SCOM vs Splunk Synthetic Monitoring comparison

SCOM (System Center Operations Manager) is a cross-platform data center monitoring and reporting tool that checks the status of various objects defined within the environment, such as server hardware, system services, etc. The solution allows data center administrators to deploy, configure, manage, and monitor the operations, services, devices and applications of multiple enterprise IT systems via a single pane of glass. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes.

SCOM Features

SCOM has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

• Application monitoring
• Database monitoring
• Threshold alerts
• IT Asset Discovery
• Predictive capabilities
• Server usage monitoring and capacity forecasting
• Application performance management console
• Server availability and performance monitoring
• Collaboration tools
• Virtualization monitoring
• Patch management
• Out-of-the box templates to monitor applications
• Application dependency mapping and thresholding

SCOM Benefits

There are several benefits to implementing SCOM. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

• Management and monitoring of Windows as well as Unix/Linux platforms
• Remotely connect to Windows machines and perform administrative tasks from the console itself
• Custom dashboard creation to help monitor the datacenter with ease
• Agent based monitoring
• Integrates well with other Microsoft products
• Easy to use and reliable

Reviews from Real Users

Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by PeerSpot users currently using the SCOM solution.

A Manager at a financial services firm says, “The feature I like most about SCOM is that it is easy-to-use. I find it very user-friendly. I also like the knowledge base which it has. You can find the resolution to questions or issues directly within the SCOM itself. It will alert you with a recommendation of what you need to do at the same time. This sort of self-diagnosis or prompting is one of the great values you get from SCOM compared to other solutions.”

PeerSpot user Zahari Z., Information Technology Auditor at a financial services firm, mentions, “Availability monitoring is the feature I have found most valuable, as well as the capacity and ability to send notifications. There is a mechanism to set up a notification from the SCOM and whenever there is a drop in the availability the notification alerts not only for availability but for other issues as well. You can align thresholds according to the speed of your environment and you can have a threshold related notification, which is one of the useful features.”

Bill W., Sr. Systems Engineer at Arapahoe County Government, comments, “ I like some of their newer features, such as maintenance schedules, because SCOM records SLA and SLO time. When we patch, things are automatically put into maintenance mode so that the numbers for our systems being down, do not count against us.”

A Project Manager at a tech services company explains, “The feature I have found most valuable is the book feature. While we run the Sprint one we can add some setups for multiple sprints.”

A Systems Engineer at an educational organization states, “Because it's Windows-based, it actually reports quite well. It reports everything you can think of on the Windows server and allows you to monitor anything. It's excellent for those in the Windows world as it's very good at it.”

Customers use Splunk Synthetic Monitoring to proactively monitor application performance, simulate user interactions, and identify potential issues before impacting end-users. They appreciate its ability to provide detailed insights into application behavior and detect downtime early.

Splunk Synthetic Monitoring is highly valued for real-time alerts and comprehensive data analysis, helping businesses ensure optimal functionality and user experience. It offers precise error tracking, insightful analytics, and robust network monitoring capabilities. Users benefit from simulating user interactions, which enhance performance assessment and issue resolution. The customizable alert system and in-depth reporting contribute to improved operational efficiency. Automated test execution and scheduling provide seamless continuity for processes, while its comprehensive dashboards facilitate real-time data visualization and troubleshooting.

• Precise Error Tracking: Helps in identifying and rectifying specific issues efficiently.
• Insightful Analytics: Provides actionable insights through in-depth data analysis.
• Robust Network Monitoring: Ensures optimal network performance by identifying bottlenecks.
• User Interaction Simulation: Enhances performance assessment by mimicking real user behavior.
• Customizable Alert System: Allows tailored notifications for varying needs and priorities.
• In-depth Reporting: Facilitates thorough operational reviews and decision-making.
• Automated Test Execution and Scheduling: Ensures processes continue uninterrupted.
• Comprehensive Dashboards: Supports real-time data visualization and troubleshooting.

• Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlines processes and reduces downtime.
• Better Issue Resolution: Quickly identifies and resolves problems.
• Enhanced Performance Assessment: Provides a detailed understanding of application behavior.
• Proactive Monitoring: Detects issues before they impact end-users.
• Real-time Alerts: Keeps teams informed and responsive to changes.
• Accurate Data Analysis: Offers reliable insights for better decision-making.

Splunk Synthetic Monitoring finds implementation across diverse industries, offering tailored solutions to unique requirements. In finance, it helps ensure the reliability of trading platforms, while in healthcare, it aids in maintaining the uptime of critical health applications. E-commerce businesses use it to simulate user interactions, ensuring seamless shopping experiences.