HCL BigFix vs ManageEngine Endpoint Central

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.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a web-based endpoint management product with a hybrid deployment model. It provides patch management, configuration management and remediation automation for managed devices. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, iPadOS, ChromeOS and tvOS. The Free Edition covers 25 endpoints. Paid Professional, Enterprise and UEM editions are listed for cloud and on-premises deployment, including annual subscriptions, monthly cloud plans and perpetual on-premises licenses. The Professional On-Premises Annual plan is listed at $795.00 per year, with one technician and 50 endpoints. Professional Cloud Monthly is $104.00 per month with the same technician and endpoint allowance. Enterprise and UEM editions have separate listed rates. A 30-day trial is noted. ManageEngine was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Pleasanton, California, USA.