Swimage versus Microsoft Tools
Swimage is far superior to all competition when it comes to simplicity, reliability, security, and user experience. This is especially true how Swimage compares to the Microsoft tools, including the SCCM Task Sequence, MDT, Auto Pilot, and Intune. Whereas the Microsoft tools require heavy maintenance, scripting, consulting, and/or third-party add-ons, Swimage functions out-of-box. The following chart shows how Swimage stands-up to the Microsoft tools, out-of-box.
| Fully Capable ● | Some Ability ◐ | Little Ability ◔ | No Ability w/o custom development ○ |
Feature / Capability |
|
Task Sequence |
MDT |
Intune |
| EASE OF USE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deploy-ready, Out-of-box |
● |
○ |
○ |
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|
Configuration Template Layering |
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○ |
○ |
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|
Pre-deployment Validation |
● |
○ |
○ |
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|
Pre-deployment Remediation |
● |
○ |
○ |
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|
Built-in Provisioning Database |
● |
○ |
◐ |
● |
|
Agentless web-based console for real-time status |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
|
Content location on either Server Share, Peer PC, NAS, Flash Drive, or Local Cache |
● |
◔ |
◔ |
○ |
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Leverage and integrate with LANDesk / Ivanti |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
| RELIABILITY | ||||
|
Ability to run completely disconnected and remote |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
|
Can run completely standalone |
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○ |
◔ |
○ |
|
Fully-enabled offline deployment for home or remote users |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
|
Cache deployment content prior to migration, eliminating network requirements |
● |
◐ |
◐ |
○ |
|
Fully automated predeployment workflow engine to report on and remediate PC issues |
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○ |
○ |
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Pre validation process prevents migration when errors are detected |
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○ |
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Complete pre-provisioning of PCs, eliminating need for techs or users for any desk side provisioning |
● |
○ |
◐ |
◐ |
|
Automated application reinstallation using app matching rules |
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◔ |
○ |
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Automated driver provisioning and injections |
● |
◔ |
◔ |
○ |
| SECURITY | ||||
|
Automated conversion of BIOS to UEFI |
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◐ |
◐ |
○ |
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Automated conversion of MBR to GPT |
● |
◐ |
◐ |
○ |
|
Automated email and reporting pre migration, during migration, and post migration |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
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Automated Image creation and patching based on defined set of instructions |
● |
◐ |
◐ |
○ |
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Ability to interact with migrations remotely |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
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In-place migrate without unencrypting and without reformatting |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
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Full drive snapshot to protect all previous state data |
● |
○ |
○ |
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|
Full rollback capability anytime during of after the migration |
● |
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○ |
○ |
|
Auto detect external storage for user data whenever needed |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
| USER EXPERIENCE | ||||
|
Direct PC to PC data transfer for a hardware replacement /strong> |
● |
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○ |
○ |
|
Zero-touch migrations in mass scale |
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◐ |
○ |
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|
Wizard driven light-touch OS deployments |
● |
◐ |
◐ |
○ |
|
Self-deployment kit for PC to PC migration over cross-over cable |
● |
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○ |
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|
Prestaged images on new hardware, straight from hardware vendor |
● |
○ |
○ |
◐ |
|
Remote or lightly connected deployments directly from DVD or USB |
● |
◐ |
◐ |
○ |
|
Real-time, web based, dashboard to show progression of all machines as they deploy |
● |
◐ |
○ |
○ |
|
Automated discovery and provisioning of drivers, apps, settings, and data. |
● |
○ |
○ |
○ |
| EXTENSIBILITY | ||||
|
Automatically patch PCs prior to attaching to the domain |
● |
◐ |
◐ |
○ |
|
Automated hardware detection and driver injection |
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◐ |
◐ |
○ |
|
Full customization based on template assignments, including Windows features, customizations, and tweaks. |
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○ |
○ |
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|
Full functionality on first login |
● |
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Send automated email notification to project manager at the completion of the deployment |
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Rollup progress reports automatically compiled and sent daily |
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