The Alternatives To ConnectWise Manage

Professional Services Automation (PSA) software plays an instrumental role in managing these crucial tasks and many of you out there are looking for ConnectWise Manage alternatives. ConnectWise Manage is popular among Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for its comprehensive set of features, but there’s a steep entry point for getting it to run efficiently and taking advantage of all its capabilities as all these features have to be configured from scratch. Managing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) business requires the right tools to streamline operations, optimize processes, and ensure client satisfaction.

The platform has mostly been instrumental in helping MSPs streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and improve service delivery but it’s not a solution that works for everybody.

There are numerous alternatives to Connectwise Manage that offer similar capabilities in terms of professional service automation (PSA), each with its own unique strengths and features.

The list of Connectwise Manage Alternatives:

The following list represents some of the top alternatives often suggested by MSP owners based on user reviews, functionality, and integration capabilities

1. Autotask PSA (by Datto): Autotask is often praised for its comprehensive suite of features that includes ticketing, time tracking, project management, invoicing, and reporting. Its integration with Datto’s other solutions and its robust API make it an attractive option for many MSP owners.
2. Kaseya BMS: Kaseya BMS is a popular alternative, known for its intuitive user interface and efficient automation of tasks. The platform offers project management, billing, inventory, CRM, and more.
3. N-Able (SolarWinds) MSP Manager: N-Able MSP Manager from SolarWinds is a cloud-based help desk and billing software that provides essential operational support for MSPs. Features include ticketing, scheduling, and comprehensive reporting.
4. Atera: Atera combines Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Professional Services Automation (PSA), and remote access into one powerful solution. Its simplicity, transparent pricing model, and scalability are often praised by MSP owners.
5. Accelo: Accelo is a service operations automation platform well-liked for its suite of tools for project management, CRM, time tracking, and billing. Its automation capabilities and integration options have made it a favored choice among MSP owners.
6. HaloPSA: A strong contender for the best ConnectWise alternative with its wealth of features, responsive support, and broad customization options. The software is easy to use and the customer support is reportedly excellent.

Remember, the best PSA tool for your MSP will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to take advantage of free trials or demos before making a decision.

So, what is the best alternative for Connectwise Manage?

Finding the perfect Professional Services Automation (PSA) tool to replace ConnectWise Manage can be a daunting task. As a company providing MSP staffing services, we see this a lot with clients we consult, in terms of how often they look to hire technicians who can help or advise on transferring to a different PSA. They can particularly with the sheer number of alternatives available in the market. It’s crucial to find a solution that not only meets your needs today but can also adapt as your MSP business evolves.

The top five alternatives to ConnectWise Manage we have explored – Autotask PSA by Datto, Kaseya BMS, Tigerpaw, Atera, and Accelo – all bring their unique strengths to the table. The 6th entry on the list though seems to take the crown as the best ConnectWise Manage alternative on the market and that is HaloPSA.

The list:

Autotask PSA shines with its combination of ticketing, time tracking, project management, invoicing, reporting, and CRM capabilities. It is an all-in-one platform that promises to handle all aspects of your MSP business.

Kaseya BMS, on the other hand, prides itself on being a next-generation business management solution. It provides robust automation, workflow, and integration tools, aiming to increase the efficiency of your operations.

Tigerpaw stands out with its comprehensive integration of various features, from CRM to inventory control, into a single platform. It can be an excellent fit for those looking for a unified solution.

Atera offers a unique combination of RMM, PSA, and remote access capabilities. This makes it a complete solution, especially for MSPs looking to manage and monitor their client’s IT environments effectively.

Accelo brings to the forefront its service operations automation capabilities. It provides a range of tools for project management, CRM, time tracking, and billing, aiming to streamline your service operations.

Last but not least, HaloPSA is quickly becoming one of the favorite PSAs in the MSP industry. Praised for its excellent customer support, ease of use, and well-executed customization, HaloPSA is the one that stands out from the crowd.

What to Consider When Choosing a Connectwise Alternative?

Remember, while these alternatives all have their merits, the best PSA software for your MSP is one that fits your specific operational requirements, budget, and business growth objectives. Always consider a software’s scalability, integrations, customer support, and community feedback before making your decision.

Choosing the right PSA software is a strategic decision that significantly impacts your MSP’s efficiency and profitability. Ensure you make an informed choice that contributes positively to your business’s growth trajectory.

Autotask PSA

Autotask PSA is a comprehensive, cloud-based IT business management platform that combines service desk, CRM, projects, time and expense, billing, and more. It is widely used by IT service providers, MSPs, software consultants, and VARs.

Summary of the Features

• Comprehensive project management
• Service desk management
• Time tracking and billing
• CRM and sales management
• Reporting and analytics

What Are The Pros and Cons of Using Autotask?

Based on the reviews from G2, Autotask PSA has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. The platform is praised for its robust features and comprehensive capabilities. Users appreciate the fact that it is a complete solution that allows them to manage all aspects of their business in one place.

Pros

Users have highlighted the following advantages of Autotask PSA:

• Comprehensive features: Autotask PSA offers a wide range of features that cover all aspects of business management. This includes service desk, CRM, projects, time and expense, billing, and more.
• Integration capabilities: The platform integrates well with other tools, allowing users to streamline their workflows and improve efficiency.
• Customization: Autotask PSA is highly customizable, enabling users to tailor the platform to their specific needs.

Cons

On the other hand, users have pointed out some drawbacks:

• Learning curve: Some users have mentioned that Autotask PSA can be complex and difficult to learn, especially for new users.
• Interface: A few users have commented that the interface could be more user-friendly and intuitive.
• Cost: Some users have noted that Autotask PSA can be expensive, particularly for small businesses.
• Kaseya: Datto was recently acquired by Kaseya which has many users jumping ship due to Kaseya’s perceived business practices

Can Autotask Reproduce All the Connectwise Manage Features?

Mostly yes. Autotask provides a broad range of features that are comparable to ConnectWise Manage, including service desk management, project management, and billing. However, the level of granularity and customization may differ between the two platforms.

Can Autotask PSA Fully Replace Connectwise Manage?

Autotask PSA can be a suitable replacement for ConnectWise Manage, especially for businesses seeking robust project management and service desk management functionalities.

Is Autotask a Good Alternative for Connectwise Manage?

Yes. Autotask offers a range of integrated features that can effectively manage different business operations, making it a solid alternative to ConnectWise Manage.

Kaseya BMS

Kaseya BMS is a business management solution designed for IT departments and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It offers a range of features to streamline and automate daily tasks.

Summary of the Features

• IT service desk and ticketing
• Project management
• Time tracking and billing
• Inventory management
• CRM and reporting

What Are The Pros and Cons of Using Kaseya BMS?

Based on the reviews from GetApp, Kaseya BMS has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Users have praised the platform’s continuous improvements and powerful integrations.

Pros

Users have highlighted the following advantages of Kaseya BMS:

• Continuous improvements: Users have noted that Kaseya is always improving their application for better workflows and productivity.
• Powerful integrations: The platform’s integrations are highly appreciated by users, as they provide a strong value case in time savings.

Cons

However, users have also pointed out some drawbacks:

• Billing feature: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the billing feature, describing it as a “terrible, horrible, no good feature”. The process of approving billing items, creating invoices, choosing an invoice template, and sending them out to clients has been criticized for being cumbersome.
• Conversion difficulties: One user mentioned that converting from Autotask to BMS was challenging due to the number of integrations, which made the project management of their implementation difficult.

Can Kaseya BMS Reproduce All the Connectwise Manage Features?

Mostly yes. Kaseya BMS covers many features present in ConnectWise Manage, such as IT service desk, project management, and CRM. However, users may find differences in functionality and user experience.

Can Kaseya BMS Fully Replace Connectwise Manage?

Depending on your specific needs, Kaseya BMS could effectively replace ConnectWise Manage. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking user-friendly IT service management with powerful automation capabilities.

Is Kaseya BMS a Good Alternative for Connectwise Manage?

Yes, Kaseya BMS is a robust and feature-rich platform that offers many functionalities similar to ConnectWise Manage, making it a worthwhile alternative.

N-Able (SolarWinds MSP Manager)

SolarWinds N-Able, now known as N-able, is a network monitoring solution designed for in-house IT professionals, MSPs, and IT service providers. It offers remote monitoring and management (RMM), patch management, backup, and disaster recovery, among other features.

Summary of the Features

• Help desk and ticketing
• Billing and invoicing
• Scheduling and dispatch
• Reporting
• Mobile applications

The Pros and Cons of Using N-Able

Based on the reviews from Spiceworks, N-able has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised the platform’s capabilities, while others have expressed dissatisfaction with its performance and support.

Pros

• Comprehensive features: N-able offers a wide range of features, including remote access and control, patch management, backup, and disaster recovery.
• Multi-OS support: The platform supports multiple operating systems, making it versatile for diverse IT environments.

Cons

• Performance issues: Some users have reported that the platform can be slow and unresponsive at times.
• Support: A few users have criticized the support provided by N-able, describing it as inadequate.

Can N-Able Reproduce All the Connectwise Manage Features?

Partially. N-Able offers core PSA functionalities like help desk management and billing, but it lacks the breadth of features that ConnectWise Manage provides, especially in project management.

Can N-Able Fully Replace Connectwise Manage?

For businesses primarily requiring help desk management and billing, N-Able can be a suitable replacement. However, for those needing extensive project management features, N-Able may fall short.

Is N-Able a Good Alternative for Connectwise Manage?

For MSPs seeking a cloud-based help desk and billing solution, N-Able can be a good alternative. However, its scope is more limited compared to ConnectWise Manage.

Atera

Atera is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) solution for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT professionals. It offers a range of features including IT automation, patch management, remote access, and ticketing.

Summary of the Features

• RMM and PSA in one platform
• Help desk and ticketing
• Billing and reporting
• Remote access and monitoring

The Pros and Cons of Using Atera

Based on the reviews from GetApp, Atera has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Users have praised the platform’s pricing model and its usefulness for routine tasks.

Pros

• Useful for routine tasks: Users have found Atera to be very useful for routine tasks like managing disk and memory usage.
• Pricing model: The pricing model of Atera is highly appreciated by users, especially those running businesses with minimal personnel. It is seen as great for starting and growing a business.

Cons

• Lack of multi-monitor support: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of multi-monitor support in Splashtop, the main remote connection software used by Atera.
• Poor documentation: One user mentioned that the documentation provided by Atera was poor and that the support was unable to explain certain features.

Can Atera Reproduce All the Connectwise Manage Features?

Partially. Atera offers an integrated RMM and PSA solution with strong remote monitoring capabilities, but it lacks the CRM functionality and depth of customization available in ConnectWise Manage.

Can Atera PSA Fully Replace Connectwise Manage?

For businesses focused on remote monitoring and management along with PSA functionalities, Atera could be a suitable replacement. However, it may not fully replace the breadth of features in ConnectWise Manage.

Is Atera a Good Alternative for Connectwise Manage?

Yes, for MSPs looking for an integrated RMM and PSA solution, Atera is a solid alternative to ConnectWise Manage.

Accelo

Accelo is a cloud-based service operations automation tool for small to medium-sized businesses. It is designed to help professional service businesses manage their projects, clients, and teams.

Summary of the Features

• Service operations automation
• Project management
• Time tracking and billing
• CRM
• Reporting and analytics

The Pros and Cons of Using Accelo

Based on the reviews from GetApp, Accelo has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users have praised the platform’s ease of use and its ability to allow team members to contribute seamlessly at any stage of a project.

Pros

• Seamless collaboration: Users have found Accelo to be very useful for team collaboration, allowing all team members to interface and contribute seamlessly at any stage of a project.
• Ease of use: The platform is easy to set up, use, and navigate, according to users.

Cons

• Data loss: Some users have reported losing data on the platform and encountering numerous bugs.
• Poor support: A few users have criticized the support provided by Accelo, describing it as limited or non-existent, and the staff as rude when asked for support.

Can Accelo Reproduce All the Connectwise Manage Features?

Mostly yes. Accelo provides similar functionalities to ConnectWise Manage, such as project management, CRM, and service operations automation. However, the user experience and depth of customization may vary.

Can Accelo Fully Replace Connectwise Manage?

For businesses seeking a comprehensive tool for service operations automation and project management, Accelo can be a suitable replacement for ConnectWise Manage.

Is Accelo a Good Alternative for Connectwise Manage?

Perhaps. Accelo provides a comprehensive solution for managing service operations, but lack of support prevents from making it a strong alternative to ConnectWise Manage.

HaloPSA

HaloPSA is a Professional Services Automation (PSA) solution designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It offers a cloud platform that aims to modernize customer experience and automate service. The platform includes features such as time-tracking and billing, advanced reporting, asset management, remote access, integrations, and automation tools.

Summary of the Features

• Service desk management
• Contract and billing management
• CRM
• Inventory management
• Project management

The Pros and Cons of Using HaloPSA

HaloPSA has received a high overall rating of 4.85 out of 5 from 20 reviews on G2. Users have praised the software for its modern design, ease of use, and excellent customer support. The software is also highly customizable, allowing it to adapt to the needs of different businesses. Users on reddit have praised the software for its ticketing system and its ability to handle project tracking, billing, and asset management effectively. However, some users have noted that the software can be a bit overwhelming due to its many modules and features.

Pros of Using HaloPSA

• Users have praised HaloPSA for its modern design and ease of use. The software is highly customizable, allowing it to adapt to the needs of different businesses.
• The software’s customer support has been highly praised, with users noting that the support team is responsive and helpful.
• HaloPSA is noted for its ability to handle billing, reporting, and ticket automation effectively, making it a comprehensive solution for IT providers.
• Users have also appreciated the software’s flexibility, which allows it to accommodate different workflows and operational styles.

Cons of Using HaloPSA

• Some users have noted that the software can be a bit overwhelming due to its many modules and features. However, they also noted that it’s possible to disable unnecessary modules to simplify the interface.
• A few users have mentioned that the software can be a bit complicated to set up and configure, but this is a common issue with comprehensive PSA systems.
• Some users have pointed out minor quality of life issues, but these do not significantly impact the overall functionality of the software.

Can HaloPSA Reproduce All the Connectwise Manage Features?

Mostly yes. HaloPSA covers a broad range of features comparable to ConnectWise Manage, including service desk, contract management, CRM, and project management. However, there can be differences in functionality and user experience.

Can HaloPSA Fully Replace Connectwise Manage?

Depending on your specific requirements, HaloPSA could effectively replace ConnectWise Manage. It’s particularly suitable for businesses seeking robust contract management and service desk management functionalities.

Is HaloPSA a Good Alternative for Connectwise Manage?

Yes. HaloPSA offers a range of integrated features and wide-ranging third-party integrations that can effectively manage various business operations, making it a viable alternative to ConnectWise Manage.

Which Connectwise Alternative to Choose?

While each of these alternatives to ConnectWise Manage has its unique strengths and shortcomings, Autotask and HaloPSA seem to handle the tasks required the best, offering stability and a breadth of functions. Depending on how you feel about the recent purchase of datto by Kaseya, that leaves you with one or two choices. With HaloPSA getting raving reviews from the MSP community, there’s really only one choice and that is HaloPSA. Do remember though, when choosing the right tool for your business, consider your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of your operations. Use trials or demos to ensure the tool is a good fit before making the final decision. If you decide to stick with Connectwise, take a look at our Connectwise Manage Tips and Tricks article. Best of luck on your MSP journey!