NEWJoin 1M+ SaaS Professionals|Get Weekly Insights, Trends & Expert PicksSubscribe Free →

Spotsaas logo

Symantec ServiceDesk vs IBM Control Desk Comparison

Last updated:

Symantec ServiceDesk

4.0(33 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

ServiceDesk is a complete solution for tracking problem management and customer service. The software enables IT department to manage both internal IT service requests and also manages customer service requests, work ord…

IBM Control Desk

4.6(20 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

IBM Control Desk is a complete, network-based help desk and service desk software with integrated asset management capabilities. Control Desk will identify and manage assets at the time they are acquired, provide a singl…

IBM Control Desk leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 20 reviews.

SpotSaaS Analysis

Symantec ServiceDeskIBM Control Desk

The core difference lies in the focus of IBM Control Desk on integrated IT service and asset management for medium to large enterprises, while Symantec ServiceDesk lacks specific details on its target audience and capabilities. Ideal buyers for IBM Control Desk are organizations needing comprehensive oversight in complex, multivendor environments, whereas Symantec ServiceDesk may appeal to a broader audience without defined specifications.

Who should pick which

  • Core focus not specified:
  • Target audience not defined:
  • Pricing information unavailable:
  • Features and capabilities unclear:
  • No specific use cases mentioned:
  • General IT service management tool:
  • Best for medium to large enterprises:
  • Integrated IT service and asset management:
  • Ideal for multivendor multicloud environments:
  • Unified platform for service management and asset control:
  • Robust oversight capabilities:
  • Detailed use cases provided:

Symantec ServiceDesk vs IBM Control Desk — at a glance

FeatureSymantec ServiceDeskIBM Control Desk
Rating4.0 / 54.6 / 5
Reviews3320
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial No Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryService Desk SoftwareService Desk Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - WindowsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyUSGlobal

Key differences between Symantec ServiceDesk and IBM Control Desk

  • Free trial: IBM Control Desk offers a free trial; Symantec ServiceDesk does not.
  • User satisfaction: IBM Control Desk scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
  • Deployment: Symantec ServiceDesk supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; IBM Control Desk supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Symantec ServiceDesk vs IBM Control Desk — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Service Desk Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Symantec ServiceDesk - Service Desk Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
IBM Control Desk - Service Desk Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Symantec ServiceDesk

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

IBM Control Desk

Best for integrated IT service and asset management in complex environments.

Choose if
  • You need unified IT service management and asset control in one platform.
  • Your organization manages multivendor multicloud environments requiring robust oversight.
  • You want powerful workflow automation with strong customer support and onboarding.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a small team or business needing a simple, lightweight service desk tool.
  • Your organization requires extensive third-party app marketplace integrations.

Symantec ServiceDesk typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. IBM Control Desk tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

ServiceDesk is a complete solution for tracking problem management and customer service. The software enables IT department to manage both internal IT service requests and also manages ... Read More about Symantec ServiceDesk

IBM Control Desk is a complete, network-based help desk and service desk software with integrated asset management capabilities. Control Desk will identify and manage assets at the time ... Read More about IBM Control Desk

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • Free Trial available

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.6

(20)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Need a second opinion?

Get shortlist help from a software advisor

Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.

Compare Symantec ServiceDesk and IBM Control Desk on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Freelancers
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Individuals
      • Freelancers
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes

      ISO 27001

      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🇺🇸 US
      🌐 Global

      Symantec ServiceDesk User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      7

      5

      1

      0

      2

      7

      7

      0

      0

      1

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Buyer sentiment is positive across 15 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

      What buyers like

      • Comprehensive problem management
      • Tracks customer service requests
      • Supports multiple service types

      Common complaints

      • Can be expensive for small businesses
      • Complex user interface
      • Limited mobile functionality

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment with praise for comprehensive IT service and asset management features, user-friendly interface, and strong customer support, tempered by concerns about complexity and limited app integrations.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of use
      • Workflow automation
      • Customer support

      Common complaints

      • Complexity for new users
      • Limited app marketplace

      Pros and Cons

      • Comprehensive tracking of problem management enhances service delivery.

      • Supports multiple service types for diverse needs.

      • 24/7 service support ensures reliability.

      • Pricing may be high for smaller organizations.

      • User interface can be complex for new users.

      • Robust IT service management and asset control features that enhance efficiency

      • User-friendly interface combined with powerful workflow automation

      • Excellent customer service and smooth onboarding support

      • Complexity due to rich features and customizations can be intimidating for new users

      • Limited marketplace selection for additional apps and connectors

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Negative Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Top Alternatives to Symantec ServiceDesk and IBM Control Desk in 2026

      Expand your shortlist

      Add another option to compare side by side

      Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.

      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Symantec ServiceDesk or IBM Control Desk?
      IBM Control Desk edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Symantec ServiceDesk and IBM Control Desk offer a free trial?
      IBM Control Desk offers a free trial. Symantec ServiceDesk does not.
      What is the starting price of Symantec ServiceDesk vs IBM Control Desk?
      Symantec ServiceDesk starts at Contact for pricing. IBM Control Desk starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Symantec ServiceDesk?
      Top alternatives to Symantec ServiceDesk include Freshservice, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, SolarWinds Service Desk, Jira Service Desk, Halo Service Desk.
      What are the top alternatives to IBM Control Desk?
      Top alternatives to IBM Control Desk include Freshservice, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, SolarWinds Service Desk, Ivanti Service Manager, Jira Service Desk.

      Grow your pipeline with buyers who are already looking for you

      254,000+ buyers use Spotsaas every month to evaluate and shortlist software. Get in front of them — for free, or with a managed growth plan built around your category.