SmartDeploy: The easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Configuration Manager
SmartDeploy is a fast, straightforward Microsoft Configuration Manager alternative with flexible imaging options. Provision and manage on-prem and remote Windows devices easily.
Make Windows imaging a whole lot easier
Easy
Set up and support your devices with wizard-guided workflows and a user-friendly dashboard.
Fast
Use hardware-independent images that free you from creating a new image for every device model.
Efficient
Choose from 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs that support all major OEM business-class models.
Flexible
Deploy images and software using offline media, network servers, or the cloud — no VPN required.
SmartDeploy vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager
Microsoft Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager (previously known as SCCM*) is primarily an on-prem device management solution best suited for large enterprises. Configuration Manager can be integrated with other Microsoft tools for extended services — but using its highly complex functionalities requires advanced technical skills, specific hardware infrastructure, and a ton of elbow grease.
*System Center Configuration Manager
Shortcomings
Steep learning curve
Complicated setup
Slow processes
Difficult troubleshooting
SmartDeploy
Flexible and easy to use, SmartDeploy lets you create and deploy a custom Windows image right away to any PC anywhere. Conveniently pair app packs and prebuilt model-specific driver packs with your golden image — or deploy them separately. Streamline and automate deployment and postdeployment workflows from one platform.
SmartDeploy vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager: Feature breakdown
SmartDeploy | Microsoft Configuration | |
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Easy setup |
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Minimal learning curve |
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Consistent, fast technical support |
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Additional training recommended |
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Additional infrastructure needed |
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Wizard-driven workflows |
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Transparent pricing |
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Starting price | $1,100/year for unlimited client installations | Bundled |
Remote computer imaging |
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Out-of-box integration with cloud storage providers |
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Offline image deployments |
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Network deployments |
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Virtual reference machines |
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Multicast imaging |
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Prebuilt driver pack library |
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Prebuilt, customizable app packages |
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Works with Linux systems |
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Flexible deployment options |
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Zero-touch deployments |
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Central dashboard |
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Remote desktop management |
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Remote wipe |
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USMT integration |
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Windows 11 in-place upgrades |
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Windows updates automation |
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How it works
Set up, update, and manage endpoints with greater flexibility and ease. Flexible layers enable you to manage the OS, applications, drivers, and user data independently from each other rather than baking everything into a locked image.
Meet some of our customers
Learn how businesses from startups to global leaders use SmartDeploy to streamline their endpoint management.
“Don’t have to learn SCCM or MDT. You’re up and running deploying images in an afternoon. Guides and wizards walk you through the entire process. Driver packs make adding drivers to your golden image a breeze.”
RYAN C.
Senior Systems Engineer
“SmartDeploy has made our image deployment so easy from what it used to be. Our organization used to use SCCM and starting as a novice in terms of enterprise image deployment, SmartDeploy was very easy to pick up and use right away. Almost all our issues of driver mismatching, software errors, and configuration errors disappeared due to SmartDeploy’s driver packs and easy-to-use task sequences when booting and logging into the computers for the first time.”
BRENDEN C.
IT SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
The new industry standard
SmartDeploy is an award-winning solution with a proven track record helping IT teams become more effective and efficient. We think the results speak for themselves.
3 million+
machines deployed
13 years
in business
3,200+
global customers
4.8 stars
on G2 and Capterra
One platform, endless use cases
SmartDeploy is your one-stop shop for PC provisioning and lifecycle management.
Computer imaging
Build and maintain a single Windows golden image, regardless of PC make or model
PC refreshes
Keep all your users' files and settings consistent while rolling out new hardware
Application management
Deploy, update, and patch applications zero-touch to any endpoint
Windows updates
Push periodic updates or centrally manage entire migrations for local and remote PCs
Device setup
Seamlessly roll out images, drivers, and applications to entirely new devices
PC break-fixes
Reimage the operating system layer without affecting applications or user data
Resources
Ready to get started?
See how easy device management can be. Try SmartDeploy free for 15 days — no credit card required.
SmartDeploy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation. The use of Microsoft Configuration Manager on this page is for comparison purposes only. Information last updated: 10/23/2025
FAQ
What’s the difference between Microsoft Configuration Manager and SmartDeploy?
Microsoft Configuration Manager is a comprehensive endpoint management suite designed to support enterprise environments. SmartDeploy focuses on streamlined computer imaging with flexible deployment methods — including cloud-based options — plus hardware-independent imaging and prebuilt driver packs to help standardize and simplify deployments across hardware-diverse Windows fleets.
Is SmartDeploy a good alternative to Microsoft Configuration Manager?
For teams that want to streamline imaging without heavy infrastructure, SmartDeploy can be a practical alternative. Its straightforward setup, versatile features, and guided workflows are designed to help simplify imaging for both on-prem and remote scenarios.
Why are IT teams switching from Microsoft Configuration Manager to SmartDeploy?
Teams consider SmartDeploy when they want to reduce complexity, easily support hybrid, remote, or distributed environments, and standardize imaging across varied hardware. Hardware-independent imaging, guided workflows, and access to prebuilt driver packs can help streamline routine imaging and deployment tasks.
What does SmartDeploy do better than Microsoft Configuration Manager?
SmartDeploy emphasizes operational simplicity and deployment flexibility. Straightforward setup, wizard-guided workflows, and built-in driver management are designed to help reduce manual work, save time, and keep imaging consistent.
Which is easier to use: SmartDeploy or Microsoft Configuration Manager?
Ease of use depends on environment, technical skill level, and preference. SmartDeploy prioritizes a simple setup and step-by-step wizards that sysadmins of any skill level can follow, while Configuration Manager is much more complex to set up and use and typically requires additional training.
Which tool is better for computer imaging: SmartDeploy or Microsoft Configuration Manager?
Both support Windows imaging. SmartDeploy is much quicker to set up and simpler to use. Wizard-guided workflows, built-in deployment flexibility, and an extensive library of 1,500+ prebuilt model-specific driver packs save IT teams hours of work and allow them to support different environments with ease.
Does SmartDeploy require less infrastructure than Microsoft Configuration Manager?
SmartDeploy is generally lighter weight for imaging use cases and can operate without an extensive server stack. This can make it easier to support on-prem, remote, or hybrid environments without adding complex infrastructure.
How does SmartDeploy simplify driver management compared to Microsoft Configuration Manager?
SmartDeploy provides a broad, regularly updated library of prebuilt driver packs covering all major business-class hardware. This feature eliminates the need for IT teams to manually manage drivers themselves.
Is SmartDeploy faster to deploy than Microsoft Configuration Manager?
Timelines vary by organization and use case. SmartDeploy’s simple setup, guided workflows, and built-in deployment flexibility — using offline media, local networks, or the cloud (no VPN needed) — are intended to help IT teams reach a working imaging process quickly without extensive prerequisites.
Which solution is better for small to midsize businesses: Microsoft Configuration Manager or SmartDeploy?
Needs differ, but SmartDeploy is often well suited to small and midsize teams that want imaging simplicity and flexibility. Configuration Manager is frequently adopted by larger organizations seeking a broader management suite to meet complex requirements; SmartDeploy focuses on making imaging easier and more efficient for leaner teams.
"Given our small team and limited resources, the enormity and time-consuming nature of the task made deployment and endpoint management incredibly challenging. We needed tools [like SmartDeploy] that could facilitate that process.” — Adam Farmer, Chief Technology Officer, Mercer Landmark.