Spiceworks = Hot Stuff
Overall Satisfaction with Spiceworks
I am currently using it as a backup to our Dell KACE appliance. Since it's agentless scans can collect more data than KACE's, it is a great way to monitor and collect information about systems that we do not want to install an agent on, such as servers. Plus, due to it's low system requirements and the fact that I'm the only one using it right now, I have it running on a spare laptop on my desk.
Pros
- Agentless scanning provides complete system details, including things like license keys for Microsoft software and toner levels on printers.
- A full-featured help desk system, rivaling some the best paid solutions.
- The ability to manage Active Directory users.
- A purchase tracking system. See where all your money is going and who the big spenders are.
Cons
- Windows only install. A nitpick point, I know, but it would be nice to be able to install it on a Linux box.
- While an agent is provided (say, for your laptop users who are not always in the office), there is no built in option to deploy it across the network. It must be downloaded and installed manually.
- No Mac version of the agent, making it difficult to manage MacBook users.
- A Dell KACE feature, the ability to run scripts and installs directly from the Spiceworks appliance.
- Since it's a free product, the ROI over any paid product is astronomical.
- Dell KACE 1000
As far as inventory and help desk, Spiceworks can do just about anything the KACE 1000 can do. However, KACE has a few features that I really like:
If you need more direct control over your systems, KACE may be worth looking into. However, take a good look at Spiceworks' feature before you spend a couple thousand dollars on a product that may be a lot more than you need.
- The agent is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Scripting: KACE has the ability to store and run scripts against any of the managed machines. For example, we have a script to reset the local admin password. Just select the script, select the computer, and hit Run.
- Managed Installs: With KACE, you can assign a piece of software to all or a group of computers and it will automatically install it when the computer checks in on the network.
If you need more direct control over your systems, KACE may be worth looking into. However, take a good look at Spiceworks' feature before you spend a couple thousand dollars on a product that may be a lot more than you need.
Using Spiceworks
1 - System Administrator
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