In this tutorial, we will be exploring various job scheduling and workload automation software options that can serve as JAMS Scheduler Alternatives:

Job scheduling and workflow/workload automation tools can help track and monitor from a single window manage, align, and automate ERP, ETL, supply chain management, work order management, project management and consulting systems, and other systems critical to businesses. They are used to automate repetitive tasks

By using a job scheduler and automation tools, it is possible to enhance productivity and efficiency by making all of the aforementioned systems work in tandem. This can be achieved with minimal human intervention, resulting in a reduced risk of errors and assisting managers in making optimal decisions whenever necessary.

Job Scheduling Software And Workload Automation

This tutorial looks at top job scheduling and workload automation software that are alternatives to JAMS Scheduler.

Who is this article for?

All the below-mentioned job scheduling and workload automation software is useful in enterprise settings including mid-to-large size firms. Therefore, any company looking for, utilizing, or comparing such software can rely on this workload automation software review.

How do we select the workload automation and job scheduling software for review?

We selected the listed workload automation software for this review based on a number of factors below:

• Ease-of-use: We found the listed software as easy to use based on its design and features.
• Mostly used: Based on a search online and reviews from clients, we found the above software to be popular among enterprises.
• User ratings: The software is ranked based on ratings by clients.
• Features: We highlighted these workload and job scheduling platforms as with most-sought features among client enterprises.

Legacy/Traditional Versus Enterprise Workload Automation Tools

Legacy/OS-native job scheduling software, which is built by default into most operating systems, is siloed and there is a lack of coordination between schedulers running on different OSes.

It is also complex as several schedulers have to enter data manually on different OSes, which also increases the likelihood of occurrence of manual errors due to many manual interventions required.

There is also the fact that such software usually needs additional scripting or programming when coordinating processes between different machines and OSes.

Enterprise workload automation software seeks to address these challenges by having a standard graphical interface for configuring workloads on different servers, by having a centralized and single point of control for scheduling and running different workloads on different servers.

Also by having an enterprise-wide view of all active jobs, implementing faster workload deployments without having to repeat manual configurations, and by using enhanced data and analytics.

Such software also implements simpler programming because it supports job dependencies, ensures fewer errors, improves service level agreements, and optimizes staff time.

What is JAMS Scheduler And How It Works

JAMS Scheduler enables mid-size to large enterprises to schedule, track, monitor, manage, and automate repetitive jobs and tasks across various devices and platforms. It comprises four main aspects: Scheduler, Access Manager, Monitor, and API Integration. It works on Windows Server, SQL Server, VMWare, Linux and UNIX, System i, and OpenVMS.

The scheduler can process multiple jobs at once with each performed based on the predefined conditions and schedules. For instance, it can run each and multiple jobs based on predefined regular times and events such as time, days, dates, etc.

It can also trigger jobs to run based on irregular events such as when a file is received or a variable changes. The scheduler can also automate workload or business processes (to run in the background) for instance by using Windows PowerShell scripts and other tools.

JAMS Scheduler comprises three main elements namely the clients, engine, and agents. Clients include a desktop client, a web client, a PowerShell module, and a .NET Class library for integration into third-party apps. The Scheduler engine manages jobs, checks dependencies, does load balancing, and sends notifications.

The Scheduler schedules all activities, automates all processes, allocates resources so processes can run effectively, identifies and resolves file dependency issues, keeps critical jobs running, supports multi-tenant and clustered configurations, and runs jobs locally where Agents (servers where jobs are run such as virtual machines and cloud hosts) are not available.

The Agents execute and monitor jobs, capture log information and statistics, and report back to the scheduling engine.

JAMS Access Manager enforces control policies as regards who can create, edit, and schedule jobs. It can implement different user roles with different access and usage rules.

JAMS Monitor will track the status and progress of the automated process. It keeps all the metadata related to job executions and allows a variety of views for each of the job logs.

It helps the user know the actual status of all scheduled jobs on a real-time basis; issues alerts for significant events related to scheduled jobs; provides additional information in the form of charts, graphs, and other visualizations, per each job; and generates reports to analyze the history of each job and for purposes of regulators and auditors.

The API Integration aspect of JAMS sees it integrating with other technologies and infrastructures including ERPs, CRMs, BI tools, and Data Warehouse. The API allows users to access jobs and processes using third-party tools. Integration technologies supported include REST API, .NET, PowerShell, Ellucian Banner, Informatica, SAP, and Oracle.

Advantages And Disadvantages

Despite being efficient for job management, reducing risks of human errors due to automation, improving efficiency and productivity, and its robust security, it has several drawbacks.

Fortra’s JAMS Scheduler Alternatives are desirable for a number of those drawbacks the software has.

• It is complex and the wide range of features and options may make it challenging to configure and use for users with limited knowledge and experience. It has a steeper learning curve.
• Highly costly.
• Too feature-rich and overwhelming for companies and organizations with simple use cases.

Suggested Read => Best JDE Scheduler Alternatives

List of the Best JAMS Scheduler Alternatives

Some popularly known competitors to JAMS Scheduler:

1. ActiveBatch
2. RunMyJobs by Redwood
3. Control-M
4. Stonebranch
5. IBM Workload Automation
6. CA Automic Automation
7. Tidal Workload Automation

Comparison Table of the Top Alternatives to JAMS Scheduler

Detailed reviews:

#1) ActiveBatch

Best for low-code workflow creation and cross-platform workflow management.

ActiveBatch enables companies to easily design, automate, integrate, and manage tasks across multiple platforms, systems, and applications. Users can manage and automate workflows and resources across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

ActiveBatch also integrates with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and VMware platforms. Following a comparison, we liked this software because it features a drag-and-drop workflow designer that makes it easy, even for those with limited technical knowledge, to easily and quickly create and manage complex workflows.

However, this does not mean it cannot be used for very complex workflow automation scenarios. It also performs excellently in those scenarios.

Its low-code approach could mean faster adoption rates and reduced training time compared to the JAMS Scheduler. In addition to the low-code REST API adapter, it implements no-code connectors to MacOS and Windows operating systems.

In addition to basic scheduling options, it implements advanced scheduling options such as constraint-based scheduling and calendar-based scheduling.

Features we like most:

• Manage file transfers. There are pre-built actions for common file operations.
• Integrate and schedule scripts of any language into end-to-end, cross-platforms.
• Dynamic provisioning and cloud management tools help to automate the delivery of the required resources at the right time (for your business processes to run).
• Usage-based pricing.
• Free extras such as change management, auto-remediation, and file transfer.
• Unlimited users for all configurations.
• Self-service portals.
• Role-specific views. Also supported is the ability to implement different access levels for different users.
• Auditing and compliance since it has capabilities such as revision history, logging, and authorization history for jobs.

Pros:

• Proprietary migration tools for JAMS. Also included is post-migration support and ongoing training.
• 100+ pre-built job steps. Also included are building blocks for commonly scripted actions and functions.
• Famous with Deloitte, Verizon, Bosch, and Subway as some of the companies using the software.
• Free demo available.

Cons:

• User manuals lack detailed documentation.
• Workflows and custom connections can be difficult to modify. Despite APIs, full customization can be a challenge.

How ActiveBatch compares to JAMS:

• ActiveBatch scores better in terms of ease of use, especially with the hundreds of reliable, no-code integrations it provides as well as drag-and-drop job development and orchestration. No-code steps are combined with code-based actions for workflow creation. Easy switch between the two.
• ActiveBatch supports numerous vendors and offers built-in integrations for Informatica, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, VMware, Amazon (AWS), Apache Hadoop ecosystem, ERP systems, and more. Also comes with multiple back-end databases like SQL Server, Azure SQL, and Oracle DB.
• File transfer protocols supported are FTP, SFTP (SSH), or FTPS (TLS).
• ActiveBatch is available for almost all operating systems like Windows, Linux, UNIX, OpenVMS, IBM iSeries Mainframes, and more. JAMS works on Windows, Linux, UNIX, IBM i, zOS, and OpenVMS, and has native applications that can be used to run jobs on databases, BI tools, ERP systems, and more.

Pricing: Request a quote from the company.

#2) RunMyJobs by Redwood

Best for low-code workflow designing combined with multi-language scripting support as well as reusable templates for easier task and schedule automation.

Being a SaaS alternative to JAMS Scheduler, it is low maintenance and manages over 99% uptime. It allows users to automate both on-premises and cloud applications, OS activity, and web API interactions.

Like most job schedulers, it can be used to schedule and manage jobs across multiple operating systems and platforms. It also features a low-code drag-and-drop graphical editor which has templates and wizards to help build processes easily and quickly.

This is one reason, among many, that made us include RunMyJobs by Redwood as one of the best workload automation solutions for repetitive schedules and jobs within enterprise scenarios.

For purposes of job scheduling automation, RunMyJobs by Redwood supports 25 scripting languages. For compliance and auditing purposes, it will log all user activity. It also incorporates source control, rollback, and audit trails. The tool provides on the dashboards, the status overviews and progress for each process being run. It also comes with a report builder that can aid business decision-making.

Features we like:

• Keeps a clean core with pre-built out of the box integrations and co-development of APIs for new SAP products, including S/4HANA.
• No-code job steps and pre-built calendars.
• Automated migration from other tools like JAMS, and testing tools.
• Comes with a library of sharable reusable schedules and processes. This makes it easier and quicker to deploy and automate common tasks and schedules.
• DevOps automation. ERP automation. Web service API wizards allow incorporating REST or SOAP web services into business processes. Also features data management automation tools and users can provide real-time data feeds to dashboards and BI tools.
• Manage, transfer, and copy files across the enterprise with managed file transfer automation.
• Proactive performance notifications for all processes being run.
• Self-service automation.

Pros:

• Pay as you use the model. No maintenance and other costs.
• Its on-premises version is available.
• Free trial available on demand.
• Easily build processes with the low-code designer.
• Premium consulting services are provided for companies that want to know best practices and get advice on how to run their systems with the tool. Also, online training is provided.

Cons:

• Report generation weaknesses. For instance, it is not easy to create or produce metrics. Integration issues with Excel due to the limited report format available for downloadable. Also, issues were raised around compatibility with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud which it is not compatible with.
• Weak monitoring and alert services.
• Documentation could also be improved since it is challenging to use going by the number of online customer reviews we found. For instance, it is very high level and lacks examples. Also not much information and guides on how to use the software.

How RunMyJobs by Redwood compares to JAMS:

• RunMyJobs by Redwood is SaaS-based which means over 99.9% availability, easier upgrades, and comparatively lower costs.
• In addition to its low-code and drag-and-drop graphical editor, it also supports 25 scripting languages. Users can combine and switch between code and drag-and-drop workflow creation.

Pricing: Request quotation from the company.

#3) Control-M

Best for DevOps collaboration, mobile-based workflow monitoring and management, as well as automated site standards enforcement,

Control-M enables job scheduling, workload automation, and automation of file transfers. It can do so with on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments. It allows managers and users to orchestrate workflows anywhere at any time by staying connected even on iOS or Android mobile devices.

The application allows the creation of drag-and-drop workflows. It allows for workload and process automation, management, and monitoring of all processes being run across multiple platforms, operating systems, and devices, all with reporting and auditing capabilities.

All of these make it stand out as one of the best workload automation software when compared to other alternatives.

What I like:

• View and process data from multiple pipelines: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) cloud services, and data technologies like Airflow, Spark, EMR, Snowflake, and RedShift.
• Integration with multiple cloud applications and platforms: AWS Lambda, Step Functions, and Batch; Azure Logic Apps, Functions, and Batch AWS Glue; Azure Data Factory; AWS Databricks; Azure Databricks; Azure Functions; Boomi; GCP Dataflow; GCP Cloud Functions; GCP Dataproc; Informatica Cloud; Power BI; UI Path; and others.
• Job-as-Code enables DevOps to collaborate in building, testing, and validating apps. Accelerate these processes and reduce errors while cutting costs.
• Web-based application integrator allows the creation, integration, and management of jobs for any on-premise and multi-cloud application.
• Audit and compliance records and archiving provided for processes and data.
• Automated enforcement of site standards.

Pros:

• Workload automation can be managed even on Apple iOS, and Android.
• Allows implementation of Change Management across the development cycle. Change Manager helps shorten development cycles from requirements to production testing.
• Can handle 80,000 jobs per day smoothly. Thousands of jobs can be pushed through the system in a short timeframe without problems.

Cons:

• Users report upgrading as cumbersome to achieve and time-consuming. Advanced skills may be needed for those who do update.
• Job-as-code requires advanced skills.

How Control-M compares to JAMS:

• Control-M is SaaS-based which means better uptimes, better integration capabilities, and lower cost compared to non-SaaS applications.
• Workflows can be managed on mobile.
• Control-M makes it easier to design workflows with the low-code and drag-and-drop workflow creation tool. It can also incorporate code and allow switching between code-based and drag-and-drop workflow creation.

Pricing: Request quotes from the company.

Website: Control-M

#4) Stonebranch

Best for DevOps collaboration, automated infrastructure deployment, and multiple file protocol support

Stonebranch is a SaaS-based IT workload automation tool and hence manages a 99% uptime availability in addition to facilitating event-based scheduling; automation of scripts, jobs, tasks, and IT processes running on on-premise and cloud as well as hybrid environments; and job-as-code collaboration among DevOps.

The system, which is available as an on-premise or cloud-based SaaS deployment, also facilitates automated infrastructure deployment.

With Stonebranch, a single SaaS-based platform can be used to automate, manage, and control all workflows across multiple platforms and applications. It uses an event-based automation approach to job scheduling.

It integrates with AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft OneDrive Business, including Sharepoint, Microsoft Azure Blob Storage, Hadoop Distributed File Storage (HDFS), Local file system (Linux, Windows), and HTTP(S) URL.

Further Reading => Best Linux Job Scheduling Software

Why we opted this tool:

• Low-code user experience with drag-and-drop workflow creation feature.
• Centralized visualization, monitoring, reporting, and alerts – SLA monitoring.
• Execute any automation process on remote systems.
• Managed file transfer and automated file monitoring. Universal Data Mover monitors data availability, triggers business processes upon data availability, and transfers data from any platform. UDM supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and proprietary protocols.
• Member roles and permissions.

Pros:

• Free demo. Free online training is availed.
• Wide range and flexible data integration options. Multiple integrations without incurring additional costs.
• Many users who reviewed the platform agree it is easy to use and set up new workflows.

Cons:

• Some limits on customization. For instance, it provides basic authentication for processes and apps that fall short of modern authentication methods. Reporting is also limited.

How it compares to JAMS:

• JAMS emphasizes automation based on code while Stonebranch makes it easier to create workloads through a drag-and-drop workflow creation feature.
• Stonebranch is SaaS-based hence improves on uptimes, easier upgrading, and updating, as well as cost by usage.
• Users can enjoy additional features such as job-as-code collaboration among DevOps.

Pricing: Contact the company for quotes.

Website: Stone Branch

#5) IBM Workload Automation

Best for integration with AI-based tools, community-based development approach to workload automation tools, workflow designing with contextual help and views

The SaaS-based IBM Workload Automation is primarily used for running batch operations and batch processing. In addition to scheduling and executing batches, development teams can track the summary of these batches. It lets users create, integrate, optimize, and automate workflows for processes running in hybrid environments.

IBM Workload Automation can be deployed on-premises, in a private cloud, or to public cloud infrastructure. Users can not only model, manage, and monitor batch and real-time workloads regardless of the platforms on which the related processes are running.

Like any workload automation and job scheduling automation tools, it helps with timely and proactive decision-making and anomaly detection on workloads.

The IBM Workload Scheduler can be used to manage and monitor SAP and non-SAP applications including their governance, data integration, and more.

Further Reading => List of the BEST SAP Native Scheduler Alternatives

Features:

• Integration with monitoring and alerting tools. It can also be made to work with AI-based tools such as Instana.
• AI data advisor.
• Self-service automation uses catalogs and services to submit routine business tasks, running and monitoring processes from a mobile device.
• Managed file transfer capabilities.
• Workload Designer to design scheduling objects with contextual help and graphical views.

Pros:

• 30-day trial period.
• Adequate and useful documentation available including on how to scale the product.
• Straight-forward set up although customization can be complex.
• IBM consultancy and training opportunities can help enterprises make the most from the software. Informational resources, news, community forums, and discussions are also available on the tool and its use.
• Users have reported return on investment, efficiency, productivity, cost savings, and streamlined operations. Users also reported reliability, scalability, and ability to handle complex tasks.
• Users can suggest and vote for new features to be developed and released. The feature is called the ‘request feature.’

Cons:

• Reporting and visibility capabilities lacking.
• Not easy to access logs and databases.
• API is not compatible with new technologies such as OpenShift.
• The tool refreshes daily and needs manual re-connection.

How it compares to JAMS:

• IBM Workload Automation is SaaS-based which means reduced maintenance and operational costs as well as lower risks of downtime. JAMS is Windows-based.
• IBM Workload Automation features an AI data advisor that offers better performance recommendations based on data. It is highly regarded for its ability to add additional features upon user request, triggering jobs in multiple nodes, and its stability in monitoring batch applications. Better than JAMS with regard to the product is accompanied by extras such as consultancy services, training, forums, and other resources to support usage and application.
• JAMS is better in terms of ease of setup, better handling of job dependencies, and a host of automation features.

Pricing: Contact the company for pricing quotes.

Website: IBM Workload Automation

#6) CA Automic Automation

Best for add-ons and templates marketplace with a vast range of options with which one can extend automation capabilities; automation templates, and recommendations engine to use when deciding best ways to resolve issues.

Automic Automation lets users gain visibility, manage, and automate complex workflows across platforms, ERP systems, and business apps. The tool provides a single point of automation across mainframe, distributed, and cloud platforms. It allows the management and automation of a range of applications from ERP systems, to business intelligence apps, and big data.

With Automic Automation, one can build automation scripts using blocks to create workflows with basic programming methods. Complex scripts can also be inserted into the workflow using pre-established blocks and scripting from scratch.

Automic Automation also allows users to streamline big data pipelines.

Its main features are infrastructure management; automation-as-code which enables developers to directly code automation artifacts that can be easily promoted across different environments; version and life cycle management that allows managing different versions, integrating it with external code versioning platforms, and promoting automation policies across developer/test/production environments.

Other features include native Kubernetes deployment and self-service that allows users to offer consumer services for IT and business teams.

Features I like:

• The marketplace of add-ons and templates to extend automation capabilities.
• Compliance and auditing capabilities.
• Use reusable templates to manage infrastructure across vendors. Also automatic provisioning and de-provisioning of infrastructure.
• Orchestrate complex and hybrid workloads across multiple clouds.
• Integration with big data and AI tools including third-party schedulers.
• Compute infrastructure, ML models, and code for advanced analytics.
• Data scientists can use self-service, visual workflows, and reusable building blocks.
• Managed file transfers.
• Standardization of procedures. Also, reuse these procedures across different environments.
• It features a recommendations engine to assist staff in deciding on the best course of action when resolving an issue.
• Contextual automation allows the integration of root cause alarms with remedial workflows.
• Remediation and diagnostic workflows.
• Integration with SAP Solution Manager, SAP FCc, and SAP BusinessObjects.

Pros:

• Multiple (hundreds of) plugins and addons on the marketplace, which allow/enable/facilitate/empower users to extend functionality. These plugins can be used to optimize and automate many applications such as Apache, Tomcat, Remedy, VMWare, SAP, MySql, Jenkins, Office365, NetScaler, Siebel, SSH, Oracle, etc.
• Webinars, ebooks, education and training (free courses), blogs, knowledge sharing base and forum, news, and information materials are a plus for users.
• Partner locator and automation services from expert partners. This is in addition to regular support from the company.
• Provides thousands of ready-made blocks of code that can be used for automation.

Cons:

• Applications cannot be automated if the object is not in the pre-defined list. No proper way of calling API which is not properly established within Automic. Web service calls must be available for it to integrate with some applications.

How it compares to JAMS:

• Automic Automatic does not offer a free trial. It is easier to set up, admin, and better at support.
• Both offer templates for pre-configured jobs. However, Automic Automation offers a marketplace that has more to offer in terms of plugins and add-ons. It also offers better product support in terms of webinars, training, forums, etc.

Pricing: Contact the company for pricing quotes.

Website: CA Automic Automation

#7) Tidal Workload Automation

Best for pre-built automation resources, apps, and middleware; side-to-side comparison tool.

Here is the video tutorial for your reference:

Tidal Workload Automation allows orchestrating workflows regardless of where they are running on-premise, cloud, or hybrid environments.

The tool integrates with 60+ pre-built applications, middleware, physical infrastructure, and dynamic resources. This includes Apache Airflow, Hadoop, API and CLI, AWS, Azure, Azure Blob, Azure Data factory, FTP, ERPs, IBM Cognos, Linux-Unix, SSH & Web Services, among many others.

With Tidal, you can define SLA policies for critical jobs, and then automate real-time monitoring and alerting when the jobs are at risk, for instance. Tidal is sharable and collaborative in that it allows multiple users to collaborate or work together at the same time. It also supports automating nearly 45,000 jobs per day.

Features:

• Time-scheduled automation of jobs and processes, hourly/daily/weekly/monthly. Also comes with job grouping capability and grouping options.
• In addition to time-based scheduling, there is event-based scheduling that schedules workloads and jobs based on a variety of activities e.g. arrival, database changes, SLA activity, and others.
• Graphical analytics and visualizations through the Tidal Explorer help to identify and improve conditions that affect the optimal processing of workloads. Includes Gantt View and Trace Analysis (for conditional analyses), SLA Analysis for scheduling activities, Job Run Analysis; Comparison Tools for side-to-side comparisons of schedules, jobs, calendars, and other elements; Master Health Dashboard to monitor performance and health of Master; and Reporting and Analytics.
• Daylight Saving enables the management of complexities of scheduling across different global time zones. Create unlimited customized calendars.
• Supports audit and compliance through logs and other practices.
• Monitoring, alerts, and recovery. You can track job and workload activities to empower you to take action when needed.
• APM data stream. Tidal operational data can be fed from Tidal to the customer’s operational data warehouse and analytics platform. Operational data includes performance metrics, system messages, logs, tags, compliance management, server resources, SLA, and critical paths. APM Data Stream also integrates with a range of storage and analytics tools.
• SAP adapter for creating SAP jobs.

Pros:

• Educational, industry, and product information provided by the company on Tidal. Also included are webinars, news, and updates, as well as events.
• Product accompanied by a host of services including migration support (if migrating from Automic, AutoSys, and Control-M, among others), technical support that can be selected by a customer based on their needs, implementation support, training (includes role-based modules or other self-paced modules), and connection to partner network and solution specialists to consult.
• Free demo available.

Cons:

• A number of performance problems are reported by users on user reviews including being sluggish. For instance when multiple URLs are open, switching from one job to another, performing more than one function, and integrating the software.

How it compares to JAMS:

• JAMS works on Windows while Tidal Automation is SaaS/web-based.
• Tidal offers a host of additional services to accompany the product beyond customer support, documentation, and partner networks.
• JAMS functions as an IT automation tool, and job scheduler. Tidal automation functions as a job scheduler and workload automation tool.
• JAMS offers a simpler setup, better management of job dependencies, and more comprehensive monitoring and control features.

Pricing: Request a quote from the company since pricing depends on your custom needs.

Website: Tidal Workload Automation

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Most job scheduling and workload automation tools/software that are better alternatives to JAMS are SaaS and web-based, which improves uptime, reduces upgrading inconveniences, offers better integration to and with other services, and sometimes is cheaper when compared to OS-native apps.

My research found the best SaaS-based Fortra JAMS Scheduler Alternatives that compare favorably with JAMS across multiple factors including feature-wise, ease-of-access and use, pricing, etc. These are ActiveBatch, Control-M, RunMyJobs by Redwood, Stonebranch, IBM Workload Automation, and Tidal Automation.

Further reading =>> Top Control-M Competitors

It is clear that most Fortra JAMS Scheduler Alternatives in the list offer better workflow creation methods, especially by minimizing the use of code (implementing no-code or low-code workflow creation practices). This is because JAMS presents a challenge to beginners and non-expert users due to massive reliance on code to create workflows.

However, quite a number of them still allow the incorporation of code-based workflows. All of them can be used to create, monitor, manage, and automate simple to very complex workflows.

The Fortra’s JAMS Scheduler Alternatives in the list still can help with workload and job scheduling automation regardless of whether the jobs and workloads are running on on-premise, cloud, or hybrid systems.

Research process:

• Software pieces listed for review: 30
• Software pieces reviewed: 7
• Time taken to research: 48 hours