SymphonyAI Summit Service Management vs. SysAid

Brenda Gratas May 10, 2022
- 17 min read

Are you deciding between SymphonyAI Summit Service Management vs. SysAid for your IT Service Management (ITSM) needs? With many ITSM options available on the market, organizations often face the challenge of selecting the platform that best fits their unique needs.

In this blog post, we'll embark on an in-depth ITSM tools comparison of these two platforms. Each tool stands as a prominent contender in the competitive landscape of ITSM solutions. 

But if neither of these platforms entirely fulfills your specific demands, we'll introduce an alternative solution that might be the perfect match for you—InvGate Service Desk. This robust service desk software offers an enticing array of features meticulously designed to streamline your service delivery and empower your organization.

Continue reading to discover the ideal fit for your IT Service Management needs.

Table of contents

TL;DR

  • SymphonyAI Summit Service Management provides flexibility and feature-rich capabilities, yet faces issues like performance and support challenges.
  • SysAid garners praise for its intuitive interface and robust reporting, but users seek broader customization and advanced AI functionalities.
  • InvGate stands out with its comprehensive ticketing system and ITSM commitment, emphasizing features like no-code/low-code options, customization features, self-service capabilities and ITIL4 certification.

Most looked-at features by buyers

In the process of evaluating ITSM solutions, prospective buyers usually place a focus on particular features that match their organization's requirements. These sought-after attributes play a pivotal role in enabling informed decision-making.

Now, let's take a closer look at the fundamental issues that prospective buyers typically prioritize when comparing different ITSM solutions.

  1. Support automation and Workflow Management - Prospective buyers actively search for software solutions that possess automation capabilities to streamline routine tasks such as ticket routing, approvals, and escalations. These automated features result in heightened efficiency and productivity.

  2. Scalability - Organizations undergoing growth and transformation highly value solutions that can easily adapt to their expanding needs and permit customization. It is imperative for the solution to offer the capability to create custom fields, workflows, and extensions/plugins, allowing organizations to tailor the software to align with their unique business requirements.

  3. Ticket Management System - Buyers emphasize including a comprehensive Ticket Management System within their help desk software. This feature simplifies the tracking, assigning, and resolving of customer inquiries and support requests.

  4. Self-service portal and knowledge base - Buyers attach great significance to the inclusion of a self-service portal, as it empowers end-users to independently resolve common issues and access pertinent information without needing direct assistance.

  5. Efficient Asset Management - Users prioritize software that offers robust IT Asset Management capabilities, enabling them to maintain precise inventories and optimize resource utilization within their organizations.

  6. Streamlined IT service catalog - Organizations often require a service catalog that enables users to request specific IT services or resources. This feature simplifies service requests, provides visibility into available services, and facilitates effective service delivery management.

  7. Comprehensive reporting - Buyers seek help desk software equipped with robust reporting tools, such as dashboards and reports, which provide valuable insights into their IT operations and performance. This data-driven approach facilitates informed decision-making and continuous service improvement.

  8. User-friendly experience and interface - Purchasers consider the software's user interface and overall experience, focusing on its ease of use and its impact on user adoption and productivity. They value an intuitive interface that facilitates seamless interaction with the software. Additionally, for organizations with remote or mobile workforces, mobile accessibility is a critical factor to take into account.

  9. Customization and flexibility - Purchasers value software solutions that offer customization options, enabling them to personalize the platform to suit their business needs. This flexibility ensures that the software aligns with their unique workflows and processes, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and overall effectiveness.

  10. Seamless integration capabilities - Integration with other systems and applications is a pivotal requirement for buyers, as it ensures the smooth flow of data and process automation. The ability to integrate with existing tools and platforms is greatly prized for improved efficiency and a unified user experience.

  11. Pricing and support - Buyers evaluate the solution's cost-effectiveness, including licensing models, subscription plans, and any additional costs associated with features or users. The availability of customer support, documentation, and training resources also significantly influences their decision-making process.

  12. ITIL compliance - Many organizations adhere to ITIL best practices for IT Service Management. Buyers may prefer solutions that support ITIL processes like Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, and Asset Management, as these processes align with their organizational standards.

What is SymphonyAI Summit Service Management?

SymphonyAI Summit, a company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Pune, India, is focused on delivering AI-powered solutions for IT operations management. Their primary product, SymphonyAI Summit, is an IT Service Management solution that adheres to ITIL standards and integrates cutting-edge AI-driven digital agents and automated services.

Furthermore, the organization broadens its spectrum of services to encompass an IT Asset Management solution, which assists in Lifecycle Management, expenditure control, and the avoidance of redundant acquisitions.

What users like from SymphonyAI Summit Service Management

Sources like Gartner have published positive customer reviews about SymphonyAI Summit Service Management. Let’s now explore some of the advantages spotlighted in these assessments.

  • User satisfaction - Users consistently laud SymphonyAI Summit Service Management for its user-friendly interface, well-organized dashboard design, and unwavering commitment to simplicity.
  • Cost-efficient solution - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management stands out for its cost-effectiveness compared to competitors. Users perceive value in the platform's pricing model, which offers extensive features and capabilities.
  • Versatility and adaptability - The solution empowers users to effortlessly oversee workflows and support, allowing for dynamic adjustments to meet evolving requirements. Implementing suggestions is a straightforward process, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement. Users also value the platform's ease of configuring conditions, validations, and changes.
  • Functionality and features - Users highly appreciate the platform's comprehensive feature set. The tool's adherence to ITIL standards, its out-of-the-box reporting tools, intuitive management of ticket relationships, automation through orchestration, and integration of AI capabilities all contribute to its attractiveness.
  • Training and assistance - The training team receives high praise for their expertise and effectiveness in knowledge transfer. The platform's support services are known for their punctuality and ability to address users' inquiries and challenges swiftly.
  • Multi-channel engagement - The software excels in automating workflows and seamlessly connecting Incident Requests (IR), Service Requests (SR), and Change Requests (CR) with assets and configuration items. Its robust resource management capabilities enable it to handle a wide range of resources efficiently.
  • Asset Management - The platform's IT Asset Management (ITAM) capabilities deliver a robust and engaging experience to users. Features such as mail-to-ticket and mail-to-service request (SR) functionality, combined with comprehensive ITAM tools, enhance the platform's Asset Management efficiency.

What users don’t like from SymphonyAI Summit Service Management

Despite numerous strengths and positive aspects associated with SymphonyAI Summit Service Management, users have expressed reservations and criticisms regarding specific facets of the platform. These observations have been gleaned from reviews conducted by entities like Gartner. Let's delve into some of the issues that have been underscored.

  • Limitations on customization flexibility - While the platform does offer customization options, some users have encountered restrictions that impede their ability to achieve the desired levels of customization in specific areas.
  • Costs and licensing - Some users perceive the licensing costs as relatively high, prompting comparisons with other tools available in the market.
  • Performance and accessibility - Users have pointed out accessibility issues, including prolonged unavailability and significant slowdowns. Recommendations have also been made to enhance application responsiveness.
  • Configuration - Concerns about the platform's configuration capabilities, workflow management, and administrative functions have been raised, with suggestions for improvement and strengthening.
  • Responsiveness - Another common concern revolves around the performance of the web interface, with users reporting speed and responsiveness issues. Additionally, there have been instances where focus appears to divert from critical enhancements.
  • Reliability - The product's reliability has come under scrutiny, with some users suggesting the need for more rigorous testing to bolster overall stability.
  • Customer support - Dissatisfaction with customer support has been voiced by certain users, encompassing concerns about delayed service requests for reports, extended support timelines, and challenges related to bug resolution and product updates.
  • Bugs - Reports of bugs causing conflicts between different teams' data buckets have emerged, affecting the overall reliability and stability of the system.
  • Additional suggestions - Users have brought up a couple of specific points. Firstly, there is a desire for an alert or reminder feature within the platform. Secondly, comments have surfaced regarding the need for improved documentation for the platform.

What’s SymphonyAI Summit Service Management’s argument over SysAid?

SymphonyAI Summit Service Management presents a compelling argument compared to SysAid, offering several key advantages that distinguish it. 

  1. User satisfaction - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management consistently garners positive feedback for its user-friendly interface, easily navigable dashboard, and a strong commitment to simplicity. 

  2. Cost-efficiency - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management is recognized for its cost-effectiveness compared to competitors. Users appreciate its pricing structure, which offers excellent value while delivering robust features and capabilities. 

  3. Adaptability and flexibility - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management empowers users to easily manage workflows and support, allowing for real-time adjustments to meet evolving requirements. The platform's flexibility and responsiveness to user suggestions foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

  4. Functionality and features - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management offers a broad spectrum of capabilities, including adherence to ITIL standards, robust reporting tools, straightforward ticket relationship management, automation through orchestration, and integration of AI capabilities. 

  5. Training and support - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management receives accolades for its training team's expertise and effectiveness in knowledge transfer. Its support services are renowned for their promptness and ability to address user queries and challenges promptly. 

  6. Efficient multichannel engagement - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management excels in automating workflows and seamlessly connecting various request types with assets and configuration items. Its robust resource management capabilities enable it to efficiently handle a wide array of resources. 

  7. Effective Asset Management - SymphonyAI Summit Service Management provides a comprehensive and engaging experience in IT Asset Management (ITAM). It offers features like mail-to-ticket and mail-to-service request functionality alongside a comprehensive suite of ITAM tools. 

What is SysAid?

Example of SysAid's interface.

SysAid IT Service Management, a cloud-based solution from SysAid Technologies Ltd., empowers mid-sized teams and established IT departments by giving them greater control and efficiency in managing their service desk operations. This platform is designed to prioritize automation, improve user experience, and deliver comprehensive functionality, ultimately allowing IT experts to simplify processes, boost productivity, and prioritize essential tasks, all of which contribute to the business's success.

SysAid Technologies Ltd., based in Toronto, Canada, is an IT Service Management company founded in 2002. With a team of over 100 professionals, they offer effective solutions for IT Incident Management, problem-solving, Change Management, and service requests, assisting organizations in optimizing their IT operations.

What users like from SysAid

SysAid has received favorable reviews from users on Gartner. Let’s now delve into the advantages it offers.

  • User-friendly interface - The tool presents an intuitive, responsive, and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly and effortlessly utilize the software's full capabilities.
  • Customization options - Users highly value SysAid's extensive customization features, enabling them to tailor the software to their specific needs and preferences. This includes adding knowledge base articles and enhancing knowledge sharing within the organization.
  • Email integration - SysAid's email integration facilitates effective communication with end users, promoting collaboration and efficient issue resolution.
  • Knowledge base organization - The knowledge base is thoughtfully structured for improved organization and easy access to information.
  • Reporting capabilities - SysAid includes robust reporting functions offering comprehensive ticket performance insights. This empowers users to make data-driven decisions and optimize their service desk operations.
  • Global customer support - The platform offers global support with a user-centric approach, actively seeking and incorporating user feedback.
  • SSO and AD integration - SysAid simplifies user authentication and access management through Single Sign-On (SSO) and Active Directory (AD) integration, enhancing security and user convenience.

What users don’t like from SysAid

Despite its strengths, SysAid IT Service Management has also faced customer criticism, as documented in sources like Gartner. Let's examine some of the highlighted issues.

  • Challenges with ticket updates - Users encounter difficulties when updating tickets, causing inefficiencies in their workflow.
  • Limited customization options in specific areas - Some users feel constrained by the limited customization options available in certain software parts, which hampers their ability to tailor SysAid to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Administrator and reporting limitations - The software limits the number of administrators allowed, which can be limiting for organizations with larger teams. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive reporting options hampers users' ability to collect and analyze data effectively.
  • Outdated and inconsistent user interface - The user interface has received criticism for being outdated and inconsistent, showing varying styles within the same product. This inconsistency undermines the user experience and makes it less user-friendly.
  • Difficulty in modifying settings without disrupting configurations - Users find it challenging to modify settings without unintentionally disrupting other configurations, leading to disruptions and complexities in the system setup and administration process.
  • Integration limitations and lack of AI/Automation - Users have found SysAid's integration capabilities to be limited, hindering seamless integration with other systems. Furthermore, the absence of advanced AI capabilities and automation features limits efficiency and productivity gains.
  • Slow support response and challenging system changes - Users have reported slow response times from the support team, resulting in delays in issue resolution. Additionally, system changes are described as frustrating and cumbersome, leading to a negative user experience.
  • Pricing dissatisfaction and unreliable features - Some users are not satisfied with the pricing, which they consider unreasonably high. Additionally, they have encountered features that do not perform as expected, leading to reliability issues and frustration.
  • Incomplete features - Certain features, such as the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and license tracking, are reported to be incomplete or not fully functional. This failure to meet user expectations hinders optimal IT management practices.

What’s SysAid’s argument over SymphonyAI Summit Service Management?

When comparing SysAid's IT Service Management to SymphonyAI Summit Service Management, SysAid makes a compelling case by highlighting its distinct advantages in various key areas.

  1. User-friendly Interface - SysAid has an intuitive, responsive, and user-friendly interface. This design allows users to easily and swiftly navigate the software, ensuring they can fully leverage its capabilities without a steep learning curve.
  2. Customization options - Users appreciate the ability to tailor SysAid to their unique needs and preferences. This includes the flexibility to add knowledge base articles and enhance knowledge sharing within the organization, providing a more personalized and adaptable experience.
  3. Email integration - Its seamless email integration fosters effective communication with end users, promoting collaboration and efficient issue resolution, which is essential for streamlined IT Service Management.
  4. Knowledge base organization - SysAid's thoughtfully structured knowledge base enhances productivity and facilitates quick access to critical information.
  5. Reporting capabilities - SysAid's robust reporting functions provide comprehensive insights into ticket performance. This empowers SysAid users to make data-driven decisions, optimize their service desk operations, and effectively measure their ITSM performance.
  6. Global customer support - With its user-centric approach and active incorporation of user feedback, SysAid ensures that customers receive prompt and effective assistance, creating a more satisfying and supportive user experience.
  7. SSO and AD integration: - SysAid simplifies user authentication and access management through Single Sign-On and Active Directory integration. This integration enhances security and user convenience.

Considering InvGate Service Desk as an ITSM solution alternative

 

 

While SymphonyAI Summit Service Management and SysAid are well-known competitors in the ITSM sector, exploring alternative solutions that better match your organization's specific needs is crucial. In this context, InvGate Service Desk is a compelling option that deserves thorough consideration. 

Let's delve into the advantageous characteristics of InvGate Service Desk that make it a valuable choice for fulfilling your organization's ITSM requirements.

Cost-effective solution

InvGate Service Desk delivers a cost-effective solution without compromising functionality. It offers a comprehensive range of ITSM features at a competitive price, making it an attractive option for organizations seeking affordability without sacrificing capabilities. Compared to alternatives like SymphonyAI Summit Service Management and SysAid, InvGate Service Desk balances cost and functionality.

Streamlined setup and configuration

InvGate Service Desk offers a simplified setup and configuration process, employing a no-code/low-code approach. This approach allows both novice and experienced users to implement the system without extensive technical expertise. The platform expedites setup with straightforward configuration options, enabling organizations to harness its robust ITSM capabilities quickly.

Powerful self-service capabilities

invgate-service-desk-self-service-portal

InvGate Service Desk incorporates robust self-service functionalities, including an intuitive portal, an extensive IT service catalog, and a knowledge base. These features empower end-users to independently resolve common issues, access a wide range of IT services, and utilize self-help resources, thereby reducing the workload on IT staff.

Robust Ticketing and Incident Management

Example of the Ticket Management view on InvGate Service Desk.

InvGate Service Desk distinguishes itself by offering robust Ticketing and Incident Management capabilities. It simplifies ticket tracking, collaboration, and resolution, enabling IT teams to handle and prioritize incidents efficiently. Features like automated ticket routing, customizable workflows, and SLA Management significantly enhance incident resolution efficiency.

Exceptional user experience

invgate-service-desk-interface

InvGate Service Desk strongly emphasizes providing an exceptional user experience through careful design and adherence to UI/UX best practices. Its intuitive interface promotes rapid adoption, reducing the need for extensive training and enabling users to be productive.

Comprehensive reporting and analytics

dashboards-customizables-en-invgate-service desk

InvGate Service Desk offers extensive reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing organizations to gain valuable insights into their IT operations and performance. The platform provides ready-made reports and customizable dashboards, enabling IT teams to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions to improve their services.

Customization and flexibility

InvGate Service Desk offers flexible deployment options, giving organizations a choice between on-premise or cloud-based solutions. This flexibility ensures that the platform can adapt to the specific requirements of various sectors and industries.

Comprehensive Asset Management

By integrating InvGate Service Desk with InvGate Insight, organizations gain a comprehensive view of their IT ecosystem, leading to improved service delivery and reduced downtime. InvGate Insight offers various features, including IT Asset Discovery, Inventory Management, Software License Management, and maintenance schedules.

ITIL-certified readiness

InvGate Service Desk has obtained ITIL4 certification from PINK Elephant, emphasizing its commitment to upholding ITSM excellence. Whether organizations are embarking on their ITIL journey or managing complex operations, InvGate Service Desk provides a user-friendly and feature-rich experience aligned with industry best practices.

Purpose-built for ITSM, perfect for ESM

InvGate Service Desk is purpose-designed for ITSM while seamlessly extending its capabilities to Enterprise Service Management (ESM). It empowers operational departments to enhance their processes and fully embrace the benefits of digital transformation. With a primary focus on ITSM and strong performance in ESM, InvGate Service Desk facilitates streamlined workflows and comprehensive digital transformation initiatives across all departments.

Fast ROI and ongoing innovation

InvGate Service Desk ensures a rapid return on investment through efficient implementation processes. Within weeks, organizations can start reaping the benefits of this robust ITSM solution. Additionally, regular feature updates keep users at the forefront of technology without incurring additional costs.

Next steps

In IT Service Management, choosing the right solution is a decision that can significantly impact an organization's efficiency and overall success. As we've compared SymphonyAI Summit Service Management vs. SysAid, both platforms come with valuable features and capabilities that can benefit IT operations.

However, if you're in search of an alternative that can truly elevate your IT Service Management processes, you'll discover that InvGate Service Desk stands out as a robust and user-centric solution. 

As you embark on your ITSM journey, download our free ITSM implementation checklist to guide you through your upcoming actions. With the right tool and strategy, your organization can efficiently manage IT services, drive innovation, and pave the way for future success.

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