Hi everyone,
We are in the process of reviewing tools to assist with management of oour SharePoint environments.We are looking at a tool that can assist with the day-to-day management of the farm, sites, and content. What we also need is reporting on user access, implement setting accross sites/libraries (e.g. versioning etc.).
We have a relatively small farm, and let’s assume finances is not an issue. We also need good support, since we do not have the appetite or the resources to struggle with a 3rd party app when things goes pear-shaped.
We’ve had demo’s by both these parties, but I’d like to hear from “the people on the ground” 🙂
Sales people tell you all the nice tales, which is right, but I need an objective (well, as far as possible) view from the community. Your assistance and comments would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
In my various engagements as a Full Time admin, I used both Axceler and as a consultant, I had a couple of opportunities to use AvePoint. Here is my take: Each vendor has an area of expertise. For example, though both AvePoint and Axceler can do some basic level monitoring, if you want deep-level monitoring for SQL, Windows, and SharePoint/Project Server, I highly recommend Idera SharePoint Diagnostic Manager. For Backups, AvePoint has a strong product. For governance, I personally liked the fact that it was within SharePoint and that especially with SharePoint 2013, you can give access to the analytics and management back to users. I am a strong proponent of enabling users and Site Admins to perform tasks themselves. I also got an opportunity to go through the Axceler Academy, and they do a GREAT job of training you before you make the call which I really appreciated.
Both companies provide excellent support. As with all companies, you can always reach someone who is not as knowledgeable or helpful, so I will say that both have good support.
The biggest selling feature for me is the ability for regular users to see reports of Axceler within the browser from SharePoint. I also liked the ability to give the Help Desk access within SharePoint to be able to give support without giving them access to a back-end tool.
