KACE Systems Management

Basic Information

The Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is a comprehensive solution for managing network-connected devices. It is available as a virtual appliance or as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering, known as KACE as a Service.

• Model: KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA)
• Latest Stable Version: 14.1
• Release Date (Latest Version 14.1): The KACE Systems Management Appliance version 14.1.106 was revised on November 4, 2025. Version 14.1 was released with integrated Remote Desktop and Office365 outbound email support.
• Minimum Requirements: For virtual appliances, minimum requirements scale with the number of managed devices. For 0-1000 devices, 2 CPUs and 4 GB RAM are required. For SMA 13.0, the minimum RAM increased to 8GB. A monitor with a screen resolution of at least 1280x800 pixels is required for web-based user interfaces.
• Supported Operating Systems (Agent-managed): Windows (including Windows 11 IoT Enterprise), macOS, Red Hat Linux (7.4 - 9), Ubuntu LTS (18.04, 20.04, 22.04), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (12, 15), and Raspbian Linux (on Raspberry Pi devices 8, 9, 10).
• Supported Operating Systems (Agentless management): CentOS, Chrome OS, Debian, Fedora, FreeBSD, Mac OS X, Oracle Enterprise Linux, Raspbian Linux, Red Hat, SUSE.
• End of Support Date: Quest provides a KACE Software Product Support Lifecycle Policy, but specific end-of-support dates for the product were not explicitly found.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly stated.
• License Type: Subscription License or Perpetual License, typically licensed per managed computer.
• Deployment Model: On-premises virtual appliance (running on VMware or Microsoft Hyper-V) or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) hosted by Quest (KACE as a Service, Azure cloud-delivered).

Technical Requirements

The KACE Systems Management Appliance is deployed as a virtual appliance, with resource requirements scaling based on the number of managed devices.

• RAM: Minimum 8 GB for SMA 13.0 and later. Scales up to 132 GB for 32000-50000 devices.
• Processor: Minimum 2 CPUs for up to 2000 devices. Scales up to 64 CPUs for 32000-50000 devices.
• Storage: Available disk space typically ranges from 1 TB for small installations to 3 TB for large installations.
• Display: A monitor with a screen resolution of at least 1280 pixels by 800 pixels is required for accessing web-based user interfaces.
• Ports: TCP port 80/443 for communication.
• Operating System (Virtual Appliance Host): VMware ESX/ESXi 6.7 or later (SMA 14.0 runs on FreeBSD 14.0 supported on VMware ESX/ESXi 8.0 and later), Microsoft Hyper-V (Windows Server 2019 with Hyper-V), Nutanix AOS 5.20.1.1 (LTS) or later.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for Quest KACE SMA are flexible and scalable, designed to accommodate varying organizational sizes and device counts. The virtual appliance model allows for efficient resource allocation within existing virtualized environments. The scaling of CPU and RAM directly correlates with the number of managed devices, ensuring performance for growing infrastructures. The minimum specifications are for simple configurations, and complex operations may require additional resources.

Support & Compatibility

Quest KACE SMA offers broad compatibility across various operating systems and provides support through its lifecycle policies and integrated features.

• Latest Version: 14.1
• OS Support:
  • Agent-managed: Windows (including Windows 11 IoT Enterprise), macOS, Red Hat Linux, Ubuntu LTS, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Raspbian Linux.
  • Agentless: CentOS, Chrome OS, Debian, Fedora, FreeBSD, Mac OS X, Oracle Enterprise Linux, Raspbian Linux, Red Hat, SUSE.
  • Mobile Devices (via KACE Cloud Mobile Device Manager): iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
• End of Support Date: Quest maintains a KACE Software Product Support Lifecycle Policy, which outlines support timelines.
• Localization: While not explicitly detailed, the global presence of Quest and its customer base implies support for various regions, though specific localization features are not listed in the provided data.
• Available Drivers: The KACE Systems Deployment Appliance (SDA) streamlines the administration of driver updates across diverse hardware platforms.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Quest KACE SMA demonstrates strong compatibility with a wide array of traditional and modern operating systems, both for agent-based and agentless management. This broad support ensures organizations can manage diverse IT environments from a single platform. The integration with the KACE Systems Deployment Appliance for driver management further enhances its utility. The existence of a support lifecycle policy indicates structured support, though specific end-of-life dates for the product were not found.

Security Status

The KACE Systems Management Appliance incorporates various security features and adheres to secure development practices, though it has experienced known vulnerabilities that Quest actively addresses.

• Security Features:
  • Automated OS and application patch management.
  • Vulnerability scanning and security configuration enforcement (including firewalls and antivirus).
  • User identification, interface hardening, and agent tunneling for secure deployments.
  • SSL encryption for all web communications when configured.
  • Extensive auditing features for administrative actions.
  • Hardened underlying operating system and services.
  • Security dashboard for patch compliance visibility.
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • CVE-2025-32975: Authentication bypass vulnerability.
  • CVE-2025-32976: Logic flaw in 2FA implementation allowing bypass.
  • CVE-2025-32977: Allows unauthenticated users to upload backup files.
  • CVE-2025-32978: Allows unauthenticated users to replace system licenses.
  • CVE-2024-23772, CVE-2024-23773, CVE-2024-23774: Agent vulnerabilities allowing file manipulation or incorrect process launching.
  • CVE-2019-10973: Improper input validation allowing administrative users unintentional access to the underlying OS.
  • Older vulnerabilities (2018) included command execution as root for remote attackers, even unauthenticated in some cases, and SQL injection.
• Blacklist Status: No information found regarding a general blacklist status.
• Certifications: Supports compliance standards like Federal Desktop Core Configuration (FDCC) through OVAL assessment and SCAP scan capabilities.
• Encryption Support: All web communications are encrypted when SSL is configured.
• Authentication Methods:
  • Local authentication.
  • LDAP authentication (including Active Directory).
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for administrators and end-users.
  • SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) for single sign-on.
• General Recommendations: Quest recommends upgrading to the latest versions and applying hotfixes to address known vulnerabilities. They also advise following best practices for securing the appliance, including restricting system access, minimizing network exposure, locating control system networks behind firewalls, and using secure remote access methods like VPNs.

Analysis of Overall Security Rating

Quest KACE SMA integrates robust security features like automated patch management, vulnerability scanning, and multi-factor authentication, reflecting a commitment to securing managed environments. However, the existence of critical vulnerabilities, some with high CVSS scores, indicates that continuous vigilance and prompt patching are essential for maintaining a secure posture. Quest actively addresses these issues through hotfixes and updates, emphasizing the importance of keeping the appliance current. The support for industry compliance standards like OVAL and SCAP further strengthens its security framework.

Performance & Benchmarks

Performance of the KACE SMA is primarily characterized by its scalability and efficiency in managing a large number of endpoints, rather than specific benchmark scores.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not publicly available in the provided information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: The appliance is designed for comprehensive and automated management, aiming to reduce management system complexity and safeguard endpoints. It streamlines IT asset management, software license compliance, and improves end-user experience through its service desk.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly stated.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly stated.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: KACE SMA is positioned as a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that reduces complexity and provides rapid ROI. It is noted to be suitable for mid-sized organizations, offering a comprehensive alternative to traditional, more complex solutions.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

The KACE Systems Management Appliance focuses on efficient and automated endpoint management, with its performance directly tied to its ability to scale resources (CPU, RAM, network) based on the number of managed devices. While specific numerical benchmarks for speed or efficiency are not provided, the system is engineered to handle large-scale deployments and ongoing management tasks, aiming to reduce operational costs and IT staff workload. Its virtual appliance architecture and SaaS offering contribute to flexible deployment and resource optimization.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights the KACE Systems Management Appliance as an effective tool for endpoint management, though some historical dissatisfaction exists.

• Strengths: Users praise its reliability, speed, and ease of use. It offers comprehensive and automated management for a wide range of devices, simplifying IT management, enhancing security, and streamlining operations. The integrated service desk, patch management, and inventory capabilities are often cited as key benefits. It is considered a robust solution for mid-sized organizations.
• Weaknesses: Some client feedback in the past suggested that customers were not "overly happy" with the product lines, though recent updates aim to address these concerns by providing much-needed additional functionality.
• Recommended Use Cases: The KACE SMA is recommended for organizations seeking to:
  • Discover and inventory all hardware and software assets.
  • Automate OS and application patch management.
  • Enforce security configurations and perform vulnerability scanning.
  • Manage software licenses and ensure compliance.
  • Streamline IT asset management from deployment to retirement.
  • Provide service desk capabilities and remote troubleshooting.
  • Manage a diverse ecosystem of endpoints, including traditional PCs, Macs, servers, Chromebooks, and IoT devices.

Summary

The Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) is a versatile and scalable unified endpoint management solution designed to automate and streamline IT operations across diverse environments. It is available as a virtual appliance for on-premises deployment or as a SaaS offering (KACE as a Service), providing flexibility in infrastructure choices. The SMA supports a broad range of operating systems for both agent-managed and agentless devices, including Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions, ensuring comprehensive coverage for an organization's IT landscape.

Key strengths of the KACE SMA include its robust security features, such as automated patch management, vulnerability scanning, SSL encryption, and multi-factor authentication (2FA) and SAML support. It also offers extensive auditing and a hardened operating system for enhanced protection. The appliance's technical requirements are designed to scale with the number of managed devices, allowing organizations to allocate resources efficiently. Users generally appreciate its ease of use, reliability, and comprehensive capabilities in managing hardware and software assets, enforcing security, and providing service desk functionalities.

However, the KACE SMA has faced known vulnerabilities, some critical, which Quest actively addresses through patches and hotfixes. This necessitates that organizations remain diligent in applying updates to maintain a secure environment. While specific performance benchmarks are not readily available, the system's design emphasizes scalability and efficiency in real-world IT management scenarios. Historically, some users expressed dissatisfaction, but recent updates aim to enhance functionality and user experience.

Overall, the Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance stands as a powerful tool for organizations seeking to centralize and automate their endpoint management, asset tracking, and security efforts. Its comprehensive feature set and flexible deployment options make it a strong contender for managing complex IT infrastructures, particularly for mid-sized organizations. Continuous patching and adherence to security best practices are crucial for maximizing its benefits and mitigating risks.

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.