Software deployment and inventory management allow managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams to deploy software seamlessly across all the endpoint devices in a business’s IT environment. A software deployment solution allows IT professionals to install applications and patches to ensure that IT assets are up-to-date and secure. Software deployment and inventory management offer full visibility and control over hardware and software assets within an organization. This allows businesses to avoid overspending on software licenses and aid IT professionals in identifying unauthorized or obsolete software that could lead to security vulnerabilities.
To make it easier to evaluate the top PDQ alternatives, this blog will analyze the top software deployment and inventory management software solutions.
1. NinjaOne
Ranked #1 on G2 by customers, NinjaOne is a world leader in endpoint management. This user-friendly platform is ideal for IT departments and MSPs looking to optimize their IT operations. With NinjaOne, IT teams and MSPs can deploy, monitor, patch, and uninstall software across their Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoint devices. Through NinjaOne’s console, users can also keep track of their software inventory and gain full visibility on all the software in their IT environment and which devices have these applications installed.
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What makes NinjaOne an excellent PDQ alternative
Software monitoring and deployment
NinjaOne provides full visibility of an organization’s software inventory, showing the complete list of software in the IT environment and which devices have these applications installed. Users can easily keep track of paid software, patch over 200 applications, or uninstall unauthorized software.
Unified endpoint device management
While PDQ does not offer a cloud-hosted web application, NinjaOne’s cloud-native web-based console allows users to efficiently monitor and manage all endpoints and keep track of the software deployed on all their devices. Monitor and manage installed software, push out updates, and resolve problems with endpoints from a single pane of glass.
Powerful IT automation
NinjaOne’s strengths in IT automation allow technicians to automate routine tasks, reducing the need for manual intervention. This frees up IT teams to work on more strategic projects. Users can also customize software installation packages, making pushing software to devices quick and easy.
Simple interface
Reviews of PDQ mentioned that the user interface is showing its age and has become difficult to navigate. NinjaOne is a great PDQ alternative designed for simplicity; it’s easy to use and navigate. Users can find what they need without extensive training or expertise, allowing IT teams to use the platform quickly.
Patch management
NinjaOne’s patch management software allows users to schedule and push out updates for the software and hardware in their IT environment, keeping devices and servers high-performing and safe from vulnerabilities. Patches can be scheduled to ensure constant updates without disrupting end users.
Strengths of NinjaOne
- Remote monitoring and management (RMM). NinjaOne offers a single console where users can monitor, manage, secure, and support IT devices across different operating systems, offering IT teams unparalleled visibility and control over their IT infrastructure.
- Highly scalable. NinjaOne is designed to grow with your business. This flexible platform can handle the increasing complexity and volume of IT devices as businesses expand.
- World-leading customer support. NinjaOne is consistently ranked #1 for its exceptional customer support and service, emphasizing timely and effective assistance to ensure users can leverage all the platform’s functions.
- Compliance management. NinjaOne allows technicians to keep devices secure and up-to-date to ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA in the American healthcare industry.
- Remote IT support. Stable remote access offers technicians an easy and secure method of remediating issues with endpoint devices from anywhere in the world. NinjaOne reduces downtime and boosts IT efficiency by allowing IT support professionals to handle issues instantly.
Customer story
Phil Mariscal, IT Director of California Truck Centers, was looking for an alternative to their software deployment and inventory management solution. Their old provider was unreliable when pushing out software and patches. On top of that, deploying software used to take Phil’s team an entire week. That was when Phil decided to switch to NinjaOne, and he immediately saw a boost in productivity.
“I’ve never worked with a tool that works as fast as NinjaOne…There’s no other tool on the market that’s close to NinjaOne. NinjaOne is our one-stop shop for endpoint management and security.”
With NinjaOne, automated software deployment has allowed Phil’s team to deploy software overnight. The result is a 95%-time reduction in the time it takes to deploy software, eliminating any manual work that would have otherwise required at least two more technicians to keep up with California Truck Center’s IT support needs.
Read more NinjaOne customer stories.
NinjaOne’s IT management software has no forced commitments and no hidden fees.
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Reviews
- 1,108 reviews (at the time of writing)
- 4.8 / 5 stars
- 204 reviews (at the time of writing)
- 4.8 / 5 stars
2. Action1
Action1 is a cloud-based patch management software that can automate software deployment and push out updates for Windows updates and third-party applications and drivers. It also offers vulnerability discovery so that users can remediate those issues.
Pros
- Patch and compliance management: Action1 allows users to automate and schedule application updates to ensure that devices comply with specific industry standards such as HIPAA.
- Software deployment: With Action1, users can deploy, patch, and remove software for remote endpoints. This platform also provides visibility of the software installed on endpoint devices.
- IT asset inventory: Action1 allows users to monitor hardware and software assets in real time.
Cons
- Only supports Windows devices: The platform’s agent only works on Windows devices. IT teams with hybrid OS infrastructures would need to invest in a separate solution for their Mac and Linux devices.
- Lacks reports for software inventory: Action1’s reporting cannot generate a report of all the software installed on a device.
- Limited remote access: Users have complained about Action1’s remote control capabilities due to lag. In addition, it lacks some features such as file transfer.
3. Ivanti
Ivanti Endpoint Manager is a cloud-native IT management solution that allows users to track all the hardware and software in their IT environment. It allows users to monitor and manage endpoints and automate the distribution of software and patches.
Pros
- Software deployment: Ivanti can deploy, update, and uninstall applications across an organization’s endpoints. This can be done ad hoc or via scheduling.
- Remote access: With Ivanti, IT support can connect to remote devices to remediate issues.
- Automated patching: Users can schedule when to push out patches for OS and third-party applications to keep devices up-to-date and secure.
Cons
- Complex interface: Users have stated that Ivanti’s interface is challenging to navigate. IT often takes users some time to locate the correct module or task.
- Documentation is lacking: Ivanti’s documentation makes it hard to find answers and is not frequently updated for the latest patches.
- Limited customer support: Reviewers have reported being charged fees for professional service hours, whereas other providers, such as NinjaOne, offer free and unlimited support.
See how Ivanti compares to NinjaOne.
How to evaluate the best PDQ alternatives
Choosing the best software deployment and inventory management solution for your business requires determining your organization’s needs. Other factors to assess include the size of your IT infrastructure and the applications and types of mobile devices in use. Consider the scalability of a software deployment solution so that it can adapt to your business’ growth. Look for a software deployment provider that offers top-tier support to reduce downtime from issues and make the initial setup and ongoing management easy and efficient.
Take advantage of free trials and demos for a hands-on experience of the software’s performance and ease of use. Ensure the software deployment solution’s features align with your business needs.
