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SolarWinds Patch Manager VS System Center Configuration Manager

Compare SolarWinds Patch Manager VS System Center Configuration Manager and see what are their differences

SolarWinds Patch Manager logo SolarWinds Patch Manager

SolarWinds Patch Manager is an intuitive patch management software for quickly addressing software vulnerabilities.

System Center Configuration Manager logo System Center Configuration Manager

Simplify your datacenter and IT management for increased agility and performance with Microsoft System Center 2016.
  • SolarWinds Patch Manager Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25
  • System Center Configuration Manager Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-22

SolarWinds Patch Manager features and specs

  • Comprehensive Patch Management
    SolarWinds Patch Manager offers a wide range of patch management capabilities for both Microsoft and third-party applications, ensuring that systems stay updated and secure against vulnerabilities.
  • Automated Patching
    The automation features allow for streamlined scheduling and deployment of patches, reducing the manual workload and risk of human error in patch management processes.
  • Integration with WSUS and SCCM
    SolarWinds Patch Manager integrates seamlessly with Microsoft WSUS and SCCM, enabling enhanced control over patch management processes and leveraging existing infrastructure.
  • Detailed Reporting and Compliance
    The tool provides comprehensive reporting and compliance features, offering insights into the patch status and compliance levels across the organization.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, facilitating quick access to necessary tools and information for IT administrators.

Possible disadvantages of SolarWinds Patch Manager

  • Cost Considerations
    SolarWinds Patch Manager can be costly for small to medium-sized businesses, potentially limiting access for organizations with tighter IT budgets.
  • Complex Initial Setup
    The initial setup and configuration process can be complex and requires adequate expertise, which may be challenging for teams with limited experience.
  • Third-Party Vendor Support
    While it supports a wide range of third-party applications, there may still be some vendors whose patches are not supported, requiring manual handling.
  • Performance Overhead
    The software might introduce performance overhead on systems, particularly during scan and deployment phases, potentially impacting system responsiveness.
  • Limited Mobile Device Support
    SolarWinds Patch Manager is primarily designed for desktop and server environments, with limited capabilities for managing patches on mobile devices.

System Center Configuration Manager features and specs

  • Comprehensive Endpoint Management
    System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) provides a unified platform for managing a wide variety of endpoint devices including desktops, servers, and mobile devices. This comprehensive approach helps streamline IT operations and enhances security.
  • Integrated with Microsoft Ecosystem
    SCCM is seamlessly integrated with other Microsoft products such as Windows, Active Directory, and Azure, which facilitates easier management and deployment of software, updates, and patches within a Microsoft-centric IT environment.
  • Scalability
    SCCM can scale to manage a large number of devices, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises. Its architecture supports growing organizations by allowing for hierarchical organization and remote site management.
  • Automation Capabilities
    SCCM offers extensive automation capabilities, including scripts and task sequences, which reduce the need for manual intervention and help streamline routine tasks such as software distribution, OS deployment, and compliance settings.
  • Extensive Reporting and Compliance
    The solution includes robust reporting tools that provide insights into the managed environment, ensuring that IT departments can maintain compliance and security standards through detailed audits and real-time data.

Possible disadvantages of System Center Configuration Manager

  • High Initial Setup and Maintenance Cost
    Implementing SCCM requires significant investment in terms of licensing, setting up the infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance. Small to medium-sized organizations may find these costs prohibitive.
  • Complexity
    Given its extensive feature set, SCCM can be quite complex to set up and manage. IT staff need specialized training and expertise to effectively utilize the full potential of the platform, which can be challenging for organizations with limited resources.
  • Performance Issues
    As the number of managed devices grows, the system can experience performance bottlenecks. Ensuring that the infrastructure can handle the load is crucial, which might necessitate additional hardware and optimization efforts.
  • Limited Support for Non-Windows Environments
    While SCCM does support multiple platforms, its capabilities are more advanced for Windows-based systems. Managing devices running other operating systems, such as macOS or Linux, may not be as seamless or feature-rich.
  • Dependency on Microsoft Ecosystem
    Organizations heavily invested in non-Microsoft technologies might find SCCM less effective or harder to integrate with their existing infrastructure. This dependency can limit its applicability in diverse IT environments.

SolarWinds Patch Manager videos

Solarwinds Patch Manager Demo

More videos:

  • Review - Introduction to SolarWinds Patch Manager
  • Review - SolarWinds Lab Bits: A Brief SolarWinds Patch Manager Overview

System Center Configuration Manager videos

System Center Configuration Manager Overview

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SolarWinds Patch Manager and System Center Configuration Manager)
Monitoring Tools
44 44%
56% 56
Patch Management
76 76%
24% 24
IT Management
27 27%
73% 73
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SolarWinds Patch Manager and System Center Configuration Manager, you can also consider the following products

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus - Patch Manager Plus, an all-round patching solution, offers automated patch deployment for Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints, plus patching support for 350+ third-party applications You can use it to patch computers within LAN and WAN.

ManageEngine Desktop Central - Desktop Central is a Desktop Management and Mobile Device Management Software for managing desktops in LAN and across WAN and mobile devices from a central location. It supports managing Windows, Mac and Mobile devices running iOS 4 and above

WSUS Offline Update - Using "WSUS Offline Update" (formerly known as "ct offline update" or "DIY...

Freshservice - Freshservice: the one-stop cloud solution for all your IT management needs.

Goverlan - Goverlan Reach provides IT systems support and remote management software solutions enabling innovative and simplified ways for businesses to address remote IT administration needs.

Microsoft Update Catalog - Official Microsoft Update Catalog download site.