Item: Kaseya VSA
Rating: 8
Author: Mike Erhart

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are an MSP and use Kaseya VSA to monitor and manage our entire client base. It provides our techs with an integrated set of tools for anti-virus and anti-malware, a range of backup applications, patch management, and the creation and implementation of policies. We are able to automate many of the typical tasks performed by a technician and support a larger customer base effectively.

Pros and Cons

Automation of common tasks through procedures that can be scheduled or triggered
Remote control of systems in a secure manner
Integration with a number of applications that add functionality to the base product
Works well in co-managed IT environments

Requires an investment of time to learn to use many of the product's features
No way to hide or remove modules that are not used by our organization
Over time, the application can become bloated with older, out of date, values, procedures, and settings. These require some time and effort to clean out.

Most Important Features

Automated monitoring and alerts of our customer end points
Remote control of client desktops
Automation of recurring tasks, such as backups and patch management

Return on Investment

Kaseya VSA's automation has allowed more client support with fewer technicians, resulting in a cost saving for us.
The broad range of features differentiates us from much of our competition. We've won quite a few deals as a result of the services we can provide.
The learning curve for new hires limits their effectiveness until they master the application.

Alternatives Considered

ConnectWise Automate (formerly LabTech) and Progress WhatsUp Gold (formerly Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold)

What's Up Gold is more of a monitoring application and very good at that, but doesn't have the management tools that VSA provides. It requires additional applications and you lose the "single pane of glass" concept.

ConnectWise, at the time we looked at the product, did not have nearly as robust of a set of automation tools. Kaseya VSA's integration with a number of popular applications seemed better developed.

Key Insights

Do you think Kaseya VSA delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Kaseya VSA's feature set?

Yes

Did Kaseya VSA live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Kaseya VSA go as expected?

Would you buy Kaseya VSA again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Auvik, Passly from ID Agent, a Kaseya company (formerly AuthAnvil), Webroot Endpoint Protection, IT Glue

Likelihood to Recommend

Kaseya VSA is very well suited for remote monitoring and management, particularly when multiple organizations are involved. Once mastered, the agent procedures produce a high degree of automation that can free up a technician's time. Kaseya VSA provides something very close to a single pane of glass experience.

Kaseya VSA can be expensive for smaller IT support groups and has a learning curve that may take time to master effectively. I would not recommend this for very small managed service providers or internal IT support groups.

Kaseya VSA--Automate everything!

Overall Satisfaction with Kaseya VSA