SysAid vs. Ivanti

Brenda Gratas November 23, 2022
- 16 min read

When it comes to IT Service Management (ITSM), making the right choice for your organization is critical to optimizing operations and service delivery. With SysAid vs. Ivanti as strong contenders, an ITSM tools comparison is paramount.

In this blog post, we’ll embark on a comprehensive comparison of these platforms. But that's not all. We’ll also introduce you to an alternative solution that stands out amidst this competition: InvGate Service Desk. This service desk software offers streamlined functionalities that elevate IT operations to new heights.

Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your IT service needs.

Table of contents

TL;DR

  • SysAid stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust reporting but faces criticism for limited customization and integration challenges.
  • Ivanti offers flexibility and user-friendly attributes but receives criticism for its complex backend and limited integrations.
  • As an alternative, InvGate Service Desk excels in ITSM with robust ticketing and incident management and provides user-friendliness, self-service capabilities, and ITAM integration, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and user adaptability.

Most looked-at features by buyers

When evaluating IT Service Management solutions, potential buyers focus on specific features that align with their organization's requirements, making it crucial to understand these desired attributes for informed decision-making. 

Let's explore the key factors prospective buyers commonly consider when comparing ITSM tools.

  1. User-friendly experience and interface - Buyers value ease of use and an intuitive interface, as it promotes user adoption and productivity. Additionally, mobile accessibility is essential for organizations with remote or mobile workforces.

  2. Efficient IT Asset Management - Users prioritize software with robust ITAM capabilities to maintain accurate inventories and optimize organization resource utilization.

  3. ITIL compliance - Adhering to ITIL best practices is a priority for many organizations, leading buyers to prioritize solutions that support ITIL processes like Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, and Asset Management.

  4. Customization and flexibility - Buyers seek software solutions with customization options to align the platform with their business needs. This flexibility ensures the software adapts to their unique workflows and processes, enhancing user satisfaction and overall effectiveness.

  5. Pricing and support - Buyers consider cost-effectiveness, including licensing models, subscription plans, and additional costs for features or users. The availability of reliable customer support, comprehensive documentation, and accessible training resources are also significant considerations.

  6. Comprehensive Ticket Management - The significance of a robust Ticket Management System within the help desk software is highlighted by buyers. This feature facilitates effective tracking, assignment, and resolution of customer inquiries and support requests.

  7. Optimized IT service catalog - Streamlined IT service catalogs are highly valued, providing a centralized platform for users to request specific IT services or resources, simplifying service requests and enhancing visibility.

  8. Self-service portal and knowledge base - Buyers highly value a self-service portal that empowers end-users to independently resolve common issues and find relevant information without direct assistance.

  9. Scalability - Solutions that can adapt to changing needs and accommodate customization are prioritized, allowing organizations to tailor the software to their unique business requirements.

  10. Support automation and Workflow Management - Buyers actively seek automation capabilities to optimize routine tasks such as ticket routing, approvals, and escalations, contributing to increased efficiency and productivity.

  11. Seamless integration capabilities - Integration with other systems and applications is critical for smooth data flow and process automation, enhancing efficiency and providing a unified user experience.

  12. Insightful reporting - Buyers look for help desk software with powerful reporting tools like dashboards and reports, providing valuable insights into their IT operations and performance for informed decision-making and continuous service improvement.

What is SysAid?

Example of SysAid's interface.

SysAid, developed by SysAid Technologies Ltd., is a cloud-based IT Service Management platform that caters to the needs of mid-sized teams and mature IT departments. Its primary aim is to empower these teams by providing enhanced control over their service desk operations. This is achieved through the platform's strong emphasis on automation, user experience enhancement, and comprehensive functionality, which collectively enable IT professionals to streamline processes, boost productivity, and prioritize critical tasks, ultimately driving business success.

SysAid Technologies Ltd., headquartered in Toronto, Canada, was founded in 2002. This ITSM company has a team of more than 100 professionals specializing in delivering effective solutions for IT Incident Management, problem-solving, Change Management, and service requests. Their overarching mission revolves around assisting organizations in optimizing their IT operations and achieving greater levels of efficiency.

What users like from SysAid

SysAid has received positive user feedback, evident in the reviews by Gartner. Let's explore the advantages highlighted by these satisfied users.

  • User-friendly interface - The software has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to navigate effortlessly and fully leverage its capabilities.
  • Responsive GUI - SysAid's Graphic User Interface (GUI) promptly addresses issues, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.
  • Reporting capabilities - The platform provides robust reporting features that offer comprehensive insights into ticket performance. This empowers users to make data-driven decisions and optimize their service desk operations.
  • Customization options - Users highly appreciate the extensive array of customization choices offered. This empowers them to tailor the software to their specific needs and preferences, including the incorporation of knowledge base articles for promoting knowledge sharing within the organization.
  • SSO and AD integration - By integrating Single Sign-On (SSO) and Active Directory (AD), SysAid simplifies user authentication and access management, enhancing both security and user convenience.
  • Email integration - SysAid seamlessly integrates with email, facilitating effective communication with end users and encouraging collaboration for efficient issue resolution.
  • Knowledge base organization - The software's knowledge base is thoughtfully designed, promoting improved organization and easy accessibility to information.
  • Global customer support - The platform provides support on a global scale, adopting a customer-centric approach by actively seeking and incorporating user feedback.

What users don’t like from SysAid

Despite its strengths, SysAid IT Service Management has encountered customer criticism, as reputable sources like Gartner have documented. Here are some of the concerns raised by users.

  • Restricted customization options - Certain users feel limited by the lack of customization options in specific areas of the software, preventing them from tailoring SysAid to meet their unique needs and preferences.
  • Integration and AI/Automation limitations - Users express dissatisfaction with the platform’s limited integration capabilities, making it challenging to integrate with other systems seamlessly. The absence of advanced AI capabilities and automation features also hampers efficiency and productivity gains.
  • Limitations on administrators and reporting options - The software imposes restrictions on 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 gather and analyze data effectively.
  • Challenges in modifying settings - Users find it difficult to modify settings without unintentionally disrupting other configurations, leading to complexities and disruptions during system setup and administration.
  • Incomplete features - Specific features, like the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and license tracking, are reported to be incomplete or not fully functional, falling short of user expectations and hindering optimal IT management practices.
  • Pricing concerns - Some users consider SysAid's pricing unreasonably high and encounter features that do not perform as expected, resulting in frustration and a lack of reliability.
  • Slow support response and challenging system change - Users report experiencing 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.
  • Ticket updates and landing page customization challenges - Users encounter difficulties when updating tickets, leading to inefficiencies in the workflow. Similarly, customizing the landing/login page proves to be challenging, impeding desired branding and personalization efforts.
  • Outdated and inconsistent user interface - The user interface receives criticism for being outdated and inconsistent, exhibiting varying styles within the same product. This inconsistency undermines the user experience and creates difficulties regarding ease of use.

What’s SysAid’s argument over Ivanti?

SysAid has several unique advantages that set it apart from Ivanti, making it a strong contender in the ITSM market.

  1. Robust reporting and knowledge base - While both SysAid and Ivanti offer reporting capabilities, SysAid's reporting features provide comprehensive insights into ticket performance, enabling data-driven decisions for optimizing service desk operations. Additionally, SysAid's thoughtfully designed knowledge base promotes improved organization and easy accessibility to information, enhancing knowledge sharing within the organization.

  2. Responsive GUI and user-friendly interface - SysAid's Graphic User Interface is highly responsive, addressing issues promptly to ensure a seamless user experience. Users appreciate the software's intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing effortless navigation and full utilization of its capabilities.

  3. SSO and AD integration - By seamlessly integrating Single Sign-On and Active Directory, SysAid simplifies user authentication and Access Management, enhancing both security and user convenience.

  4. Global customer support and customer-centric approach - SysAid provides support on a global scale, demonstrating a customer-centric approach by actively seeking and incorporating user feedback. This ensures that the platform evolves to meet users' changing needs effectively.

  5. Customization choices - SysAid offers an extensive array of customization options, empowering users to tailor the software precisely to their specific needs and preferences. This level of customization allows organizations to adapt the system to their unique requirements effectively.

  6. Seamless email integration - SysAid's seamless integration with email facilitates effective communication with end users, encouraging collaboration for efficient issue resolution.

What is Ivanti?

Example of Ivanti's interface.

Ivanti Neurons for ITSM is a Service Management solution created by Ivanti for large organizations. It offers flexible deployment options, either on the cloud or on-premises. This comprehensive solution covers all aspects of service delivery, from capturing requests to resolving issues, and is based on industry standards, incorporating 11 ITIL 4-certified practices. It serves as a reliable foundation for organizations' Service Management requirements.

The primary goal of Ivanti Neurons for ITSM, a part of the broader Ivanti Neurons platform, is to enhance operations by automating manual processes. This digital transformation leads to improved efficiency, compliance, and security within the organization.

Ivanti, the technology company responsible for developing Ivanti Neurons, specializes in managing and securing Everywhere Work environments. They place significant emphasis on improving the digital employee experience (DEX). Founded in 1985 and headquartered in South Jordan, Utah, Ivanti takes pride in its dedicated workforce of approximately 2,500 to 4,999 professionals.

What users like from Ivanti

Ivanti Neurons for ITSM has garnered positive feedback from users in diverse industries, including IT Services, Healthcare and Biotech, and Finance. Assessments from reputable sources like Gartner have highlighted numerous benefits that customers find appealing.

  • User-friendly - The system's ease of use is widely praised by users, particularly in the areas of ticketing, equipment access, and call stacks. Its intuitive design makes navigation a breeze.
  • Customizability - Users highly value the abundance of customization options available, enabling them to tailor the system precisely to their specific requirements.
  • Flexibility - Users can create individual group function modules and easily adjust workflows to suit their unique needs, showcasing the system's remarkable flexibility.
  • Automation capabilities - Users appreciate the platform's automation capabilities, streamlining various processes and enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Outstanding customer service - Ivanti's customer service receives frequent accolades for its collaborative approach and deep understanding of customer needs.
  • Cost-efficient - Some users have noted that Ivanti Neurons delivers cost savings compared to similar products they've tested, making it an economically favorable choice.

What users don’t like from Ivanti

While Ivanti's capabilities and transformative impact on IT service environments are highly appreciated by users, there are areas that they believe could benefit from improvement. Evaluations from sources like Gartner have highlighted the following criticisms.

  • Lack of out-of-the-box features - Some users feel that Ivanti lacks certain features that they would expect from a solution of its sophistication level.
  • Complexity in backend - The platform's backend has been perceived as complex by users, as various options are scattered across different areas, leading to navigational challenges.
  • Limited integration - Certain users have expressed frustration over the platform's limited integration capabilities with other tools, which may hinder seamless workflows.
  • Documentation issues - Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the platform's documentation, citing that it is outdated and lacking in detail.
  • Support functionality - Some users have encountered difficulties with Ivanti's support function, such as challenges in identifying the root cause of problems and assigning the appropriate agent for assistance.
  • Outdated appearance - Users have noticed that the product has an old-fashioned look, potentially affecting the overall user experience.

What’s Ivanti’s argument over SysAid?

Ivanti Neurons for ITSM presents compelling advantages that make it a top competitor against SysAid in the ITSM arena.

  1. Ease of use and intuitive design - Ivanti's user-friendly system, especially in ticketing, equipment access, and call stacks, receives wide acclaim from users. Its intuitive design simplifies navigation, making it easy for users to adopt and operate efficiently.

  2. Customizability and flexibility - Ivanti offers abundant customization options, allowing users to tailor the system precisely to their specific requirements. The flexibility provided enables the creation of individual group function modules and seamless adjustment of workflows, catering to unique organizational needs.

  3. Automation capabilities - Ivanti Neurons excels in automation capabilities, streamlining various processes to enhance overall efficiency. This automation reduces manual efforts and accelerates task completion.

  4. Outstanding customer service - Ivanti's customer service garners frequent praise for its collaborative approach and deep understanding of customer needs. The company's dedication to addressing customer concerns effectively sets it apart from competitors.

  5. Cost-efficiency - Some users have found Ivanti Neurons to offer cost savings compared to similar products they've tested, making it an economically favorable choice for organizations seeking value for their investment.

Considering InvGate Service Desk as an ITSM solution alternative

 

 

 

While SysAid and Ivanti are well-known competitors in the ITSM sector, exploring alternative solutions that align closely with your organization's unique requirements is crucial. In this context, InvGate Service Desk stands out as an enticing and deserving option that warrants careful consideration. 

Let's examine the beneficial features of InvGate Service Desk that make it an invaluable and fitting choice for fulfilling your ITSM needs.

Designed for ITSM and ESM

InvGate Service Desk is purpose-built for ITSM while seamlessly extending its capabilities to Enterprise Service Management (ESM). This empowers operational departments to improve their processes and fully embrace the benefits of digital transformation, promoting streamlined workflows and comprehensive digital initiatives across all departments.

Comprehensive Asset Management

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

Simplified configuration and setup

InvGate Service Desk streamlines the process of configuring and setting up the system by utilizing a no-code/low-code approach, making it simple for users with varying technical expertise to adopt seamlessly. The platform offers straightforward configuration options that rapidly leverage its robust ITSM capabilities.

Powerful Ticketing and Incident Management

Example of a Ticket Management view on InvGate Service Desk.

InvGate Service Desk excels in delivering robust features for ticketing and incident management. It facilitates efficient tracking, collaboration, and resolution of tickets, empowering IT teams to handle and prioritize incidents effectively. Automated ticket routing, customizable workflows, and SLA Management enhance the efficiency of incident resolution processes.

Robust self-service capabilities

invgate-service-desk-self-service-portal

InvGate Service Desk offers a user-friendly portal, an extensive IT service catalog, and a knowledge base, empowering end-users to independently resolve common issues, access IT services, and utilize self-help resources. This reduces the burden on IT staff and fosters a more efficient support process.

Extensive reporting and analytics

InvGate Service Desk's customizable dashboard view.

InvGate Service Desk offers comprehensive reporting and analytics functionalities, providing valuable insights into IT operations and performance. The platform includes ready-to-use reports and customizable dashboards, enabling IT teams to analyze data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions to enhance their services.

Customization and flexibility

InvGate Service Desk provides flexible deployment options, allowing organizations to choose between on-premise or cloud-based solutions. This adaptability ensures that the platform can cater to the specific requirements of different sectors and industries.

Cost-effective solution

InvGate Service Desk provides a cost-effective solution without compromising functionality. It offers a comprehensive range of ITSM features at a competitive price, making it an attractive choice for organizations seeking affordability without sacrificing capabilities. When compared to alternatives like SysAid and Ivanti, InvGate Service Desk effectively balances cost and functionality.

Outstanding user experience

invgate-service-desk-interface

InvGate Service Desk places a strong emphasis on delivering an exceptional user experience through meticulous design and adherence to UI/UX best practices. Its intuitive interface promotes quick adoption and minimizes the need for extensive training, ensuring a user-friendly design that maximizes productivity.

Fast ROI and ongoing innovation

InvGate Service Desk ensures a swift return on investment through efficient implementation processes. Within weeks, organizations can begin experiencing the benefits of this robust ITSM solution. Moreover, regular feature updates keep users at the forefront of technology without incurring additional costs. This ensures ongoing innovation and improvement to meet evolving IT needs.

ITIL4 certification

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

Next steps

In the faceoff between SysAid vs. Ivanti, both offer commendable features and capabilities, catering to the diverse needs of organizations seeking top-notch IT Service Management solutions.

However, no two organizations are alike, and the best solution depends on specific requirements, workflows, and goals. While this analysis provides valuable insights, it is wise to consider other alternatives before making a final decision.

One such alternative worth exploring is InvGate Service Desk, a comprehensive solution designed to streamline IT operations and elevate Service Management further. 

Request our 30-day trial now and discover the power of efficient IT Service Management with InvGate Service Desk.

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