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KIX

kixdesk.com

From €33/mo Free plan Open source WebWindowsLinuxiOSAndroidAPI
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Spec score 9.1 #6 of 50 in IT SLA Management Software

What it is

KIX is open-source service management software for ITSM, enterprise service management, and technical customer support. Its stated uses include help desks, customer support, and field service management. Teams can manage tickets in list or Kanban views and keep searchable internal and external communications with them. Asset management links assets to related tickets and service level agreements, with integrations for inventory tools including baramundi and opsi. KIX provides a REST API, and external tools and data can connect through add-ons, web services, and database access. The software is offered for cloud and on-premises use. Regular single-instance operation requires a Debian- or Ubuntu-based Linux host with AMD64 architecture. The free KIX Start edition has limited functionality and no support or maintenance. KIX Pro Business Cloud starts at €33 a month per agent; Pro Business On-Prem starts at 3690.00 EUR once for packages of 10–250 agents. Enterprise plan prices are available on request. A 30-day trial provides full access, and the maker offers implementation, training, technical help, and user support.

Spec sheet

Product
KIX is open-source service management software for ITSM, enterprise service management, and technical customer support.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Trial
The maker offers a no-obligation trial with full access for 30 days.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
API
KIX exposes a version 1 REST API using a WebToken session obtained through the /auth endpoint.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Integrations
Official Connect modules integrate KIX with opsi, baramundi, Deskcenter, external databases and JSON web services.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Security
KIX Pro supports LDAP/AD synchronization, OpenID Connect and Kerberos single sign-on, S/MIME, and multifactor authentication; these are listed as unavailable in Start.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Support
The maker says its support is provided directly by the manufacturer and offers implementation, training, technical help, and user support.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
License
The public KIX backend repositories are marked AGPL-3.0 and the frontend repository is marked GPL-3.0.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
API and integrations
KIX provides a REST API and describes integrations with external tools and data sources through Connect add-ons, web services, and database access.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
API limitation
The REST API documentation says the API does not yet provide full discoverability and lacks some response headers such as counts.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Asset management
KIX includes an asset database/CMDB and supports linking service work to devices and configuration items.Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Browser support
Supported client browsers are Firefox/ESR 120+/115+, Chrome or Chromium 120+, and Chromium-based Edge 120+.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Cloud hosting
The maker says its Full Managed Service is hosted in Germany, ISO/IEC 27001 certified, and has 99.9% availability.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Company customers
KIX states that more than 400 customers use the product across different industries.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Company founding
Public company-register data records the company’s formation on 11 December 2006.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openregister.de
Company headquarters
The registered address and LinkedIn primary location are Schönherrstraße 8, 09113 Chemnitz, Germany.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company legal name
The maker is KIX Service Software GmbH, registered with Chemnitz District Court under HRB 23192.Read 14 Oct 2026 · shop.kixdesk.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists KIX Service Software in the 11–50 employee size band.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Container deployment
The documented architecture uses Docker containers for frontend, backend, database, cache and optional self-service portal services.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Database
KIX ships with PostgreSQL; alternative DBMS choices are possible on-premises, but long-term support for alternatives is not guaranteed.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Documentation
The help center covers KIX Start, KIX Pro, cloud, self-service portal and Field Agent topics, with installation and update guidance.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Extensibility
The API can be expanded through extensions, and the open architecture supports no-code and low-code configuration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Field service
The Field Agent app supports offline ticket and work-order processing, checklists, photos, signatures, time tracking and work reports.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Hosting and deployment
KIX offers cloud and on-premises usage, and its system requirements page says regular single-instance operation requires a Debian- or Ubuntu-based Linux host with AMD64 architecture.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
ITIL
KIX says it is certified in 16 ITIL practices, while its pricing page lists the ITIL Practices add-on as chargeable for Pro editions and unavailable in Start.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
ITIL certification
KIX Pro 18 is certified for 16 of 19 ITIL 4 practices according to the product documentation.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Knowledge management
The platform provides configurable FAQ categories and role-based visibility for knowledge articles.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Limit: app ratings
Apple says the KIX Field Agent app has not received enough ratings or reviews to display an overview.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: review evidence
OMR shows zero KIX reviews and says there are not enough reviews to calculate user scores.Read 14 Oct 2026 · omr.com
Mobile
The KIX Field Service App is listed for iOS 17 and later and Android 13 and later.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Mobile requirements
The official system-requirements page lists iOS 17+ and Android 13+ for the Field Service App.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Notable limits
The maker says KIX Start has limited functionality and includes no support or maintenance; its pricing page marks several add-ons unavailable in Start.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Praise: breadth
GetApp describes KIX as combining ticketing, asset database, knowledge base, reporting, ITIL workflows, self-service, Kanban and integrations.Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Product scope
KIX is a browser-based open-source service-management system for IT teams, technical service, maintenance, after-sales service and facility management.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Public source code
KIX publishes public backend, frontend, synchronization and on-premise Docker repositories on GitHub.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Rating on Apple App Store
5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratingsRead 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Google Play
The Google Play listing displays no user rating or review count and shows 50+ downloads.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Security features
KIX Pro pricing documentation lists LDAP/AD synchronization, OpenID Connect, Kerberos SSO, S/MIME and multifactor authentication as included capabilities.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Self-hosting
KIX can be deployed on-premises or consumed as cloud software, with Docker Compose environments supplied for in-house use.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.kixdesk.com
Self-service portal
The self-service portal is a KIX Pro capability rather than part of KIX Start.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Support model
Manufacturer support includes direct problem resolution, remote or on-site assistance, operating-system updates and managed services.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
System requirements
Standard operation requires a Linux AMD64 host based on Debian or Ubuntu LTS with current Docker and Docker Compose; Windows and macOS are supported only for testing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Ticket management
The service desk supports searchable communication histories, list views and Kanban-based ticket work.Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Tickets
Teams can manage tickets collaboratively through list or Kanban views, with documented, searchable internal and external communications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
Use cases
The maker describes KIX as suitable for help desks, IT service management, enterprise service management, customer support, and field service management.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com

Plans and prices

KIX Start Free on-premises limited functionality · no support · no maintenance Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
KIX Pro Business Cloud €33 a month per agent 12 hours/5 days CET service · 4-hour critical-failure response · 24 support calls/year Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
KIX Pro Business On-Prem €3,690, paid once packages of 10–250 agents support and maintenance contract · package pricing Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
KIX Pro Enterprise Cloud Priced on request from 30 agents 12 hours/7 days CET service · 1-hour critical-failure response · 48 support calls/year Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com
KIX Pro Enterprise On-Prem Priced on request from 250 agents 12 hours/7 days CET service · 1-hour critical-failure response · 48 support calls/year Read 14 Oct 2026 · kixdesk.com

Every KIX plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Tickets can be managed in list or Kanban views.
  • Assets link to tickets and service level agreements.
  • REST API and external-tool connection options are available.
  • Trial provides full access for 30 days.

Limits

  • Free KIX Start has limited functionality.
  • KIX Start includes no support or maintenance.
  • Business Cloud starts at €33 a month per agent.

Who it suits

KIX suits teams handling IT or enterprise service workflows, customer support, or field service. It offers both cloud and on-premises deployment, though regular single-instance operation has specified Linux host requirements.

KIX in depth

Read the full write-up

KIX is open-source service management software for IT and enterprise service teams, help desks, and technical customer support. It suits organizations that need ticketing tied to assets and service levels, with a choice of cloud or self-hosted deployment. The Pro editions are the stronger fit when support, maintenance, or advanced security controls are essential.

Overview

KIX spans help desk work, IT service management, enterprise service management, customer support, and field service management. Its breadth makes it a candidate for organizations that want service operations and technical support in one system rather than a narrow incident queue. Cloud and on-premises options accommodate different hosting preferences, though self-hosting brings Linux infrastructure requirements.

Key features

Teams can collaborate on tickets in list or Kanban views and search documented internal and external communications. That shared record supports follow-through across service interactions. SLA management, a knowledge base, an employee portal, and approval workflows extend the system to ongoing service processes, not just request intake.

Assets connect to related tickets and service level agreements, while inventory integrations include baramundi and opsi. The REST API, Connect add-ons, web services, and database access give teams multiple routes to connect external tools and data sources. This flexibility is valuable when service work depends on existing systems, but the best fit will depend on the integrations an organization needs.

KIX says it is certified in 16 ITIL practices, but the ITIL Practices add-on is chargeable in Pro and unavailable in Start. Pro also includes LDAP/AD synchronization, OpenID Connect and Kerberos single sign-on, S/MIME, and multifactor authentication; Start does not. Organizations that need those controls should treat Pro as the relevant edition, not assume they come with the free tier.

The KIX Field Service App supports iOS 17 and later and Android 13 and later. The manufacturer provides implementation, training, technical help, and user support. Its Full Managed Service is hosted in Germany, is ISO/IEC 27001 certified, and has 99.9% availability.

Pricing

KIX uses a freemium model, with paid plans from €33/mo and a no-obligation trial offering full access for 30 days. The free KIX Start plan costs nothing. It has limited functionality and no support or maintenance, a substantial trade-off for teams relying on the system for production service operations. Several add-ons are also unavailable in Start.

KIX Pro Business Cloud costs €33 a month, billed from 33 € per month / agent. Service time is 12 hours / 5 days per week, with a 4-hour response for critical failure, 24 calls per year, and a 24-hour response to service and feature requests. It is the clearest fit for teams wanting managed cloud service and defined support terms at a per-agent starting price.

KIX Pro Business On-Prem costs €3,690, paid once, billed from 3.690 €. It is sold in packages of 10–250 agents and includes a support and maintenance contract. That structure suits organizations committed to running KIX on their own infrastructure, but the package size and upfront fee may not fit a small team.

KIX Pro Enterprise Cloud has custom pricing, billed on request from 30 agents. It provides 12 hours, 7 days per week service time, a 1-hour response for critical failure, 48 calls per year, and a 12-hour response to service and feature requests. KIX Pro Enterprise On-Prem also has custom pricing, billed on request from 250 agents, and includes a support and maintenance contract. The Enterprise thresholds make these plans relevant to larger deployments rather than small teams comparing entry-level subscriptions.

Platforms

KIX supports Android, iOS, Linux, API, web, and self-hosted use. Regular single-instance self-hosting requires a Debian- or Ubuntu-based Linux host with AMD64 architecture. The mobile field-service app requires iOS 17 or later or Android 13 or later, so older mobile devices will not meet its stated requirements.

Who it's for

KIX is best for organizations that need connected ticket, asset, and SLA workflows across IT or broader service operations, and that can choose an edition matching their support and security needs. It is less suitable for teams expecting the free plan to include manufacturer support or maintenance, or for organizations that need the ITIL add-on or Pro security features without moving to a paid edition.

Pros and cons

Pro: Tickets, assets, and SLAs are connected, giving service teams a more coordinated operational record than ticketing alone.

Pro: Cloud and on-premises editions, plus API and integration options, allow organizations to align deployment and system connections with existing operations.

Con: Start has limited functionality and no support or maintenance, making the free plan a constrained choice for teams that need dependable vendor assistance.

Con: ITIL Practices and several security capabilities are not included in Start, so teams needing them must budget for Pro.

Con: On-premises Pro Business starts with packages of 10–250 agents and an upfront fee, while Enterprise pricing is on request and has minimum agent thresholds.

Alternatives

For alert and incident response rather than a broad service-management platform, AlertOps offers a free plan for up to 5 users with basic alert routing, three escalation policies, and 200+ integrations. PagerDuty is another freemium option, with its free Incident Management plan covering five users, one on-call schedule, one escalation policy, basic chat, and limited email and push.

GLPI is worth considering for teams comparing service-management options: its Public Cloud plan starts at €19 a month per IT agent, from one billed agent, and includes 5 GB disk space with a 20 MB maximum attachment size. For notification-focused use, ilert has a free plan for up to five users and 100 SMS or voice notifications, while its Pro plan is $39 a month.

OneUptime may suit teams prioritizing an open-source core: its About page says the platform is Apache 2.0 licensed and can be inspected, modified, and self-hosted. SIGNL4 offers a free Starter plan for up to five users with push alerts, a native mobile app, ad-hoc duty management, and email, webhook, and REST API options.

xMatters has a free plan for up to five users and a Starter plan at $15 a month, billed per user per month for up to 25 users. Grafana Cloud Application Observability is a different option for application observability, with a free tier including 2,232 host hours and a Pro rate of $0.03 a month, billed at $0.025 per host hour plus a $19 monthly platform fee.

Readers comparing tools by category can also browse IT Incident Management Software, IT Help Desk Software, and IT SLA Management Software.

Verdict

Choose KIX if your organization needs ticketing connected to assets and SLAs, broad service-management workflows, and a choice between managed cloud and on-premises deployment. Its strongest reason to buy is that breadth paired with integration options; its main reason to look elsewhere is the gap between Start and Pro, especially when support, maintenance, ITIL functions, or advanced security are requirements.

Verdict

KIX combines ticket, asset, and service-level management with cloud and on-premises options. Review the edition limits carefully: support and maintenance are not included in Start, while Pro editions have specified prices and service terms.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to KIXAll alternatives →