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AWS Systems Manager

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Company health

Employee growth
11% increase in the last year
Web traffic
10% increase in the last quarter

Ratings

G2
4.4/5
(23)
Glassdoor
3.7/5
(206324)

AWS Systems Manager description

AWS Systems Manager by Amazon Web Services helps businesses manage their IT infrastructure hosted on AWS. It provides a central dashboard to monitor and control various AWS services. This allows for the automation of tasks and a consolidated view of operational data, improving efficiency and giving you better control over your AWS resources.


Who is AWS Systems Manager best for

AWS Systems Manager simplifies AWS infrastructure management. Users praise its centralized control, automation capabilities, and secure access. However, some find the initial setup and UI complex. It's best for medium to large businesses in IT and software development seeking streamlined AWS management.

  • Best for medium to large businesses.

  • Ideal for IT and software development teams.


AWS Systems Manager features

Supported

AWS Systems Manager supports Linux patching via its Patch Manager feature.

Supported

AWS Systems Manager supports patching Windows operating systems, including Microsoft applications.

Supported

AWS Systems Manager offers workflow automation through Automation, Document Builder, and a low-code visual designer.

Supported

AWS Systems Manager supports remote desktop access through its Fleet Manager and Session Manager.

Supported

AWS Systems Manager offers command-line access via Session Manager and graphical access for Windows servers via Fleet Manager.


AWS Systems Manager reviews

We've summarised 23 AWS Systems Manager reviews (AWS Systems Manager G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of AWS Systems Manager
  • Centralized management for diverse EC2 instances (Linux and Windows).
  • Hybrid cloud support, including on-premise systems.
  • Easy automation for configuration management, OS patching, and inventory.
  • Secure, credential-less access to instances, eliminating SSH keys.
  • Patch management with baselines and maintenance windows simplifies updates.
Cons of AWS Systems Manager
  • Difficult initial setup, especially IAM configuration.
  • Confusing UI, overwhelming number of submenus, not user-friendly.
  • Parameter store UI is inefficient with poor search functionality.
  • Occasional agent instability, and cryptic error messages.
  • Service outages not always reflected in the health dashboard.

AWS Systems Manager pricing

See the AWS Systems Manager pricing page.

  • AWS Systems Manager has a free plan.

  • AWS Systems Manager has a free trial.


AWS Systems Manager alternatives

  • Logo of Microsoft System Center
    Microsoft System Center
    Simplifies and automates complex IT management for Microsoft environments.
    Read more
  • Logo of Discovery
    Discovery
    AI-powered product analytics for data-driven decisions and growth.
    Read more
  • Logo of Amazon EC2 Systems Manager
    Amazon EC2 Systems Manager
    Automate and simplify server management in the cloud.
    Read more
  • Logo of Hashicorp Terraform
    Hashicorp Terraform
    Painlessly manage and automate your cloud infrastructure.
    Read more
  • Logo of Render
    Render
    Effortless cloud hosting and deployments for websites and apps.
    Read more
  • Logo of NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM)
    NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM)
    Unified IT management, simplified and automated.
    Read more

AWS Systems Manager FAQ

  • What is AWS Systems Manager and what does AWS Systems Manager do?

    AWS Systems Manager is a management service by Amazon Web Services that helps businesses manage their IT infrastructure on AWS. It provides a central dashboard to view operational data, automate tasks, and control various AWS services, giving you more efficient control over your AWS resources.

  • How does AWS Systems Manager integrate with other tools?

    AWS Systems Manager integrates with other AWS services like CloudWatch, Lambda, and Config. It also supports integrations with third-party tools for enhanced monitoring, automation, and management capabilities. This allows for streamlined workflows and centralized control over your IT infrastructure.

  • What the main competitors of AWS Systems Manager?

    Top alternatives to AWS Systems Manager include CloudYali, ManageEngine Endpoint Central, SolarWinds Service Desk, JumpCloud, and Microsoft Intune. These competitors offer similar features such as remote desktop access, patching, and automation capabilities for various operating systems.

  • Is AWS Systems Manager legit?

    Yes, AWS Systems Manager is a legitimate service offered by Amazon Web Services. It's a safe and widely used platform for managing AWS infrastructure, offering features like automation, patching, and remote access. However, be prepared for a complex initial setup.

  • How much does AWS Systems Manager cost?

    AWS Systems Manager pricing depends on the specific features used. Some features, like Run Command and State Manager, have a per-instance pricing model. Others, like Inventory and Patch Manager, are free. Contact AWS for detailed pricing information.

  • Is AWS Systems Manager customer service good?

    AWS Systems Manager receives mixed reviews regarding customer service. While praised for its hybrid cloud integration and secure credential-less access, users have reported occasional service outages and a lack of timely reflection on the health dashboard.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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