Computers. When a client first contacts the WSUS server, it is added to both. You can then create a group from the Unassigned Computers group to the new group.

    • WSUS server hierarchies: The flexibility of WSUS enables the creation of complex hierarchies of servers. To do this, you need only a single WSUS server connected to Microsoft Update. This will serve as an “upstream server,” and the connected servers as “downstream servers.”

      • You can link WSUS servers in two modes: autonomous or replica. In the autonomous mode, the upstream server shares the updates with the downstream servers but doesn’t update status or group information.

      • The upstream server shares updates, status, and group information in replica mode. You cannot administer replica servers apart from the upstream WSUS server.

    Quest KACE Systems Management is a unified endpoint management solution that helps your organization address your endpoint management needs. The solution enables you to discover and track every device in your environment, keep compliance requirements up to date, secure your network from cyberthreats and attacks, and automate administrative tasks all from a single console.

    Quest KACE Systems Management Features

    Quest KACE Systems Management has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

    • Comprehensive device coverage: With Quest KACE Systems Management, you have full management control of all operating systems, including MacOS, Windows, Chromebook, Linux, iOS, and Android.
    • Flexible configuration: Quest KACE Systems Management gives you the ability to define specific policies and administrative functions.
    • Reporting: The solution provides access to existing templates or gives you the option to build ad-hoc reports. Reports can also be customized to meet any compliance needs.
    • Patch management: This feature ensures your patching is always current and also enables you to secure your environment with automated patch identification and deployment.
    • Mobile device control: Quest KACE Systems Management allows you to remotely locate, reset passwords, lock, erase, or factory reset any enrolled mobile device.
    • Granular inventory: With the granular inventory feature, you can access a detailed inventory of data on each device in your environment. In addition, you can get automated deep-dive analysis when necessary.

    Quest KACE Systems Management Benefits

    There are many benefits to implementing Quest KACE Systems Management. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

    • Efficient: Quest KACE Systems Management eliminates the need to manually manage multiple solutions to achieve endpoint security, saving you time and making it an ideal and efficient solution for your organization.
    • Co-manage endpoints: Using Quest KACE Systems Management, you can co-manage both your traditional and modern endpoints, including Windows and Mac laptops, Linux, non-computer devices, servers, IoT, and iOS and Android mobile devices.
    • Easy-to-use interface: Quest KACE Systems Management is designed with a simple interface that offers powerful and consistent functionality.
    • Minimizes risk: Quest KACE Systems Management can easily locate or wipe any lost or stolen mobile device, minimizing risks for your organization.
    • Enhanced security: With Quest KACE Systems Management, your systems remain secure by identifying, inventorying, patching, and controlling all endpoints.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by PeerSpot users currently using the Quest KACE Systems Management solution.

    Tim H., Laboringenieur, Computeringenieur at HTW Berlin, says, "The scripting part increases IT productivity because of the specialized software in our environments for students' courses. You need to use software which is not programmed by developers. A lot of software for building houses or other things is developed by normal guys, who do not have much skill in programming. When you need to install this type of software, it is very difficult. You have to install registry keys, etc. For that, it is very good to use the scripting part of this solution. So, you can automate this part as well."

    Chris H., Director of IT at CCOF, mentions, "The big pros of Quest KACE Systems Management are its simple interface, and simple, direct management. It's very easy to maintain and manage the device, and it's easy to get it up and running. You can have it up and running in an hour."

    Sample Customers
    Information Not Available
    Waypoint, Mattos Filho, Meetic, Gems Education, Green Clinic HealthSystem, Service King
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company18%
    Manufacturing Company14%
    Energy/Utilities Company11%
    Security Firm7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    Government13%
    Financial Services Firm9%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    REVIEWERS
    University30%
    Financial Services Firm15%
    Manufacturing Company9%
    Government9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    University11%
    Government10%
    Retailer7%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business38%
    Midsize Enterprise14%
    Large Enterprise49%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business22%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise61%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business21%
    Midsize Enterprise45%
    Large Enterprise33%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business26%
    Midsize Enterprise19%
    Large Enterprise55%
    Buyer's Guide
    Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs. Quest KACE Systems Management
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs. Quest KACE Systems Management and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is ranked 3rd in Patch Management with 37 reviews while Quest KACE Systems Management is ranked 6th in Patch Management with 38 reviews. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is rated 8.0, while Quest KACE Systems Management is rated 8.8. The top reviewer of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services writes "Lets us manage all our organization's updates from a single management console". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Quest KACE Systems Management writes "Easy to use, saves us time, and increases IT productivity". Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is most compared with BigFix, ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus, Ivanti Neurons Patch for Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager and Kaseya VSA, whereas Quest KACE Systems Management is most compared with Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager, BigFix, Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform and Ivanti Neurons Patch for Intune. See our Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs. Quest KACE Systems Management report.

    See our list of best Patch Management vendors.

    We monitor all Patch Management reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.