Assyst Cloud

Basic information

Axios Assyst Cloud, now known as IFS assyst, is an enterprise service management (ESM) and IT service management (ITSM) solution. The original Axios Systems entity was acquired by IFS AB in March 2021, and the product continues its lifecycle under the IFS assyst brand. It is designed to streamline IT operations and extend service management capabilities across the enterprise.

• Model/Version: IFS assyst 25R1.
• Release Date: The assyst platform has been in development for over 20 years. Version 11.8, part of the 25R1 major release, was released in March 2024.
• Minimum Requirements: Specific hardware requirements for on-premise deployments are not publicly detailed, as the architecture is adaptable. Cloud-based deployments rely on the provider's infrastructure.
• Supported Operating Systems: Client access is primarily web-based, compatible with most modern operating systems via standard web browsers. Older versions (e.g., 7.5) explicitly supported Windows. Server-side OS details for on-premise are not extensively publicized.
• Latest Stable Version: IFS assyst 25R1 (version 11.8, released March 2024).
• End of Support Date: IFS is committed to the ongoing enhancement and support of IFS assyst. Specific end-of-support dates for individual versions are managed through customer agreements and IFS's product lifecycle policies.
• End of Life Date: The Axios Systems entity ceased to exist after its acquisition by IFS in March 2021. The product continues its lifecycle as IFS assyst.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not publicly specified; typically managed through customer agreements for SaaS deployments and product lifecycle policies for on-premise.
• License Type: Commercial software, available through various licensing models including perpetual licenses for on-premise and subscription-based for SaaS deployments. An "assyst Integration License" is available for integration components.
• Deployment Model: Available as both an on-premise (local deployment) solution and a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) cloud-based offering (assystSaaS).

Technical Requirements

IFS assyst is designed for enterprise environments, supporting both cloud and on-premise deployments. Specific granular hardware requirements for on-premise installations are not extensively publicized, reflecting its adaptable architecture. Cloud deployments leverage the scalable resources of the hosting provider.

• RAM: Not explicitly specified for on-premise deployments. Cloud deployments benefit from scalable resources provided by the cloud infrastructure.
• Processor: Not explicitly specified for on-premise deployments. Cloud deployments benefit from scalable resources provided by the cloud infrastructure.
• Storage: Not explicitly specified for on-premise deployments. Cloud deployments utilize scalable cloud storage solutions. Data for SaaS implementations is held in MS SQL or AzureSQL databases.
• Display: Client access is web-based, requiring a standard web browser and a display suitable for typical enterprise application use.
• Ports: For web-based access, standard HTTP/HTTPS ports are required. Specific port requirements for on-premise server components are not publicly detailed but would align with enterprise application and database communication standards.
• Operating System: Client access is compatible with various operating systems via web browsers. Server-side OS for on-premise deployments is not publicly detailed.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The lack of explicit public hardware specifications for on-premise deployments suggests a flexible architecture capable of adapting to diverse enterprise infrastructures. For cloud deployments, the reliance on scalable cloud provider resources (such as Microsoft Azure) means that the underlying hardware is managed by the service provider, offering inherent scalability and resilience. This approach simplifies deployment and maintenance for cloud users, shifting the burden of infrastructure management to IFS.

Support & Compatibility

IFS assyst offers comprehensive support and compatibility, aligning with industry standards and leveraging its extensive history in ITSM.

• Latest Version: IFS assyst 25R1 (version 11.8, March 2024).
• OS Support: Client access is primarily web-based, ensuring compatibility with most modern operating systems via standard web browsers. Older versions (e.g., 7.5) explicitly supported Windows.
• End of Support Date: IFS is committed to the continued enhancement and support of IFS assyst. Specific end-of-support dates for individual versions are managed through customer agreements and IFS's product lifecycle policies.
• Localization: Axios Systems had a global presence with offices across Europe, Canada, and the USA, and served customers in over 80 countries, suggesting extensive localization capabilities.
• Available Drivers: The system emphasizes integration capabilities with other IT systems and third-party applications through APIs and integration platforms, rather than traditional hardware drivers.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

IFS assyst demonstrates a strong overall support and compatibility status. Its long history and adherence to ITIL best practices ensure a mature and well-supported product. The web-based client access model provides broad operating system compatibility, reducing client-side deployment complexities. Support is provided directly by IFS assyst via its Service Centre, offering multi-level assistance. The commitment from IFS to continue enhancing the product post-acquisition ensures ongoing relevance and support for its user base.

Security Status

IFS assyst incorporates robust security features designed for enterprise-level IT Service Management, adhering to recognized standards and practices.

• Security Features: Provides a security perspective within its IT Operations Management (ITOM) technology, aiming for enhanced availability and security of IT services. Includes robust backup and recovery solutions with geographically separated storage for SaaS.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Publicly available information does not list specific security vulnerabilities for the IFS assyst enterprise software (distinguished from the open-source JavaScript library 'axios').
• Blacklist Status: No public information indicates a blacklist status for IFS assyst.
• Certifications: Adheres to ITIL® Version 3 recommendations and ITIL 2011 practices. Achieved BS15000 (now ISO 20000) certification in 2004. Holds PinkVERIFY™ accreditation for 16 ITIL processes. Possesses American Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants' Service Organization Controls (SOC) certification, National Cyber Security Centre's Cyber Essentials certification, and a PwC certification seal.
• Encryption Support: For cloud products, all customer data transmitted over public networks is protected using TLS 1.2/1.3 encryption with strong ciphers. Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is supported, and HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) is enabled. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) customer data at rest is encrypted using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
• Authentication Methods: Standard IFS Assyst service requires SAML 2.0 authentication. Older versions supported various mechanisms, including Kerberos for assyst WEB, LDAP for assyst NET, and database authentication for assyst Mobile.
• General Recommendations: Organizations should implement strong access controls, regularly update the software, and follow best practices for secure configuration and user management. For on-premise deployments, maintaining a secure server environment is crucial.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

IFS assyst exhibits a strong security posture, underpinned by adherence to established security and service management standards such as ISO 20000, SOC, and Cyber Essentials. The support for modern authentication protocols like SAML 2.0 and robust encryption for data in transit and at rest further enhances its security framework. The absence of publicly reported vulnerabilities specific to the enterprise software suggests a mature product with a focus on stability and security. Overall, IFS assyst is considered a secure solution for enterprise asset management, provided that deployment and operational best practices are followed by the implementing organization.

Performance & Benchmarks

IFS assyst focuses on delivering efficient service management through its architecture and features, particularly in cloud environments.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores for IFS assyst are not readily available.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Customers report high availability, with one instance noting 99.999% uptime for cloud infrastructure. The solution is designed for rapid deployment in SaaS environments. It aims for low total cost of ownership (TCO) and low administration and maintenance demands.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed, as it largely depends on the deployment model (on-premise server hardware or cloud provider efficiency).
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed, as it largely depends on the deployment model and the energy efficiency of the underlying infrastructure.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Competes with major ITSM solutions such as BMC Remedy, IBM SmartCloud, Cherwell Service Management, FrontRange ITSM (now Heat Service Management), and ServiceNow IT Service Management. It is noted to outperform tools like JIRA for complex processes and configuration management.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

While specific technical benchmark scores are not publicly disclosed, the performance of IFS assyst is characterized by its focus on efficiency, automation, and high availability, particularly in cloud deployments. Its ability to support comprehensive ITIL processes and enterprise service management functions indicates robust operational performance in real-world scenarios. The emphasis on rapid deployment and low TCO suggests an optimized solution for enterprise environments, aiming to deliver value quickly and efficiently. Its competitive standing against other leading ITSM platforms further underscores its capability to meet demanding performance requirements.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for IFS assyst (formerly Axios Assyst) generally highlight its comprehensive capabilities and adaptability, with some common points regarding support and administration.

• Strengths:
  • Comprehensive ITSM and IT Asset Management (ITAM) solution.
  • Single-application approach to ITIL processes, offering out-of-the-box functionality.
  • Facilitates rapid deployment and a quicker return on investment.
  • Highly customizable to meet specific workflow needs.
  • Good customer support, with the customer care center often praised for assistance.
  • Provides a self-service portal and a fully-featured mobile app for end-users.
  • Offers centralized control and full visibility over IT infrastructure and assets.
  • Low-code approach for defining and maintaining service workflows.
  • Affordable with a low total cost of ownership (TCO).
  • Effective for incident, problem, change, and request management.
  • Strong for Enterprise Service Management (ESM), extending beyond IT to HR, Facilities, and Finance.
• Weaknesses:
  • Some helpdesk response times can be extended due to time zone differences.
  • Requires at least one full-time, highly trained administrator for ongoing support, even for SaaS implementations.
  • While offering integration, the range of supported third-party applications and plug-ins might be more limited compared to some competitors.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Organizations seeking comprehensive IT Service Management (ITSM) and IT Asset Management (ITAM).
  • Companies needing robust incident, problem, change, and request management.
  • Environments requiring efficient service desk operations and self-service portals.
  • Enterprises looking to extend service management capabilities (ESM) to departments like HR, Facilities, and Finance.
  • Organizations aiming to streamline IT operations, improve service delivery, and gain better visibility into their IT infrastructure.

Summary of User Reviews & Feedback

Users generally view IFS assyst as a robust and mature solution, particularly for organizations committed to ITIL best practices and comprehensive service management. Its customization capabilities and extensive feature set for ITSM and ESM are frequently praised. While the product is powerful, some users note that dedicated administrative resources are beneficial for optimal ongoing support and configuration. The global nature of its user base sometimes leads to challenges with support response times due to time zone differences, but overall satisfaction remains high, especially regarding its ability to deliver a unified and efficient service experience.

Summary

Axios Assyst Cloud, now known as IFS assyst, is a mature and comprehensive enterprise service management (ESM) and IT service management (ITSM) solution. It offers a robust, single-application approach to ITIL processes, designed to transform IT departments and extend service delivery across the entire enterprise, including HR, Facilities, and Finance.

Strengths: The asset excels in its comprehensive feature set for ITSM and ESM, providing out-of-the-box functionality that supports rapid deployment and a quicker return on investment. Its deployment flexibility, offering both on-premise and SaaS options, caters to diverse organizational needs. Security is a significant strength, backed by numerous certifications (ISO 20000, SOC, Cyber Essentials) and modern encryption (TLS 1.2/1.3, AES-256) and authentication (SAML 2.0) protocols. The web-based client access ensures broad compatibility across various operating systems. User feedback consistently highlights its customizability, self-service capabilities, and the value it brings to centralizing IT and enterprise services.

Weaknesses: Specific, detailed public technical requirements for on-premise deployments are not readily available, which might require direct consultation with the vendor. While support is generally good, some users report potential delays due to time zone differences. Implementing and maintaining the system, especially for SaaS, often benefits from a dedicated, highly trained administrator, indicating a need for internal expertise.

Recommendations: IFS assyst is highly recommended for large and mid-sized enterprises seeking a powerful, ITIL-aligned solution to manage IT services and extend service management principles across other business functions. Organizations should consider the SaaS deployment model for scalability, reduced infrastructure overhead, and leveraging the robust security features managed by IFS. Prospective users should also plan for dedicated administrative resources to fully leverage the system's customization and integration capabilities and to ensure smooth ongoing operations. For global organizations, understanding the support model and potential time zone impacts is advisable.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.