SmartDeploy: The user-friendly alternative to KACE Systems Deployment Appliance
SmartDeploy is a flexible, intuitive, cloud-ready alternative to KACE for Windows imaging and endpoint deployment. It supports hardware-independent imaging and includes 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs to speed up setup.
Make Windows imaging a whole lot easier
Easy
Set up and support your devices with wizard-guided workflows and a user-friendly dashboard.
Fast
Use hardware-independent images that free you from creating a new image for every device model.
Efficient
Choose from 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs that support all major OEM business-class models.
Flexible
Deploy images and software using offline media, network servers, or the cloud — no VPN required.
SmartDeploy vs. KACE Systems Deployment Appliance
KACE
KACE can image remote machines via a local network — but without the ability to image over the cloud, the process won’t be as seamless. KACE driver packs also cover fewer OEM models than SmartDeploy, so you’ll have to spend time filling in the gaps.
Shortcomings:
Performance issues
Problematic API
Limited support
Minimal documentation
High complexity for non-Dell devices
SmartDeploy
SmartDeploy can support an on-prem, remote, and distributed workforce from one platform. Deploy your Windows golden image and business-critical software via offline media, local networks, or over the cloud (even without VPN). Manage diverse hardware easily with a library of prebuilt and customizable driver packs.
SmartDeploy vs. KACE Systems Deployment Appliance: Feature breakdown
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Easy setup |
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Minimal learning curve |
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Consistent, fast technical support |
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Wizard-driven workflows |
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Remote computer imaging |
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Out-of-box integration with cloud storage providers |
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Offline image deployments |
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Network deployments |
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Virtual reference machines |
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Physical reference machines |
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Multicast imaging |
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Prebuilt driver pack library |
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Prebuilt, customizable app packages |
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Works with Linux systems |
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Flexible deployment options |
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Zero-touch deployments |
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Central dashboard |
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Remote desktop management |
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Remote wipe |
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USMT integration |
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Windows 11 in-place upgrades |
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Windows updates automation |
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How it works
Set up, update, and manage endpoints with greater flexibility and ease. Flexible layers enable you to manage the OS, applications, drivers, and user data independently from each other rather than baking everything into a locked image.
Meet some of our customers
Learn how businesses from startups to global leaders use SmartDeploy to streamline their endpoint management.
“I like that you can image computers remotely through cloud storage. I also like that you guys provide all of the driver packs so that users don't have to track them down.”
STEPHEN T.
Systems Engineer
The new industry standard
SmartDeploy is an award-winning solution with a proven track record helping IT teams become more effective and efficient. We think the results speak for themselves.
One platform, endless use cases
SmartDeploy is your one-stop shop for PC provisioning and lifecycle management.
Computer imaging
Build and maintain a single Windows golden image, regardless of PC make or model
PC refreshes
Keep all your users' files and settings consistent while rolling out new hardware
Application management
Deploy, update, and patch applications zero-touch to any endpoint
Windows updates
Push periodic updates or centrally manage entire migrations for local and remote PCs
Device setup
Seamlessly roll out images, drivers, and applications to entirely new devices
PC break-fixes
Reimage the operating system layer without affecting applications or user data
Resources
Ready to get started?
See how easy device management can be. Try SmartDeploy free for 15 days — no credit card required.
SmartDeploy is not affiliated with or endorsed by KACE. The use of KACE Systems Deployment Appliance on this page is for comparison purposes only. Information last updated: 10/23/2025
FAQ
What’s the difference between KACE and SmartDeploy?
SmartDeploy is a modern, cloud-ready alternative to KACE Systems Deployment Appliance. While KACE focuses on local network imaging, SmartDeploy supports cloud, network, and offline deployments — offering IT teams more flexibility to support devices across different environments. It’s faster to set up, easier to use, and includes 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs that support a wider range of OEM business-class models for seamless hardware compatibility.
Is SmartDeploy a good alternative to KACE?
Yes, SmartDeploy is an excellent alternative to KACE, especially for IT teams managing distributed, hybrid, or mixed hardware environments. It supports multiple deployment methods, integrates with major third-party cloud storage providers for deployments over the cloud (no VPN needed), and a more extensive driver pack library than KACE Systems Deployment Appliance — making it ideal for organizations seeking simpler, more flexible desktop management.
Why should IT teams switch from KACE to SmartDeploy?
IT teams that switch from KACE to SmartDeploy benefit from its ease of use, quick setup, and reliable remote imaging. SmartDeploy eliminates the performance and driver management challenges common with KACE, helping teams deploy Windows images and updates more efficiently from one platform.
What does SmartDeploy do better than KACE?
Compared with KACE, SmartDeploy offers greater deployment flexibility: cloud-based imaging, native integrations with major cloud storage providers, and an extensive, regularly updated driver pack library. Combined with hardware-independent imaging and guided workflows, teams can standardize deployments across mixed hardware and support different environments with less effort.
Which tool is better for computer imaging: SmartDeploy or KACE?
SmartDeploy is the better computer imaging solution because it supports offline, local and cloud deployments from one platform just as easily. IT teams can pair their golden image with a wider range of prebuilt driver packs offered, deploying to many different device models at one go, saving significant time and work compared to KACE.
How does SmartDeploy handle driver management compared to KACE?
SmartDeploy provides 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs that automatically match hardware models, reducing setup time. KACE supports fewer OEM models, often requiring manual driver sourcing. SmartDeploy’s comprehensive library makes imaging faster, easier, and more consistent across diverse hardware environments.
Is SmartDeploy better suited for smaller IT teams than KACE?
SmartDeploy is a practical fit for smaller IT teams that need to do more with less. It offers a straightforward setup and guided workflows to reduce ramp-up time, flexible deployment methods (including cloud-based options) to scale coverage without extra infrastructure, and a broad library of prebuilt driver packs to help shorten an otherwise time-consuming task.
"Given our small team and limited resources, the enormity and time-consuming nature of the task made deployment and endpoint management incredibly challenging. We needed tools [like SmartDeploy] that could facilitate that process.” — Adam Farmer, Chief Technology Officer, Mercer Landmark.