SmartDeploy vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager

SmartDeploy is a computer imaging solution that lets you provision and manage on-prem and remote Windows devices easily. Unlike complex tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager, SmartDeploy’s guided interface and native features, like a prebuilt driver pack library, make PC imaging and device management simple and seamless.

SmartDeploy versus illustration
SmartDeploy versus illustration
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See how SmartDeploy and Microsoft Configuration Manager compare

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

Illustration depicting struggles with MCM including slow and manual, extra costs, and need to be an IT expertIllustration depicting struggles with MCM including slow and manual, extra costs, and need to be an IT expert
Illustration of the benefits of using SmartDeploy including remote deployments to distributed devicesIllustration of the benefits of using SmartDeploy including remote deployments to distributed devices

SmartDeploy

Flexible and easy to use, SmartDeploy lets you create and deploy a custom Windows image to any PC anywhere right away. Conveniently slipstream apps and prebuilt model-specific driver packs with your golden image — or deploy them separately. Streamline and automate deployment and postdeployment workflows from one platform.

Deploy an image with SmartDeploy in minutes

SmartDeploy

Microsoft Configuration
Manager

Windows OS image capture

yes

Yes (w / MDT)

Deployment over the cloud

yes

Yes (needs configuration)

Native integration with third-party cloud storage providers

yes

no

Additional training recommended

no

yes

Complex configurations

no

yes

Additional infrastructure needed

no

yes

Prebuilt driver pack library

yes

no

Prebuilt & customizable script packages

yes

no

Works with Linux systems

no

yes

Technical support

yes

yes

MDT = Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 

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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.

  • Step one

Build your golden image containing the Windows operating system, apps, and settings that you need.

  • Step two

Download any of our prebuilt device driver packages for all the hardware models you support.

  • Step three

Pick the software and scripts you need from our library — or build a custom installer to fit your specific needs.

  • Step four

Save and deploy with ultimate flexibility using any combination of USB, network server, or cloud storage.

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Meet some of our customers

Learn how businesses from startups to global leaders use SmartDeploy to streamline their endpoint management.

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“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

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“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

Grid of badges from G2 for SmartDeploy's high reviewsGrid of badges from G2 for SmartDeploy's high reviews

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.

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Computer imaging

Build and maintain a single Windows golden image, regardless of PC make or model

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PC refreshes

Keep all your users' files and settings consistent while rolling out new hardware

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Application management

Deploy, update, and patch applications zero-touch to any endpoint

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Windows updates

Push periodic updates or centrally manage entire migrations for local and remote PCs

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Device setup

Seamlessly roll out images, drivers, and applications to entirely new devices

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PC break-fixes

Reimage the operating system layer without affecting applications or user data

Resources

Ready to make the switch?

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: 11/30/2023