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HCL BigFix

Score8.4 out of 10

26 Reviews and Ratings

What is HCL BigFix?

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).

Efficient IT Management and Robust Security with HCL BigFix

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

The acquisition of BugFix adeptly caters to pressing business needs related to security compliance, patch management, efficient software updates, and streamlined infrastructure management. Additionally, it addresses the vulnerability of organizational data and integrity to online threats and malware attacks. HCL BigFix further enhances protection by offering exceptional services, including a robust backend setup for compliance and device monitoring. Its ability to create, monitor, and update IT policies remotely for each device and work email is a valuable feature. Furthermore, the smart re-routing of data traffic and effective isolation of affected devices and servers make HCL BigFix a superior solution compared to others in the market.

Pros

  • Application Management
  • Security Integration and Policy
  • Secure Remote Access (VPN)
  • Windows Management

Cons

  • Automated Device Enrollment
  • Endpoint Analytics and Automation
  • Streamline and improve the deployment process
  • Enhance the speed of communication between the agent and the server

Most Important Features

  • CMT Features
  • Nonstandard Endpoint Management

Return on Investment

  • HCL BigFix revolutionizes IT management with its versatile endpoint management and seamless integration with security tools, enabling businesses to maintain compliance, enhance control, and mitigate security risks effortlessly.
  • It's a game changer, providing a simple setup, easy management, and scheduling patching for various systems and fixes.

Alternatives Considered

Automox, 42Gears, AppTec360 and Dragon RMM (ITarian / Comodo ONE)

Other Software Used

Trend Micro Apex One, IBM App Connect, UiPath Automation Platform

BigFix - A good tool set that requires investment of time and money to realize the ROI expected

Pros

  • Software inventory.
  • Patch deployment.
  • Patch review.

Cons

  • Customization.
  • Simplified reporting (management level).
  • Guides for administrators to use in their everyday work.

Return on Investment

  • Reduced workload for patch administration and deployment.
  • Reduced workload for software deployment.
  • Reduced workload for software inventory.

Alternatives Considered

Ivanti IT Asset Management Suite

Other Software Used

SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM), SolarWinds IP Address Manager (IPAM)

BigFix Review

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

  • Reports that it does have could be fine-tuned and provide more percentages and charts for executives.
  • The ability to use agentless deployments would be nice.

Return on Investment

  • We've been using BigFix for some time and it has helped us with vulnerability remediation.
  • It has reduced our risk level tremendously compared to just using WSUS.

Other Software Used

GFI Systems, Ivanti Security Controls, Qualis LIMS

Work in progress

Pros

  • Inventory
  • CIS
  • Patching

Cons

  • 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

Most Important Features

  • Patching
  • Inventory
  • CIS Information

Return on Investment

  • When there is a need to patch a Windows System it has worked

Other Software Used

BlackBerry Protect (CylancePROTECT), BlackBerry Optics (CylanceOPTICS)

Your mileage may vary.

Pros

  • It is easy to add systems into BigFix and keep good inventories.
  • The inventory properties can be customized to facilitate various reporting demands.

Cons

  • The patching function is difficult for RedHat Linux servers, and can be improved.
  • The site configuration and access control appears to be cumbersome.

Return on Investment

  • 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.