Choosing the right ITSM (IT Service Management) platform can make or break your organization’s service delivery, automation capabilities, and long-term scalability. Two of the most recognized platforms in the enterprise ITSM space are ServiceNow and BMC Remedy (now BMC Helix ITSM). Both have been industry leaders for years, but each comes with its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
ServiceNow offers modern cloud-native ITSM with powerful automation and broad integrations, making it ideal for enterprises looking for productivity gains across departments. BMC Remedy (Helix) provides deep ITSM configuration and hybrid deployment flexibility, best suited to complex, regulated IT environments.
In this in-depth blog, we compare ServiceNow vs Remedy, evaluate the Remedy ticketing system vs ServiceNow, analyze usability, pricing, features, automation, integrations, deployment flexibility, and more—helping you choose the right ITSM system for your enterprise.
Compare ServiceNow vs Remedy (BMC Helix)
ServiceNow
ServiceNow is a cloud-based ITSM and workflow automation platform known for its modern UI, strong process automation, scalable architecture, and wide enterprise adoption. It focuses on digital workflows beyond IT—including HR, Customer Service, Security, and more.
BMC Remedy
BMC Remedy, now modernized as BMC Helix ITSM, is a robust IT service management suite offering strong ITIL-aligned processes, deep configuration options, and hybrid deployment (cloud + on-premise). It is widely used in industries needing strict compliance and customizable workflows.
ServiceNow vs Remedy: Quick Comparison
| Feature/Criteria | ServiceNow | BMC Remedy (Helix ITSM) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud-only (SaaS) | Cloud, On-Premise, Hybrid |
| UI/UX | Modern, clean, easy to navigate | More traditional UI, improved in Helix |
| Ticketing System | Highly automated, fast, intuitive | Highly configurable, legacy complexity |
| ITIL Processes | Excellent | Excellent |
| Integration Support | Wide ecosystem + Now Platform APIs | Strong enterprise integrations |
| Automation & AI | AI-powered workflows, predictive insights | AIOps, automation but requires setup |
| Customization | Low-code, fast | Deep customizations but complex |
| Best For | Modern enterprises focused on automation | Highly regulated industries, custom-heavy IT |
UI & User Experience
ServiceNow
ServiceNow’s interface is modern, clean, and beginner-friendly. Dashboards are customizable with drag-and-drop components. Navigation is intuitive and designed for speed, making IT teams more productive.
Remedy (BMC Helix)
Remedy has improved its UI with the Helix modernization, but it still feels more technical and requires training. Its depth offers control but may overwhelm newcomers.
Verdict: ServiceNow wins for usability, speed, and intuitive design.
Ticketing System Comparison
Check who wins in the ticketing system comparison between the Remedy ticketing system vs ServiceNow.
| ServiceNow Ticketing | Remedy Ticketing (BMC Helix) |
|---|---|
| AI-powered auto routing | Highly customizable ticket forms |
| Incident, problem, and change management dashboards | Strong ITIL alignment |
| Faster SLA tracking | Excellent for complex enterprise workflows |
| Easy to automate repetitive tasks | Can be slower depending on customization and infrastructure |
| Smooth mobile experience |
Verdict: ServiceNow provides a faster and more modern ticketing experience, while Remedy is more configurable for niche enterprise needs.
Features Comparison: ServiceNow vs Remedy
Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Feature | ServiceNow | BMC Remedy (Helix ITSM) |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Management | AI routing + automation | Detailed control + customizable |
| Change Management | Modern workflows | Strong governance + ITIL focus |
| Asset Management | Integrated with CMDB | Deep but requires configuration |
| CMDB | Auto-discovery + accurate | Very detailed but complex |
| Automation | Low-code flows, AI Ops | Automation Studio + AIOps |
| Self-Service Portal | Modern chatbot + portal | More technical but configurable |
| Reporting | Real-time dashboards | Highly customizable |
| Integrations | Wide app store & APIs | Enterprise system integrations |
| Verdict: | ✔ ServiceNow offers better automation, speed, and UI | ✔ Remedy offers deeper customization and hybrid deployment |
Performance & Scalability
| ServiceNow | Remedy (Helix) |
|---|---|
| Highly scalable cloud platform | Flexible for large, complex multi-department setups |
| Fast updates (2 major releases/year) | Hybrid deployments help in regulated industries |
| Consistent performance globally | Performance varies based on infrastructure |
Winner:
✔ ServiceNow for consistent cloud performance
✔ Remedy for infrastructure flexibility
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms do not publicly disclose pricing. Pricing depends on:
| ✔ Number of users | ✔ Modules selected | ✔ Deployment option | ✔ Required Automation | ✔ Integration |
ServiceNow Pricing (Typical Enterprise Range):
Starts around $120/user/month and increases based on add-on modules.
BMC Remedy Pricing:
Typically lower than ServiceNow but may increase with customization and on-premise infrastructure costs.
General Verdict:
✔ ServiceNow is usually more expensive
✔ Remedy can be more cost-efficient, especially for on-premise setups
Pros & Cons
ServiceNow Pros
Remedy (BMC Helix) Pros
ServiceNow Cons
Remedy Cons
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose ServiceNow if you want:
✔ Best automation
✔ Speed + usability
✔ Modern cloud-only experience
✔ Scalable workflows across the enterprise
Choose Remedy (Helix) if you want:
✔ Hybrid or on-premise deployment
✔ Deep customization
✔ Control over infrastructure
✔ Flexibility for complex IT environments
FAQs: ServiceNow vs Remedy
ServiceNow is better for modern cloud-based ITSM with automation, while Remedy is better for highly customized or regulated environments needing hybrid/on-premise deployment.
No. BMC has upgraded Remedy into BMC Helix ITSM, which includes modern UI, AI features, and cloud capabilities.
Generally, yes. ServiceNow is known for higher pricing but offers superior automation and user experience.
Only BMC Remedy/Helix supports on-premise. ServiceNow is cloud-only.
Yes. ServiceNow has a more modern and intuitive UI, making it easier for IT teams to adopt.
Not recommended. Both platforms are built for enterprises. SMBs should choose Freshservice or Jira Service Management.
Final Verdict
The ServiceNow vs Remedy comparison shows that both platforms are powerful and enterprise-ready.
- Choose ServiceNow if you prioritize automation, speed, and modern cloud experience.
- Choose Remedy (BMC Helix) if you need customization, hybrid deployment, or deep control over ITSM processes.
Both are industry leaders—but the right choice depends entirely on your business needs, IT complexity, and budget.
Best Alternatives to ServiceNow & Remedy
Freshservice
Jira Service Management
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
Zendesk