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Fortra's Automate vs webMethods.io comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary
 

Categories and Ranking

Fortra's Automate
Average Rating
8.4
Number of Reviews
23
Ranking in other categories
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) (5th)
webMethods.io
Average Rating
8.0
Number of Reviews
91
Ranking in other categories
Business-to-Business Middleware (4th), Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) (3rd), Managed File Transfer (MFT) (10th), API Management (10th), Cloud Data Integration (6th), Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) (4th)
 

Featured Reviews

MB
Nov 8, 2023
Boosts productivity with cost-effective, easy-to-use automation software
I believe we need to test various OCR tools that assist in evaluating six different customer resyncs. We analyze their spending patterns and documentation, but current OCR support has limitations, requiring highly standardized documents, which isn't always the case. With a more advanced OCR system, we could improve processes related to credit risk management and legal matters. We're exploring how to integrate Fortra's Automate with our CRM platform, taking cues from instances where Salesforce seamlessly merged with Automate. However, we use a different CRM, Insight for New Enterprise, and we're seeking ways to connect the automation process within our CRM. We aim for the automation to continue smoothly, even in instances where traditional automation methods might face hurdles.
RajShaker - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 18, 2023
It is stable and has a portfolio of different connectors, but it would be better if it had an open-source version apart from its enterprise version
webMethods Integration Server is no longer that popular because the market has started moving towards cloud-based ESB solutions from Azure, AWS, and other vendors, so this is one area for improvement. As I mentioned, the real value for any enterprise integration software, especially a proprietary platform such as webMethods Integration Server, will be in the number, quality, and stability of the connectors it has. That is the most critical aspect of every ESB product in the world. Sometimes, what happens is in case a particular connector is not available between a proprietary component within a bank or a financial institution. My organization would have to develop the software components, so what would be ideal is if there was a core set of software that's open source, which would make it easy for third-party vendors and individuals to build components to fill in the gap. This is what I would recommend. The market webMethods Integration Server falls under is a very crowded market, so for the product to stand out, Software AG would need to get traction in the open source community by releasing a new version or a base version and open source it, so people can create new custom components and add it to the portfolio. I would recommend looking at Apache ServiceMix or Apache Camel, ESB products, or enterprise software products for integration and looking into the open-source mechanism. MuleSoft is another example, as it has an open-source base version and an enterprise version sold to enterprises. Mulesoft has many open-source components but allows third-party vendors and ISPs to create custom components for customers. This is the feature set I would suggest for webMethods Integration Server because it's what the product needs to survive in the integration space. Otherwise, other solutions, such as Apache Camel, will take over the world.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"Compared to other vendors, it's the scheduling tool because a lot of vendors want to charge you extra for their enterprise-level license to have a scheduling tool built in to give you the ability to set up regular schedules to run and do certain data checks."
"The interface is simple, user-friendly, and very intuitive."
"I find it very user-friendly. Our IT department and other departments can seamlessly collaborate without requiring extensive training. As a business department, we particularly value this aspect, as our team doesn't consist of many IT users. However, we couldn't solely rely on a drag-and-drop approach to implement and utilize the solution within our departments."
"It's very easy to use. That's a big selling point for it. It has got a drag-and-drop interface, so you can quickly deploy bots."
"The solution is continuously adding more integrations to help with workflows and bot and task creation."
"Fortra's Automate performs the job effectively and has the capability to alert us of any issues."
"The most valuable feature is the drag-and-drop interface, which is very Windows-like."
"I actually quite liked the no-coding functionality."
"Operationally, I consider the solution to be quite good."
"​Broker and UM are the best features."
"It's a good tool, and it has a stable messaging broker."
"We have a reusable code that we can replicate for any new interfaces."
"When it comes to the user interface, I'm already really used to it. I cannot say anything against it. For me, it's easy to use."
"The connectivity that the tool provides, along with the functionalities needed for our company's business, are some of the beneficial aspects of the product."
"They are the building blocks of EAI in SAG products, and they offer a very good platform."
"Clients choose webMethods.io API for its intuitive interface, promoting seamless interaction and quick communication between systems."
 

Cons

"The documentation is not that great."
"We really need a free development environment for customers. Building and testing automation on production isn't ideal."
"Some companies have asked for voice integration. This is likely part of the roadmap."
"While this solution is continually improving, as it is now, the user interface could use improvement when I compare it to a product like UiPath."
"There is room for improvement regarding cloud functionality; there are a few missing features, and the logging could be better, especially air logging. We can go into logging events and create our own task, but it would be nice if this were more detailed."
"The product also has a limited use case in some respects."
"Sometimes when we communicate with the ERP system and there is an issue, we are not always aware of the specifics of Automate and the source of the problem."
"I believe we need to test various OCR tools that assist in evaluating, let's say, six different customer resyncs. We analyze their spending patterns and documentations, but current OCR support has limitations, requiring highly standardized documents, which isn't always the case. With a more advanced OCR system, we could improve processes related to credit risk management and legal matters. We're exploring how to integrate Fortra's Automate with our CRM platform, taking cues from instances where Salesforce seamlessly merged with Automate. However, we use a different CRM, Insight for New Enterprise, and we're seeking ways to connect the automation process within our CRM. We aim for the automation to continue smoothly, even in instances where traditional automation methods might face hurdles."
"When migration happens from the one release to an upgraded release from Software AG, many of the existing services are deprecated and developers have to put in effort testing and redeveloping some of the services. It would be better that upgrade releases took care to support the lower-level versions of webMethods."
"The high price of the product is an area of concern where improvements are required."
"In terms of improvement, it would be better if it adapted quicker to open standards. It took a while for API specification before the last version was available. The spec of version two was rather quick."
"There should be better logging, or a better dashboard, to allow you to see see the logs of the services."
"This is a great solution and the vendor could improve the marketing of the solution to be able to reach more clients."
"Need to see more API portal features like monetizing APIs and private cloud readiness."
"The initial setup of the webMethods Integration Server is not easy but it gets easier once you know it. It is tiresome but not difficult."
"The configuring of the JWT token would be improved as it is a confusing process. We require more information on this part of the solution."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Once you buy the software, you just pay for the support for backend help."
"Compared to other products, the pricing model for this solution is much more convenient, flexible, and adaptable to the Portuguese reality."
"While solutions like UiPath and Blue Prism cost around $11,000-$12,000 for each license, this product costs around $7,000 and you can keep it forever."
"The cost is a bit high for a small business like ours, but we manage with Fortra's Automate."
"The pricing is quite reasonable. We can run the process with one bot. The limitation is at the server level because they have some resources, and sometimes that is enough. It isn't too expensive, so you can get a good return off of one, and you can also have a pack of five bots that is quite competitive."
"It comes with a package that costs approximately $20,000 USD per year."
"I'm only involved in running the product and maintaining the systems, so I can't speak to the cost."
"I believe the price falls within a reasonable range, which significantly influenced our decision regarding the product. This aspect is crucial for any technological solution, especially in our country where enterprises might be hesitant to invest heavily in something untested or uncertain about its practicality and potential returns."
"I do see a lack of capabilities inside of the monetization area for them. They have a cloud infrastructure that is pay per use type of a thing. If you already use 1,000 transactions per se, then you can be charged and billed. I see room for improvement there for their side on that particular capability of the monetization."
"Pricing has to be negotiated with the local Software AG representative. SAG can always prepare an appropriate pricing model for every client."
"Currently, the licensing solution for this product is pretty straightforward. The way that Software AG has moved in their licensing agreements is very understandable. It is very easy for you to see where things land. Like most vendors today, they are transaction based. Therefore, just having a good understanding of how many transactions that you are doing a year would be very wise. Luckily, there are opportunities to work with the vendor to get a good understanding of how many transactions you have and what is the right limit for you to fall under."
"The product is expensive."
"Sometimes we don't have a very clear idea what the licensing will entail at first, because it can be very customizable. On one hand, this can be a good thing, because it can be tailored to a specific customer's needs. But on the other hand it can also be an issue when some customer asks, "What's the cost?" and we can't yet give them an accurate answer."
"This is an expensive product and we may replace it with something more reasonably priced."
"There is a license needed to use the webMethods Integration Server."
"It's a good deal for the money that we pay."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
14%
Computer Software Company
14%
Healthcare Company
10%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
14%
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
11%
Retailer
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about HelpSystems AutoMate?
We use it for specific cases, mainly secure file transfers, which are vital for us. And it works for us.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HelpSystems AutoMate?
I'm only involved in running the product and maintaining the systems, so I can't speak to the cost.
What needs improvement with HelpSystems AutoMate?
There is room for improvement regarding cloud functionality; there are a few missing features, and the logging could be better, especially air logging. We can go into logging events and create our ...
What do you like most about Built.io Flow?
The tool helps us to streamline data integration. Its BPM is very strong and powerful. The solution helps us manage digital transformation.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Built.io Flow?
webMethods.io is expensive. We have multiple components, and you need to pay for each of them.
What needs improvement with Built.io Flow?
webMethods.io needs to incorporate ChatGPT to enhance user experience. It can offer a customized user experience.
 

Also Known As

HelpSystems Automate, Automate
Built.io Flow, webMethods Integration Server, webMethods Trading Networks, webMethods ActiveTransfer, webMethods.io API
 

Learn More

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Overview

 

Sample Customers

Aldergrove Financial Group, Preferred Health Professionals, Mindbeam Technologies, First Credit Union in British Columbia, Vestcom International, Prime Liberty Benefits, University of Tampa, CNLBancshares, World Precision Instruments, BJ's Restaurants, Globe Pequot Press, Accudata Technologies, Norton Healthcare, Pacific Toxicology Laboratories
Cisco, Agralogics, Dreamforce, Cables & Sensors, Sacramento Kings
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