ManageEngine ADManager Plus

Benefits:

don't need to use sript for every thing, have different reports I can use. Also have automation feature

Drawbacks:

may not cover all the features required. like script for the changing home location or may be home folder for the users etc.

Benefits:

Using this app to create new user accounts - it uses templates which can set a lot of changeable default field values, based on various criteria (such as department). We use the API to automate a lot of processes from our helpdesk software so we can click a button on a ticket and the action can place users in AD groups for example for various permissions (after approval). We don't even need to log into the app to do this. We also use the API to auto-disable user accounts and add expiry dates to leavers from info taken automatically from our payroll system. The auditing reports are great as we can easily find out who changed something and when.

Drawbacks:

It's not ideal for bulk technician management - sometimes adding one OU to multiple users can result in replacing the permission instead of adding it. The MFA option to remember the code for 180 days simply doesn't work (it asks for the code every day but it's not a showstopper).

In sum:

We have introduced a lot of automation from helpdesk using the API. This allows L1 technicians to perform functions they otherwise would not have access to in a secure manner.

Benefits:

Very flexible yet powerful. Thank you for all the Azure and O365 tie-ins. Don't stop helping the on premise or hybrid users.

Drawbacks:

No DirSync but was told it is coming. AD Delegation is a little clunky to figure out.

In sum:

Makes it easier for admins

Benefits:

You can quickly access detailed group members across the domain. Reports are generated quickly and easily without having to write scripts or even to know how to use Powershell.

Drawbacks:

There is nothing not to like about the software. Any question you have that is not covered in the online help can be quickly answered by the support staff.

Benefits:

Automation and reporting functions let us improve our service level but spend less time doing routine tasks. Totally granular permission assignment capability. Rules-based templates, very customizable. Continually improving and adding new features. And there are frequent free online training sessions that improve our knowledge of the product's capabilities. Their tech support is very good to work with, very quick to respond.

Drawbacks:

The only problem I can think of is getting an invoice from Manage Engine in the form needed by our finance department so we could pay the maintenance bill.

Benefits:

Seamlessly integrates with O365 and our Azure AD infrastructure. Easy to delegate administrative duties to other administrative personnel. Available out of box reports are helpful for everyone and provide insight into our environment.

Drawbacks:

At times, searching can be somewhat cumbersome as the loading of information based on a search or report can lag. Occasionally, you need to perform a refresh or resync within the interface to get the most current data.

In sum:

Overall, no complaints using this application. It allows me all the tools and functionality needed to successfully manage our Azure AD and O365 users.

Benefits:

This software lets me make mass changes to users and get reports from my AD very easily. Lots easier than trying to use scripting.

Drawbacks:

maybe need a few more reporting options like on security.

In sum:

Very happy with the software.

Benefits:

ROI is quick, and the support is easy to get to, not hidden like some companies. You can get to help from right inside some of the products.

Drawbacks:

The only bad thing is they do not make more products for us to enjoy like the half dozen we already have!

In sum:

Short learning curve to take advantage of most of the features as well as quick deployment.

Benefits:

This software allows me to quickly and easily manage hundreds of users with only a few clicks. Rather than time-consuming Powershell scripts, I can make many templates and apply that template to bulk users.

Drawbacks:

Many features are grouped into the Pro license. My particular usage would benefit from a few of those features, but the added cost of the higher license level is not justifiable for the small amount of additional features I would actually use.

In sum:

I immediately jumped on this software when taking over a new position due to the speed and simplicity of which it allows me to bulk manage users and apply customized templates.

Benefits:

Very useful and powerful tool for automating account creation, allows you to reduce your reliance on aging scripts and empowers those without comprehensive scripting knowledge to automate processes.

Drawbacks:

Interface is a little dated, licensing for education could be cheaper as it is very useful for small teams but may be out of their budget.

In sum:

We've managed to automate parts of our account creation process that formerly relied on manual PowerShell scripts, which caused problems as the scripts were difficult to update to reflect changes in the environment.