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Infrastructure, Technical Computing Applications at EQF Solutions
Real User
Stable and works well for large environments
Pros and Cons
  • "We're a Microsoft-centric organization, so we are happy with the integration between products."
  • "There is no asset management package included."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case for SCCM is for managing workstations.

All of the software that runs on our workstations is packaged and distributed and managed. Along with that, some of our security software is managed a little bit differently, but is accounted for in that way.

We also use it for keeping track of our patches.

What is most valuable?

We're a Microsoft-centric organization, so we are happy with the integration between products.

The interface, customization, and security are all pretty good.

What needs improvement?

There is no asset management package included. You have to buy that separately so we need  to use another system to manage that. This is one of the biggest things that makes SCCM not as competitive as some other systems. If they had this functionality then their help desk software would be much better and much more useful.

It is a little bit fat on the client-side, in terms of the stuff it leaves in place after the management is complete. It would be nice if they could pay attention to that, although we have a separate way of dealing with it.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been involved with using SCCM in four or five different places for a total of close to 15 years.

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October 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

SCCM has no issue with stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable product. The biggest group that I have been involved with was maybe 15,000 people. Typically, the sizes are in the 1,000-person area and it's not the type of product that you put together and configure for an office.

How are customer service and support?

Their SCCM support is slightly better than their general support. Their general support, Microsoft is tiered so you have to fight your way through the tiers to get to the real people. There's no way around that, but that's just the way they are. I understand that because they're such a big company

How was the initial setup?

I have not done the initial setup alone, and I wouldn't recommend doing it for anybody who didn't know what they were doing, or that hadn't done it before, because you have to go through a certain learning process.

I have seen that a base installation complete can be done in three days, and I have also seen an environment with 1,000 workstations deployed in two weeks.

What about the implementation team?

I have always worked with somebody who is well-versed in the solution to assist with deployment. I rely on a Microsoft MVP-level person to get the install done properly for me.

One person is enough for maintenance.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Pricing is negotiable with Microsoft, depending upon which of their packages you choose. They're changing their packages, and I don't know how they're changing them yet. It's been a few years since I have worked in that capacity.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We continually look at and evaluate everything.

Microsoft has Intune, as well. However, Intune is a choice if you're in a smaller-scale situation. Typically, I don't get called into things unless it is large, where I interact with clients on technical computing and solving network problems that are related to workstation issues. For these types of larger things, SCCM is a logical choice.

I haven't been in a Unix environment beyond having to do database-engine-related work.

What other advice do I have?

My advice for anybody looking into implementing SCCM is that it has to be on a larger scale, and you have to be committed to Microsoft.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Works at Toyota Boshoku America
Real User
Helps us with deploying operating systems and applications in our organization
Pros and Cons
  • "This has made the management of our environment easier."
  • "Not everything is readily available, and there are a lot of commands that are only executable via PowerShell."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for implementing System CenterConfigMgr in our organization, and for standardization.

How has it helped my organization?

This has made the management of our environment easier.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of this solution are the OSD and application deployments, and it also automates updates.

What needs improvement?

Not everything is readily available, and there are a lot of commands that are only executable via PowerShell. In this regard, the user interface could be improved.

This is linked to how Microsoft designs the products: They release a product and a visual interface, but also provide PowerShell commandlets. This usually is in ratio of 30/70 (UI / PowerShell actions).

For how long have I used the solution?

Four years.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Configuration Manager
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Configuration Manager. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
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Akramulla Mohammed - PeerSpot reviewer
System Specialist at Tech Mahindra Limited
Real User
Integrates well, reliable, and simple setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is the software deployment. Additionally, Microsoft integrates most of the other solutions well with one another."
  • "The availability of technical support could improve."

What is our primary use case?

I am using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for software distribution and patch management.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is the software deployment. Additionally, Microsoft integrates most of the other solutions well with one another.

What needs improvement?

The support could improve.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for approximately five years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We are utilizing the solution on a regular basis.

I rate the scalability of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager 

How are customer service and support?

The availability of technical support could improve.

I rate the support from Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager as seven out of ten. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

I rate the initial setup of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager an eight out of ten.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the price of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager an eight out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Information Technology Support Analyst at a energy/utilities company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Highly scalable, impressive support, and reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is highly scalable."
  • "The solution could improve the functionality for automating, license management. Additionally, more and better-looking reports are needed."

What is our primary use case?

Microsoft is working on migrating the function of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager to the cloud. Every week and every month there is something new that's happening to move to the cloud.

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is used for installing new workstations without the interaction of people, it does the deploying of workstations automatically. Autopilot is used for automatic deployment installations of workstations without IT support. We only have packages at home and we do not need a VPN to configure workstations from home.

The patching of inventory to patching of Windows and applications, such as Office, inventory of wiping security, deploying new software, reinstalling software, uninstalling software, and wiping the device. This is insecurity from Active Directory services, some functionality we are moving to a group policy.  By having less IT support you can handle more workstations.

What needs improvement?

The solution could improve the functionality for automating, license management. Additionally, more and better-looking reports are needed.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager within the last 12 months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is a stable solution. We do not have a lack of production in my orgaization.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is highly scalable.

We have two IT engineers using the solution.

How are customer service and support?

Microsoft has high-level support, I only have good words to say about them.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used Zabbix previously. I was using Zabbix, its free tool. It's not for somebody who does not have knowledge of Linux. Zabbix is not for a regular Microsoft user to use.

How was the initial setup?

The installation requires a lot of knowledge and experience. The whole process took us three months.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The license price could be reduced for Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager  They should make the price more affordable for smaller companies, most companies would be able to use the solution if it was priced better.  There are more people on this cloud because you don't have to have either a server room or an on-premise server. You can have one IT person handle this without any local infrastructure. 

You receive a license for Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager when you buy an EMS E3 license. 

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others.

I rate Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
RHS Tech Manager at a recreational facilities/services company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
A critical piece of infrastructure that provides what we need and works fine
Pros and Cons
  • "Software deployment and WSUS are most valuable."
  • "There should probably be better remote support. They should also continue to improve on patch management, patching, and creating or turning products in software into deployable apps."

What is our primary use case?

We are using it for software deployment. Our network team uses this solution. It is mostly our tier-two team. 

We're on the latest version.

What is most valuable?

Software deployment and WSUS are most valuable.

What needs improvement?

There should probably be better remote support. They should also continue to improve on patch management, patching, and creating or turning products in software into deployable apps.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution in our organization for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The version that we have is MEMCM, and it works fine.

How are customer service and technical support?

I've had interaction with Microsoft support, and their support is fine. It is what it is. It is always nice if it is better, but I certainly don't have any complaints.

What was our ROI?

I don't look at it from an ROI perspective. It provides what we need. It is a critical piece of infrastructure. If you want to run networking and support devices, you have no choice. You have to have it.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate SCCM a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Configuration Manager, MPE USARUER, G3, MCSD at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
MSP
Great systems management that captures all the devices in our infrastructure
Pros and Cons
  • "This solution captures all the devices in our infrastructure."
  • "Could do with some cosmetic improvements on the user interface."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case of this product is for infrastructure, capturing all the configuration items within our infrastructure. I'm the configuration manager and we are customers of SCCM. 

What is most valuable?

I like that this solution captures all the devices in our infrastructure, quickly identifying those items based upon everything we've identified within the SCCM, as far as the proper nomenclature goes. Other things along those lines like serial numbers, and the location of things, it's all good stuff. The solution does exactly what it needs to do and in terms of being on the ITSM side of the house it just feeds into it. 

What needs improvement?

I'd like to see some cosmetic improvements on the user interface. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution definitely does what it's supposed to do. 

How are customer service and technical support?

Microsoft does a good job as far as putting information out there for anyone to train themselves, especially if it's within their Microsoft Virtual Academy. I don't deal with the administrative side of the house, but we have Microsoft system engineers we can contact if we need. The support is sufficient, very responsive and easy to work with.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward and took around five hours. It was carried out by the two administrators in the company. We also have people on the team who are familiar with SCCM.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don't know much about the licensing structure but I believe everything is probably included within the package.

What other advice do I have?

It's important to be aware of the capabilities of the software and all that it says it's designed to do, and to make sure that you educate yourself on the use of the software. 

I would rate this solution an eight out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Architect at Fayat SA
Real User
A best-in-market solution useful in deploying endpoints, applications and updates for large companies
Pros and Cons
  • "It has the ability to perform mass distribution."
  • "It needs to be able to load faster during deployment."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for this solution is deploying endpoints, applications and updates for large companies. The solution is deployed on-premises and on cloud.

What is most valuable?

It has the ability to perform mass distribution which is valuable.

What needs improvement?

It needs to be able to load faster during deployment and the new release could include this ability. This will allow us to deploy critical collections with over 50,000 to 60,000 users simultaneously.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for approximately ten years and are currently using version 2203.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward.

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution an eight out of ten. The solution is the best there is in the market today. A feature that could be included in the next release is its ability to load faster during deployment.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Senior Engineer - IT Security Systems at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
A highly-scalable solution that allows us to test out VMs
Pros and Cons
  • "The ability to make collections and deploy to them has been great."
  • "The ability to integrate MDM would be great."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution to test out VMs.

What is most valuable?

The ability to make collections and deploy to them has been great.

What needs improvement?

The ability to integrate MDM would be great.

For how long have I used the solution?

We just set up our lab, so we've only been using this solution for three months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

So far, we've had no issues with bugs or glitches. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

SCCM is highly scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not had to contact technical support.

How was the initial setup?

As someone who is quite familiar with IT, the initial setup was quite straightforward. It would definitely be complicated if you're not familiar with IT.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Presently, I am using a free trial version. 

What other advice do I have?

I really like SCCM. I am constantly learning new things all the time. So far, it seems pretty straightforward.

It's a good product designed for medium to large-sized environments that need to automate their deployments and set them in an organized manner.

Overall, on a scale from one to ten, I would give this solution a rating of eight.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Configuration Manager Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: October 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Configuration Manager Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.