Fortra's JAMS Reviews

Name: Fortra's JAMS
Brand: Fortra
Rating: 4.4 (34 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

34 reviews
96% willing to recommend

What is Fortra's JAMS?

Fortra's JAMS is a powerful tool for workflow automation, batch job scheduling, file transfer, and centralizing tasks, enabling streamlined job management and monitoring from a single console across multiple servers and systems.

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Fortra's JAMS is the #5 ranked solution in top Workload Automation solutions. PeerSpot users give Fortra's JAMS an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 34 most recent Fortra's JAMS reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.6. (Among the highest in the category). Fortra's JAMS is most commonly compared to Control-M: Fortra's JAMS vs Control-M. Fortra's JAMS is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 61% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 16% of all views.

Helped 824,052 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Rob Grafrath

VP, Enterprise Systems at Capio

The extensibility feature, i.e., the custom execution method ability, is the most valuable feature. We can write a C# interface using the JAMS libraries. We copy the DLLs for the client interface over to our remote desktop and JAMS servers. Then, any of our JAMS users can open up a job definition and see the control developed by our developers. When the job command is issued, it executes our developers' code. I am happy with the exception handling, for the most part. When an exception occurs on one job inside of a series of jobs, it can make that series of jobs stop running, sending an email to someone to let them respond. There is also a monitor view where you can see everything that is currently running and any of the jobs that are currently in an error state. You can find them and try to rerun the job, or cancel it if the job doesn't actually need to be run. JAMS will attach the console logs from anything that has an error on the email that goes to the operators. Also, inside of the job monitor, you can go to the logs and dig down into the details to see what went wrong. It has the ability to use PowerShell to schedule jobs, enable, or disable triggers. The fact that they have JAMS PowerShell cmdlets is useful. This is not central to our use of JAMS, but I appreciate it. While they have extended PowerShell and created cmdlets, I tend to use that when I have to do things like kill all the jobs currently in the schedule, if something catastrophic has occurred. I use them on my test server more than production. On my test server, if I am running a bunch of tests and jobs, but I just want to wipe out the whole scheduler, then I can use a PowerShell command to do that. From time to time, a job is executed and gets stuck in a loop. It gets hung. Maybe the remote system freezes up. Something abnormal happens. It is pretty easy to deal with those. You can see them inside the JAMS monitor because JAMS will automatically calculate the average time that it takes for a given job to execute as long as it has had a few successful runs. The JAMS Scheduler can predict what should take five minutes to run. If it is running for 30 minutes, there is a percentage that shows inside the scheduler that the job is now at 600% of the normal run time. So, you will see this big number, 600% and climbing inside the monitor. You can research that. You can go find the hung process on the source system and respond accordingly. You can set up jobs such that they send alerts or have runaway job limitations. I personally don't tend to use the runaway feature. Our operators notice and respond accordingly to long-running jobs.

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Aaron Johnsen

Senior Systems Engineer at a consumer goods company with 10,001+ employees

I really like PowerSchool scripting. It's really easy for me to produce some really cool code. People will ask if a certain job is possible to do with JAMS and I tell them it is. The JAMS database offers a lot of flexibility in tapping into it. It's good at offering additional functionality. The automation aspect is fundamental to what JAMS is for. If you want to schedule something to run every Monday at 8 AM or whatever, it will work without fail. The code-driven automation is good for helping us handle complex scheduling requirements. That's a cool thing. JAMS has a lot of flexibility with being able to automate. You can just use the built-in features to run a job. However, you can also just code that into a job using PowerShell. I lean more into writing codes rather than relying on built-in functionality. That is really big for me. Currently, we use both Windows and Linux servers, and that creates a lot of issues when it comes to talking between two different operating systems. But we're able to get by with that since JAMS has built-in capabilities to call Oracle directly and it can also call SQL. It doesn't really matter what operating system you're running on. JAMS is good for helping us be aware and handle common issues that prevent our jobs from running. I have jobs I've built and checked on. I can look at the state of servers to foresee if there are going to be any issues. If we have critical processes that run at 5 AM and the server is offline, then the job will fail. However, we can check-in, or it will give us alerts so that we can see what's going on and fix the issue before the job can fail. The solution's ability to handle exceptions that we have created has been sufficient. JAMS helped eliminate data slack across our applications. We get these reports in, and they need to be run from a Windows server into a Linux server and ingested there. I just created a job this morning that would transfer these files to the Linux server, and then we would run some sort of features that would load them up. It's easy to do that. The built-in triggers are great. If a file comes in, someone doesn't have to manually look for it. We just have jobs that will scan folders to see if files come in or if they're removed. It makes remedial tasks obsolete as they can just be automated. We've freed up about 20% of staff time as there have been a lot of opportunities to automate manual effort.

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Kevin Gore

Software Developer Consultant at Broward Health

JAMS effectively alerts us to potential job disruptions, enabling us to address issues proactively. We rely on it for timely problem notifications and monitor it daily. The Runaway feature is invaluable for identifying jobs that take too long to complete, preventing backlogs. We can effectively manage and resolve these issues by configuring the runaway limit, ensuring smooth job execution. JAMS is highly versatile in handling exceptions. We can easily prevent a job from running on specific dates by creating exceptions within the scheduler. For instance, we can configure an exception if we don't want a job to run next Wednesday, July 4th. Additionally, JAMS allows us to skip specific dates and times or even run jobs hourly if needed, providing the flexibility to accommodate various scheduling scenarios. JAMS centralizes job management across all our platforms and applications. We can install the JAMS client on any machine to manage it directly, and some programmers, including myself, have done so. I have the client installed on my laptop and can access all features from there. Alternatively, users can connect to the JAMS server and run the client remotely, limited to one or two people at a time. I prefer having the client installed for convenient and unrestricted access. JAMS significantly reduces troubleshooting time for stalled jobs by providing a centralized monitor. Instead of manually checking the status of numerous jobs, we can quickly assess their progress on a single screen. While it's difficult to quantify the exact time savings, it's evident that monitoring hundreds of jobs individually would be far more time-consuming than glancing at a single monitor for a few minutes daily. JAMS has replaced our previous homegrown program scheduler, which was used to monitor job success. Considering this legacy system, we adopted JAMS as our new monitoring and scheduling tool, eliminating the need to develop and maintain the outdated program further. JAMS is a scheduler, so setting up a new job is easy. Once we configure it, it doesn't take much time. We create jobs all the time. We have over 200 jobs running. So, if we need a new job, creating it in a few minutes is easy, saving us time. We don't have much time to set up a new job. It's swift to do, saving us time for other projects.

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Fortra's JAMS mindshare

As of December 2024, the mindshare of Fortra's JAMS in the Workload Automation category stands at 1.5%, down from 1.8% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Workload Automation

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Workload Automation	Dec 26, 2024	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Dec 26, 2024	Download
Comparison	Fortra's JAMS vs Control-M	Dec 26, 2024	Download
Comparison	Fortra's JAMS vs Automic Automation	Dec 26, 2024	Download
Comparison	Fortra's JAMS vs Redwood RunMyJobs	Dec 26, 2024	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Control-M	4.4	26.7%	98%	118 interviews Add to research
AutoSys Workload Automation	4.2	15.6%	95%	79 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Fortra's JAMS excels with its planning capabilities, job dependency management, and batch scheduling. Its intuitive interface, natural language selection, and powerful PowerShell integration add flexibility. Features include extensive automation, exception handling, and interactive agents enhancing efficiency across platforms. Robust support and DR-readiness aid seamless operations. Users value its ease of parameter updates, security, and customizable alerts. Its central dashboard simplifies monitoring and troubleshooting, while its code-driven automation supports complex scheduling needs.

"JAMS has helped save IT staff time by automating tasks previously performed with scripts, and its scheduling feature has been particularly useful."
"I appreciate JAMS for its readily available templates that allow me to create and deliver stand-up presentations within minutes quickly."
"The dashboard is intuitive."

Room for Improvement

Fortra's JAMS needs better simulation for process termination, a revamp of the user interface, and more intuitive job setup methods. Improvements in search capabilities, documentation clarity, and security permissions are necessary. It lacks source control, hindering job management. The web-based interface is sluggish. Error messages lack detail, and monitoring tools are insufficient. Enhancements in reporting, automation error handling, and notifications for hung jobs are also required. Greater transparency in C# development and improved browser client functionality will be beneficial.

"The monitoring of the JAMS product and its performance is an area of concern for me."
"The monitoring of the JAMS product and its performance is an area of concern for me."
"The error messages from JAMS often need clarification, hindering our ability to resolve issues swiftly."

ROI

Fortra's JAMS reduces labor costs by automating job monitoring and freeing up personnel. Its cost-effectiveness is evident, saving significant time weekly for organizations. Users experienced a reduction in expenses as JAMS operates more efficiently than alternative tools. The system simplifies job setup and troubleshooting, enhancing productivity. Staff can focus on development over problem-solving. Clients report increased efficiency and operational improvements, contributing to a significant return on investment with Fortra's JAMS.

Pricing

Fortra's JAMS offers competitive pricing models, appealing to enterprise buyers by providing scalable and cost-effective solutions. Licensing is flexible, based on job counts or agents, with initial setup costs around $10,000 and annual maintenance fees typically $5,000. Users benefit from unlimited agent installation and reasonable renewal pricing. Some users reported complexity in pricing and additional costs for components like agents, but overall, JAMS remains priced below competitors like Control-M and Tivoli, providing substantial value for functionality offered.

"Fortra's JAMS pricing structure has deteriorated significantly since its acquisition by Fortra."
"The pricing is reasonable."
"The licensing model for JAMS is straightforward and based on the number of agents, not the number of jobs you run. It's cheap and fairly simple."

Popular Use Cases

Fortra's JAMS is employed primarily for workflow automation and batch job scheduling, including SSIS tasks, SQL procedures, and Python scripts. Organizations extensively use it for file automation, managing transfers, and facilitating data management across environments. It enables centralized maintenance and allows for custom execution methods, ensuring efficient processing of complex workflows and ad hoc tasks. JAMS is integral in IT operations, from moving files to database management, serving various sectors like finance, education, and government.

Service and Support

Fortra's JAMS customer service receives praise for being responsive and knowledgeable, with many rating it highly. They are quick to address issues, often responding within hours, though some mention occasional delays. Users appreciate the support team's expertise, especially in resolving complex problems. JAMS also provides helpful training resources and proactive support, improving usability for clients. While most users express satisfaction and rate them between eight and ten, a few see room for improvement in documentation and consistency.

Deployment

Users found Fortra's JAMS initial setup straightforward, often completing it within a day or a few hours if infrastructure was ready. Support resources were helpful, although some experienced challenges with documentation and permissions. Deployments ranged from simple to more complex involving migrations and multiple server setups. Some organizations utilized consultants, while others managed internally with ease. Learning curves existed, but with proper guidance and experience, users appreciated its capabilities and scalability.

Scalability

Fortra's JAMS demonstrates high scalability across diverse organizational needs, accommodating various job execution volumes without major capacity issues. Users appreciate its flexibility in adding agents, supporting distributed environments, and handling multiple job executions efficiently. While some experience licensing constraints, others rely on additional infrastructure to scale. Overall, businesses of different sizes benefit from JAMS's ability to manage large numbers of daily operations smoothly, with minimal configuration required for expansion.

Stability

Fortra's JAMS is praised for its stability. Many users find it rock solid, reporting that it rarely crashes or experiences downtime. Issues that arise are usually due to external factors or resource constraints. Users have noted improvements in stability with newer versions and commend the system for handling substantial workloads. JAMS is seen as reliable, with few disruptions and steady performance, although some prefer the desktop version for better stability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Fortra's JAMS Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

16%

Computer Software Company

13%

Healthcare Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Retailer

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Government

Comms Service Provider

Legal Firm

Logistics Company

Educational Organization

University

Photography Company

Hospitality Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Outsourcing Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Performing Arts

Transportation Company

Construction Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare Fortra's JAMS with alternative products

Learn more about Fortra's JAMS

Widely used for scheduling SSIS jobs, SQL Server stored procedures, Python scripts, and FTP jobs, Fortra's JAMS offers comprehensive solutions for data manipulation, reporting, backup tasks, and job coordination. Organizations automate file movements, database maintenance, and nightly processes, providing a centralized platform for job management and monitoring across servers and environments.

What are the most important features of Fortra's JAMS?

Planning Capabilities: Efficiently plan and coordinate job schedules.
Job Dependency Management: Manage dependencies between jobs to ensure proper execution order.
Batch Scheduling: Automate and schedule batch jobs seamlessly.
Single Pane of Glass: Centralized console for tracking all automation tasks.
Interactive Agents: Deploy agents for interactive job management.
Natural Language Scheduling: Create schedules using natural language commands.
Custom Execution Methods: Implement custom methods for job execution.
PowerShell Integration: Integrate with PowerShell for enhanced scripting capabilities.
Exception Handling: Robust handling of job exceptions to minimize disruptions.
Monitoring and Historical Views: Comprehensive monitoring and historical job views for better oversight.
Extensibility: Extend the platform to meet specific needs.
File Watching: Monitor files and trigger jobs based on changes.
Complex Scheduling: Handle intricate scheduling requirements for diverse scenarios.

What are the main benefits of using Fortra's JAMS?

Centralized Control: Manage all jobs from a single console.
Efficiency: Increase efficiency by automating repetitive tasks.
Scalability: Easily scale job management across multiple servers.
Reduced Errors: Minimize human errors through automation.
Improved Monitoring: Benefit from robust monitoring and alerting options.
Customizability: Tailor workflows and schedules to specific needs.
Integration: Seamlessly integrate with a wide range of applications and systems.
Time Savings: Save time with efficient job scheduling and execution.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, Fortra's JAMS enables seamless automation of critical tasks, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency. Whether it's automating nightly batch processing for financial transactions, managing data flows in healthcare, or coordinating manufacturing processes, Fortra's JAMS provides a robust solution to enhance productivity and reliability.