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 12.3% mindshare in CDM, compared to Broadcom’s 13.6% 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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331 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Symantec Client Management ...

Read 3 Symantec Client Management Suite reviews

666 Views
366 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: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

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

June 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) (11th), Patch Management (9th), Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) (12th)

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 June 2026, in the Client Desktop Management category, the mindshare of KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is 12.3%, up from 2.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Client Management Suite is 13.6%, down from 23.8% 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)	12.3%
Symantec Client Management Suite	13.6%
Other	74.1%

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

"The ability to push an image to a machine, wake that image up, and just blast a new image to a computer without even having to touch it, and then push the software to that machine, just made things so much more convenient for us and so much more efficient than having to go find that machine, pull that machine out, take it back to the shop, and repair it from there."

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

"Overall, I rate the solution ten out of ten."

"Patching is definitely the most valuable feature. It gives us good, centralized software, which comes in very handy since we are doing 400 servers at a time. It enables us to manage all the servers, and to deal with the application team regarding reboots and scheduling."

"They've saved us so much time and money it's unreal."

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

"Without this solution, we would be dead in the water."

"The most valuable feature is the ability to monitor updates—the software versions—on machines so that we can keep everything compliant."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) pros

"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."

"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."

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

Cons

"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."

"The problem is that it's harder to directly emulate a lot of the stuff that the group policies do, using the KACE solution. With regular group policies, you just specify the various settings you want to change on the workstations, and then you specify the workstations and—while it's kind of an ugly mess—it does it. Whereas on KACE, you really have to know what you're doing with scripting to effectively script those exact same changes."

"Paying for the product should come with full and extended training anytime it is needed."

"The KACE Go Mobile App crashes a lot, and it always has."

"We'd love to see support for larger dependencies in the scripting feature."

"The software asset management functionality is an area that needs to be improved. It could be more automated because when connections need to be made, such as when I connected Adobe and my malware removed, the process was pretty much manual."

"I wish Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) would have a top-down approach since we use orgs; currently, we have to go into each org to deploy applications when we need them all across the university."

"I still need better communication about which processes are really due and which processes are currently being processed. According to the initial setup service provider, there is still no real management or overview on KACE where you can really see 100 percent of what is going on as well as what is going to be processed next and whether I can influence the overall process. It could really help me if I knew, e.g. exactly in 10 minutes my colleague will be supplied with this or that software. I haven't found this yet. If they could add this, that would be cool. It is still missing and I haven't yet found something like this."

More KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) cons

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

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

"The technical support is in need of improvement."

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

"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

"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 was a very attractive price. This is a huge feature of this product. If you would "credit score" this product versus others out there on the market, this one has a very attractive price."

"There are no costs in addition to the standard licensing fees."

"We pay annually for technical support."

"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."

"The pricing is great. It's billed annually and it's very reasonable."

"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."

"Licensing is done on a per device basis, so it's dependent on how many agents you've got installed."

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

Financial Services Firm

10%

University

10%

Construction Company

Non Profit

Government

12%

University

11%

Hospitality Company

Outsourcing 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

Buyer's Guide

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)

June 2026

KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) report

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Buyer's Guide

Client Desktop Management

June 2026

Download Symantec Client Management Suite product report

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

June 2026

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