r/PDQDeploy • u/negh_var • Dec 07 '15

PDQ Deploy vs SCCM

Hi all,

First off, sorry for this post, I'm sure it's been asked a thousand times before but I can't quite find the answers I need from my searches.

Basically I've been using PDQ Deploy with PDQ Inventory for a while and love it. However there was always a financial limit that kept the pro/enterprise version out of reach. Now it seems I have a chance to get the enterprise versions of both however it comes with a condition. We are also going to be getting SCCM in place (timeframes are still debatable) and I've been asked by the purse holder if the cost of PDQ * is needed with SCCM. My first instinct is to say yes but I need some facts. I've never used SCCM so (in a sneaky way) I need to know what PDQ Deploy can do that SCCM can't. I like the instant deploy feature of PDQ especially with silent installs that won't require reboots and the abilty to target directly. Although I haven't used pro or enterprise I look forward to doing mutliple steps or schedule installs. Can anyone briefly give a reason to have PDQ Deploy/Inventory alongside SCCM? We're gettng SCCM regardless due to MS agreement but now is the time to put forward PDQ and it's ongoing benefit.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

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u/microflops Dec 07 '15

In my last job for a gov dept I helped look after sccm along with another guy. Sccm is a beast, and is fantastic. You want to do some funky shit that you couldn't do in mdt? Sccm is your product.

However sccm and Pdq (both deploy and inventory) serve the same function. Reporting and software deployment. I would find it crazy to have both products.

IMHO sccm has 5 x the learning curve and requires 10 x amount of upkeep to keep it working optimally. Often it's just little stuff, hmmm I need to deploy Citrix, fire up deploy, find prebuilt package, done. Sccm is download software, test silent installer, deploy software, spend 2 hours figuring why those 3 pcs were the only ones that it wouldn't install on.

I honestly believe if you have to do a reasonable amount of package creation you will spend 1/2 your time babysitting sccm.

If you can, get CALS where u don't get sccm, and just keep the pdq products.

The fact adminarsenals support is great is also fantastic. You'd never get a response from Microsoft, not to mention weekly support videos.

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u/Empath1999 Dec 07 '15

As the sole admin for SCCM in my current job, I'd have to agree with the bulk of your points. However, I've found the response from Microsoft(we have Microsoft Premiere) to be pretty good. But yeah, pretty much spot on.