KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Symantec Client Management Suite comparison

Quest Software and Broadcom are both solutions in the Client Desktop Management category. Quest Software is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.5, while Broadcom is ranked #3. Quest Software holds a 12.2% mindshare in CDM, compared to Broadcom’s 13.1% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Quest Software users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 66% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

KACE Systems Management App...

Read 40 KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) reviews

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260 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Symantec Client Management ...

Read 3 Symantec Client Management Suite reviews

619 Views
322 Comparison Views

66% willing to recommend

KACE Systems Management App...

Symantec Client Management ...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 1, 2026

Symantec Client Management Suite and KACE Systems Management Appliance compete in systems management, with Symantec offering strong security management and KACE focusing on asset and inventory management. Symantec is favorable for security-focused environments, while KACE is preferred for comprehensive asset management.

Features: Symantec Client Management Suite provides integrated lifecycle management, seamless patch management, and robust software distribution. KACE Systems Management Appliance offers exceptional asset management, precise inventory tracking, and comprehensive endpoint control.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec Client Management Suite is straightforward to deploy, suiting environments with existing infrastructures and offering quicker setup. KACE Systems Management Appliance involves a more detailed setup but benefits from strong customer support, appealing to those needing guidance.

Pricing and ROI: Symantec Client Management Suite has competitive pricing and provides a solid ROI, particularly for integrated security management priorities. KACE Systems Management Appliance may incur higher setup costs but offers strong ROI through its asset management, justifying the investment for environments requiring asset oversight.

To learn more, read our detailed KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite

April 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

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

Categories and Ranking

KACE Systems Management App...

Ranking in Client Desktop Management

2nd

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Endpoint Compliance (7th), Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) (12th), Patch Management (9th), Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) (10th)

Symantec Client Management ...

Ranking in Client Desktop Management

3rd

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the Client Desktop Management category, the mindshare of KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is 12.2%, up from 1.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Client Management Suite is 13.1%, down from 24.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Client Desktop Management Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)	12.2%
Symantec Client Management Suite	13.1%
Other	74.7%

Client Desktop Management

Featured Reviews

AdityaJain

Security Administrator at EbixCash

Centralized software deployment has simplified endpoint control but needs stronger security alerts

What I like best about KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is that it allows pushing custom-made applications to all computers that have KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) endpoint installed. This makes it easier for the organization to push patches and updates. If I need to push EDR updates, I can use KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), as it automatically updates the EDR on that endpoint, and that is a great feature. Overall, KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) helps streamline my processes by allowing me to check the uptime and downtime of machines, whether they are connected to the internet or not, and how long a machine has been switched off. I can also gather hardware details and software inventory from it. I can show a live demonstration if a video conference can be arranged. Incident resolution capabilities with KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) have improved operational efficiency for system administrators, as it makes it easier to track machines with KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), gather their IP addresses, and push several updates, patches, or software deployments at once. I can design compliances as per my requirements, such as ensuring passwords are reset after 45 days.

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Sathish-Holla

IT Consultant at a real estate/law firm with 51-200 employees

Knowledgeable support, easy client management, and straightforward agent installation

Symantec Client Management Suite is used for Microsoft Windows patches and inventory management. The solution can be deployed on-premise and on the cloud Yes it helped to update systems remotely The most valuable feature of Symantec Client Management Suite is the ease of client management and…

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"KACE’s knowledge-based articles are very good."

"The scripting is a very valuable feature, as it saves us time on pushing certain things out to the users, such as software and patches."

"This solution makes it easy to control assets and upgrade all types of software."

"My company had bought some new machines. We used the tool to do some basic settings to ship every machine the same way and undertake the Windows deployment. We did the scripted installation. The tool helped us deploy custom software for specific departments. We also did Windows updates with the product."

"It definitely saves us all kinds of time and value, saving us well over half the time because we are not having to touch individual things or micromanage them and freeing us up to do other stuff so we are more responsive and able to come up with solutions faster when fixing some people's problems."

"I like how when you click on the device, it shows you everything that has changed as well as the software versioning. I am really enjoying the inventory aspect of it."

"We can get the majority of what we need with this product and do not have to spend money on something else."

"Using this solution saves us lots of time, especially when it comes to performing updates."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) pros

"We can track the incidents, we can track the changes, we can track the assets from cradle to grave and give some kind of accounting as they get older."

"This is a very strong solution, and the most important thing for us is that it is very easy to use, as well as the availability of it in our support centers."

"The most important thing for us is that it is very easy to use, as well as the availability of it in our support centers."

"The most valuable feature of Symantec Client Management Suite is the ease of client management and agent installation."

Cons

"The customization of the interface needs improvement for things like end user tickets."

"The labeling process should be more streamlined. It should be easier to do. It gets confusing at times."

"Scalability is my primary concern right now."

"I would like them to implement VBScript language in KACE Systems Management. Currently, we can only use PowerShell."

"I think it should have the ability to have the applications automatically update. It would be really helpful if this would override what the user might choose to do."

"The GUI needs some work. I love all that it can do, however, it can be just be so cluttered at times."

"They could make the booting solution easier for different things, e.g., easier to insert drivers. They could make it easier to create a new image and put it onto the server. Those would be some nice solutions. They could make it so that somebody who has no knowledge at all can do it. That would be really nice. Because every time, until I get it memorized, I still need to go back to the training, the manual, or Google it to figure it out again. If they would make it a lot easier, to where a nine-year-old could do it, that would be really cool. If they made it easier, I could have more people managing the images on the server, instead of just one or two people."

"There may be a good reason why some things are not easily able to be done, yet it needs work to compete with some of the other ticketing systems out there now."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) cons

"Symantec Client Management Suite can improve by adding more network devices."

"The technical support has been troubling for me. I would rate them a six out of ten."

"The technical support is in need of improvement."

"Some parts are working okay, some of the other components aren't. Workflow isn't working properly."

"Some parts are working okay, some of the other components aren't. Workflow isn't working properly. Different people accepting changes and being able to close it has some issues. Putting hot fixes and installing it usually breaks the system."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Licensing is very straightforward. They don't overcomplicate it. This is not a Cisco product where you have to have 30 different licenses just to open the box. It's pretty much set-and-forget. You pay an annual license... The cost is in the mid to upper range, but the ROI exceeds the outside cost, especially once you've had the system for a while."

"We pay annually for technical support."

"Some of the other solutions were just astronomical in price compared with KACE and didn't necessarily have the ease of use either. So, we chose Quest KACE for its easy-to-use features and cost."

"Its pricing model is good for what it offers. Nobody here gives me a hard time about renewing the contract every year. It might be a little cost prohibitive for a smaller company who has to stand up a virtual environment as well as have virtual environment licensing and the hardware. If you have a smaller environment, it might be cost prohibitive. If you only have a couple of hundred computers, you might be more willing to do those manually. In our environment, the cost savings of having KACE far outweigh the licensing costs. We are okay with its pricing model."

"The cost of KACE has been relatively low compared to other systems. Even if those systems have the same cost, they do not do as much of the third-party patching that KACE natively does."

"It may be more expensive, but you get what you pay for."

"Their pricing is per end-point device. There is an initial cost for the license for the server, which is pretty low, and then there is a per end-point device license, which is also fairly low. So, the pricing is still reasonable."

"We are also saving on the licensing fee, compared to other endpoint management solutions."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) pricing and cost advice

"The price of the solution is competitive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

University

11%

Non Profit

Financial Services Firm

Government

University

14%

Government

13%

Hospitality Company

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	20
Large Enterprise	16

No data available

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Quest KACE Systems Management?

In terms of cost-effectiveness, considering a situation where I want to deploy KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) for just pushing updates, it is completely fine. However, apart from that, I d...

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What needs improvement with Quest KACE Systems Management?

For improvements in KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA), I would want to see it become a standalone software agent. I am curious about why it does not offer EDR functionality. Additionally, the...

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What is your primary use case for Quest KACE Systems Management?

I have deployed KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) around 230 plus PCs, and I use it to push Windows updates and scripts. I have designed various scripts for tasks such as password resets afte...

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Product Reports

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KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

April 2026

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) report

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Buyer's Guide

Client Desktop Management

April 2026

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Also Known As

Dell KACE Systems Management

Symantec Altiris Client Management Suite

Overview

KACE Systems Management Appliance offers integration capabilities, efficient image deployment, and comprehensive asset management. It supports centralized management across diverse devices and locations, simplifying IT processes and enhancing security.

KACE Systems Management Appliance provides single-pane visibility for endpoint management, mass software deployment, automated patch management, robust scripting, and detailed inventory tracking. It streamlines IT management and improves cyber-security compliance through remote software updates and centralized IT request handling. Despite struggles with scalability and the need for interface improvements, it enables efficient device imaging, script automation, and network management through detailed reporting. Organizations find it effective for software deployment, asset management, and endpoint monitoring, serving thousands of IoT devices and desktops.

What are the key features of KACE Systems Management Appliance?

Integration capabilities: Seamlessly connects with existing IT systems.
Efficient image deployment: Facilitates quick and effective distribution of system images.
Comprehensive asset management: Provides detailed tracking and management of IT assets.
User-friendly helpdesk: Simplifies handling IT requests and issues.
Automated patch management: Ensures devices are up-to-date with security patches.
Robust scripting: Allows for automation of complex IT tasks.
Detailed inventory tracking: Maintains accurate records of all IT assets.

What benefits should users expect from KACE Systems Management Appliance?

Simplified IT processes: Centralized management enhances operational efficiency.
Improved security: Streamlines cyber-security compliance through automated updates.
Flexibility in customizations: Adapts to specific IT environment needs.
Increased productivity: Efficient ticketing and reporting ease organizational operations.
Remote software updates: Ensures all devices are current, reducing security risks.

In healthcare, KACE Systems Management Appliance is used for maintaining device compliance and security standards. Educational institutions benefit from its capabilities to manage large numbers of endpoints across campuses. In finance, it aids in strict compliance requirements through automated patch management and detailed reporting. Retail sectors leverage its asset management features to streamline operations across numerous locations.

Quest Software

Symantec Client Management Suite provides organizations with comprehensive tools to securely and efficiently manage client devices. This solution is ideal for enterprises seeking robust device management, inventory, and deployment capabilities.

Symantec Client Management Suite simplifies device management through a range of features that address core IT needs. Users benefit from integrated asset management, application deployment, and comprehensive security tools. With centralized control, IT departments can enhance operational efficiency and support compliance requirements. Symantec Client Management Suite is designed for scalability, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

What are the key features of Symantec Client Management Suite?

Asset Management: Offers detailed visibility into hardware and software assets.
Application Deployment: Facilitates easy and effective software installations across devices.
Patch Management: Ensures systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Remote Control: Provides IT teams with the ability to troubleshoot devices remotely.

What benefits and ROI should users look for in reviews?

Increased Efficiency: Streamlines repetitive IT tasks for better productivity.
Cost Reduction: Lowers overall IT maintenance costs with automated management tools.
Improved Security: Enhances device security through frequent updates and patches.
Scalability: Adapts to growing IT infrastructure needs without compromising performance.

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and education implement Symantec Client Management Suite due to its reliability and comprehensive security benefits. These sectors prioritize safeguarding sensitive information while maintaining operational efficiency, making Symantec Client Management Suite an ideal choice.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Waypoint, Mattos Filho, Meetic, Gems Education, Green Clinic HealthSystem, Service King

Alghanim Industries, Asia Pacific Telecom Co. Ltd, Barnabas Health, Berry Plastics Corporation, BNY Mellon, Borealis, British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A, Cabela's Inc., Carrington Holding Company, College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), Comparex, Cybercom Plenware Oy, DHL Hub Leipzig GmbH, Dickinson Dees LLP, Farmington Area Public Schools, Fazer Group, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, ForceTEC Co. Ltd., Frucor Beverages Ltd, Hadassah University Hospital, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hutchison Whampoa (China) Commerce Limited, Indian River School District, Johnson County Community College, JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, Kier Group plc, Kwizda Holdings GmbH, Lake Health, Lansky Ganzger & Partner, Mobilezone, Molina Healthcare Inc., Nanyang Technological University, NASDAQ OMX Group Inc., Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pima Community College, Regional council of Franche-Comt_, Shanghai Pudong International Container Terminals Co. Ltd., Siemens Professional Education, Symantec Corporation (Endpoint Security 12.1), TIVIT, Travelport, University of Oxford

Buyer's Guide

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs. Symantec Client Management Suite

April 2026

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