VisualCron stands out for its Windows-based job scheduling capabilities. However, during our review of VisualCron, we experienced that its Windows focus may be insufficient for businesses with complex IT scenarios and hybrid cloud requirements.
We selected the top alternatives to VisualCron based on the features, pricing, and market presence metrics of leading solutions. See our rationale for selecting each tool by following the links below:
Enterprise-grade alternatives:
- ActiveBatch – best paid alternative for enterprises
- RunMyJobs by Redwood – best paid SaaS alternative
- Stonebranch – best community-driven pre-packaged integrations delivered as SaaS
- Fortra’s JAMS – best for job scheduling management on the .NET framework
- Control-M – best for data pipeline orchestration and managed file transfers
- Tidal Workload Automation
Free schedulers similar to VisualCron:
- Task Scheduler – best free alternative with UI
- Powershell – best free code-based alternative
- Winautomation
- Autolt
Effective management of IT infrastructure hinges on reliable workload automation and job scheduling. Users looking for alternatives tend to fall into two categories; please select yours to see relevant alternatives for your business:
- If you are considering using VisualCron but are undecided, check out the alternatives that offer similar capabilities.
- If your business is already using VisualCron, is frustrated by its limitations, and needs to upgrade to a more scalable enterprise-focused solution, see the solutions that offer extended job scheduling capabilities.
Free schedulers similar to VisualCron
| Software | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AutoIt | AutoIt is a scripting language for automating Windows GUIs and general tasks. Though not a dedicated scheduling tool like VisualCron, it can create custom automation scripts. | |
| Task Scheduler | Windows has a built-in Task Scheduler that lets you schedule tasks and scripts to run at specific times or events. It can handle basic scheduling needs. | Best free alternative with UI |
| PowerShell | PowerShell is a scripting language and automation framework for Windows. You can create custom scripts and automate tasks using PowerShell scripts and scheduled tasks. | Best code-based alternative |
| WinAutomation | WinAutomation is a Windows automation platform that automates desktop and web tasks, including task scheduling and process automation. |
Visualcron can be considered more mature than these alternatives. In task management or workload automation tools, it’s important for the client and server to be separated and VisualCron provides this separation.
Client server model is important. Tools like PowerShell work directly with tasks defined on the server without operating as a client/server system. However, in large companies, ensuring server security is crucial. Therefore, the recommended approach is to install the server code on the servers that will actually run the tasks, and install the client application on the developers’ or IT experts’ computers — the people responsible for adding the tasks. This way, task management process can be carried out securely and sustainably.
Enterprise-grade solutions as alternatives to VisualCron
| Software | Rating* | Deployment | ISO |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActiveBatch | 4.4 based on 251 reviews | On-prem, Public cloud | 27001 |
| RunMyJobs by Redwood | 4.8 based on 140 reviews | On-prem, Public cloud, SaaS | 27001 |
| Stonebranch | 4.8 based on 79 reviews | On-prem, Public cloud, SaaS | 27001 |
| Fortra’s JAMS | 4.7 based on 142 reviews | On-prem, Public cloud | 27001 |
BMC Control-M | 4.7 based on 150 reviews | On-prem, Public cloud | - |
| Tidal Workload Automation | 4.8 based on 50 reviews | On-prem | - |
*Vendors are ranked based on the number of reviews.
VisualCron Review
VisualCron is a job scheduler and automation tool for Windows developed by NetCart AB. It’s designed to replace the Windows Task Scheduler and the cron job scheduler found in Unix-like operating systems.
The software operates on a client-server architecture, which allows administrators to manage multiple servers over a network. It provides features such as triggers, tasks, notifications, time exceptions, conditions, and timeouts and includes built-in tasks like file operations, SQL queries, system restarts, and user-defined macros. The program supports IA-32 and x86-64 platforms, is available in 100 languages, and operates on Windows XP and later versions.
VisualCron provides unlimited executions / jobs in all three versions (basic, standard, pro). However, this comes with the cost of limited connectors.
While visual cron provides integration capabilities through open APIs and integration adapters, such as SharePoint, Outlook, and Active Directory, it does not have direct ITSM integration or enterprise-grade workflows to help with the management and auditing processes.
Pros:
- VisualCron is highly regarded for its task automation, scheduling, and integration capabilities, with users considering it best for money for these features.
- It offers ease of configuration and integration with DEVOPS, adding to its flexibility of features.1
- The tool provides product support and allows users to build interactive flows with varied feedback mechanisms.2
- It has many built-in features that facilitate setting up automated jobs which files, time events, or other jobs can trigger.
Cons:
- Users report an initial learning curve, which is common with any software, but this may present a challenge for some individuals.3
- Limited SFTP and FTP are servers hosted internally in the basic version.
- There are criticisms regarding the command console, which some find difficult to understand and suggest that it needs improvement 4
- Performance degradation has been noted when scaling up, as VisualCron can consume considerable memory or CPU power, potentially requiring increased hardware resources. 5
- Since sales is mostly self-service driven, customers needed to pay with credit cards and there were no other payment options.
Our Experience with different versions
Version 11.2.2
We evaluated VisualCron by testing the “Extracting Table from a Web” feature. The first step involved creating a web macro task (Figure 1) and activating the recording mode. Utilizing the extraction wizard, we selected and extracted a table from AIMultiple’s “Alternatives to Task Scheduler” article (Figure 2). The wizard accurately retrieved the table data (Figure 3), which we then set VisualCron to export into an Excel file (Figure 4). Upon executing the job, we received the Excel file containing the extracted table. The process was smooth, and we did not encounter any issues.
It is important to consider user feedback regarding the initial learning curve. During our benchmarking process, we found it necessary to consult the training materials provided by VisualCron to successfully navigate and execute the task. Some features, such as the “web macro” option, were not immediately visible, which added to the complexity during our first use.
You can see the benchmark details for more.
Version 12.1.2
We installed VisualCron to see if it could handle a high volume of tasks. We were able to run 1,200 simultaneous simple tasks without experiencing issues in the UI.
However, installation process was not smooth. Our fresh install failed to work. Following support team’s response that we received in a few hours, we uninstalled and reinstalled the solution and got it to work.
In-Depth Look at VisualCron Alternatives
ActiveBatch
Unlike VisualCron, ActiveBatch offers unlimited connections across all versions of the software. However, this comes with the drawback of a limited number of executions. ActiveBatch also includes a Super REST API Adapter, which allows you to match JSON responses to return variables. It also allows you to use AWS signature authentication and make AWS API calls using the AWS signature
ActiveBatch also provides proactive alerts via SMS or email to inform users of potential issues before they impact job execution, helping prevent failures and delays. Includes pre-built connectors for systems such as Informatica, Azure, SAP, Oracle, and others.
Stonebranch Universal Automation Center
Stonebranch provides a unified platform for workload automation, with agent-based execution and workload analytics. It enables the management of workflows across different platforms and applications, which may have data stored in various locations. Users can create and manage the organization’s workload using its drag-and-drop interface.
RunMyJobs by Redwood
As a SaaS product, RunMyJobs features an automatic system upgrade and a single-tenant model to ensure data isolation and security, which can make it an attractive alternative to VisualCron.
Similar to ActiveBatch, RunMyJobs provides unlimited connections in all software versions, unlike VisualCron. However, this advantage comes with a restriction on the number of executions.
RunMyJobs supports integration across on-premise, private, and cloud-based SaaS solutions. This workload automation solution is compatible with ERP systems and REST web service protocols, and it can also manage file transfers.
Fortra’s JAMS
JAMS specializes in centralizing automation visibility and offers graphical workflow design and simulation. It is lauded for its detailed reporting and high availability, serving organizations such as Coca-Cola and FedEx.
Tidal Workload Automation
Tidal Workload Automation (Tidal WLA) operates both on-premises and in the cloud. With its agent-based system, it manages servers by using either the local time zone of the server’s location or the time zone of the Tidal Master. Developers can use the Tidal Repository to keep schedule changes in sync with code updates throughout the DevOps lifecycle, ensuring consistent synchronization.
Control-M
Control-M is an enterprise-level workload automation solution that supports Windows and various other platforms. It provides scheduling, dependency management, and monitoring capabilities. Control-M is known for its scalability and extensive integration options.
Benchmark Details
Figure 1: Creating the Web Macro Task
Figure 2: Using the web table extraction wizard
Figure 3: Data Preview
Figure 4: Choosing the Excel file to upload the data
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