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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.
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Best for medium to large businesses.
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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.
- 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.
- 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
Users sentiment
See the AWS Systems Manager pricing page.
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AWS Systems Manager has a free plan.
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AWS Systems Manager has a free trial.
Explorer
No additional charges apply for enabling Explorer. Charges may apply for API requests and Automation document executions.
OpsCenter
Provides a central location to view, investigate, and resolve operational issues. Priced per 1,000 OpsItems created and API calls made.
Incident Manager
Helps prepare for incidents with automated response plans. Charged per active response plan per month, with additional charges for SMS/Voice messages beyond the included 100.
AppConfig
Allows configuration, validation, deployment, and monitoring of feature flags and dynamic configurations. Charged per configuration request via API calls and per configuration received by targets.
Parameter Store
Offers standard parameters at no charge and advanced parameters at $0.05 per parameter per month. API interactions are also charged for both parameter types, especially with higher throughput enabled.
Change Manager
Provides a central location for requesting operational changes. Offers a 30-day free trial. Charged per change request and API requests.
Automation
Automates common IT operations and management tasks. Charges based on the number and duration of steps, with a free tier included.
Application Manager
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
Maintenance Windows
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
Compliance
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
Inventory
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
On-Premises Instance Management
Offers standard management for up to 1,000 instances at no charge. Advanced management, enabling Session Manager and Patch Manager for Microsoft applications, is charged per instance per hour.
Session Manager
No additional charges for accessing Amazon EC2 instances. Advanced on-premises instance tier required for accessing on-premises instances.
Run Command
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
State Manager
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
Fleet Manager
No additional charges. Limits may apply.
Patch Manager
No additional charges for patching supported operating systems or Linux applications. Advanced tier required for patching Microsoft applications on on-premises instances.
Distributor
Distribution and update checks of AWS and third-party agents are free. Charges apply for storage, API calls, and data transfer for non-AWS packages.
AWS Systems Manager alternatives
Microsoft IntuneBetter for mobile device management, especially for BYOD and remote workforces. More cross-platform support including iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows. Has more momentum in website traffic growth.Read more
CloudYaliBetter cost optimization features and third-party integrations. Focuses on simplifying AWS infrastructure management with a centralized dashboard. Caters to businesses of all sizes with complex AWS deployments, a broader target audience than AWS Systems Manager.Read more
SolarWinds Service DeskBetter for general IT service management and asset tracking. More user-friendly and cost-effective. Caters to a wider range of industries. Stronger focus on IT support and helpdesk functionalities.Read more
AWS Management ConsoleBetter for those seeking a broader range of AWS service access. Easier to use, but potentially overwhelming for new users. Pricing transparency is an issue.Read more
ManageEngine Endpoint CentralBetter for organizations with diverse OS environments including macOS and Linux. More suitable for medium to large organizations. Has more momentum based on employee growth.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
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.
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.