Block 64 vs HCL BigFix

Block 64 discovers SaaS applications, tracks their usage, and connects subscriptions with users, departments, and costs. Its continuously updated inventory can identify overlapping apps, inactive users, and subscriptions that appear unused or wasted. Usage and ownership tracking shows how often applications are used and which teams hold subscriptions, supporting spend and renewal reviews and visibility into shadow IT. Discovery options include a Windows agentless application, a virtual appliance for persistent monitoring, and a remote agent for remote or Zero Trust environments. The maker says it connects to 18 SaaS platforms, including AWS, Azure, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Entra ID, Okta, Slack, Atlassian, Jamf Pro, BambooHR, and Zoom; Salesforce and Dropbox are described as coming soon. Integrations are read-only, and data is encrypted in transit and at rest. The company says it is SOC 2 Type II certified and GDPR compliant, and collects metadata rather than sensitive business data or PII. Block 64 also combines software, SaaS, cloud, hardware, and licensing visibility. Starter costs $349 a month, billed annually, for up to 500 devices and one collector. Pro is $749 a month, billed annually, for up to 1,000 devices and five collectors.

HCL BigFix combines endpoint management, security, automation, and digital employee experience capabilities in one platform. HCL says it supports more than 120 operating systems and provides near real-time endpoint visibility and control. It patches operating systems and third-party applications, and remediates vulnerabilities. BigFix Compliance enforces security policies and automatically corrects configuration drift, while BigFix Inventory provides visibility into devices, software, licenses, and usage. HCL documentation includes integration guides for ServiceNow Data Flow and BigFix Insights for Vulnerability Remediation. Fixlets and actions use SHA-256-based digital signatures; relay and agent communications can be encrypted with TLS. HCL states that BigFix v11 achieved NIAP certification and SCAP 1.3 validation, and that its embedded FIPS crypto module received FIPS 140-2 certification. Subscription support includes product updates, new features, content updates, bug fixes, and technical support during the term. Licensing depends on managed employee devices or managed virtual servers. Pricing is by tailored quote, and HCL offers a 30-day Endpoint Management trial. BigFix SaaS supports up to 50,000 devices per deployment.