The best tool to manage installation/uninstallation/patching in any size environment.

We are using PDQ deploy to manage the installation, patching and uninstallation of software on around 100 systems (including Servers, Laptops and Desktops). Previously we were manually connecting to each system to perform these tasks and since using PDQ Deploy we have benefited for much quicker roll outs of new software or updates to existing versions, less downtime and the ability to perform the tasks inside work hours.

Pros

The software is really easy to use but complex in the feature set that it offers, this ensures that all team members in the IT department can easily use it to perform installs that would otherwise have required deep understanding of Powershell.

Cons

There is nothing to not like about PDQ Deploy, it should be the industry standard for deployments.

We Love PDQ, But...

Overall it has been a wise investment. This last year with WFH has been incredibly difficult though. DNS struggles to identify systems and half the systems are not online. We really need a functioning client for machines outside of our network.

Pros

PDQ is lightweight and incredibly efficient. Having the flexibility to deploy packages to dynamic collections is by far our favorite feature.

Cons

We have had an incredibly difficult time over the last year with systems outside the network or on a VPN. Removing the inventory client was a big loss for us. We would happily use a client if you had one.

Inexpensive but crazy powerful

I absolutely love it, but you have to have PDQ Inventory with it! If you want full IT Godhood, you have to both parts. Thankfully the price means it won't break the budget, heck we buy laptops for more than the yearly cost of both of these.

Pros

It is so intuitive that after watching a 30 minute video from youtube (love the channel btw) a brand new user will be able to deploy software and run reports.

Cons

I wish that this software would integrate into Smart Deploy, so I can push OS as well as software

PDQ Deploy anomalies

Pros

Simplify server management Saves on me sign in multiple times Repeat task on remote machines

Cons

These features seem inconsistent: - Say you want to run a number on commands on a number of servers you cannot get a combined report of the output of all the commands. Often this is needed as the report may be input into further tools - You should be able to set default credentials for each computer you add manually which can be overridden from 'deploy one' - You should be able to group a group of computers like a tree structure eg. directory structure in Windows or UNIX - Computers should be able to be a member of more than one group. When you add a known computer to another group it should copy all these properties as default starting point - In new package, you should have the ability to not have to choose a step type but the commands the user types in most cases tell you what type of step it is

PDQ is amazing.

Pros

Number of options and flexibility of any PDQ product is amazing. Systems are super easy to deploy and work with. There is no better product on the market, and I've been tested multiple and still use some as addition to PDQ.

Cons

There is none, but it will be great if PDQ could work without having clients on VPN in the future. (And I think they are working on it)