config.XO

config.XO is a cloud service for managing Windows and Linux configurations through Microsoft PowerShell Desired State Configuration. It is best for teams already using DSC that want continuous drift correction, though its managed-system limits make it a poor fit for larger estates unless the paid plan’s allowance works for them.

Overview

config.XO compares managed servers and clients with their desired state and automatically corrects configuration drift. Teams can target groups or individual hosts and build reusable configurations or modules, giving administrators control over how settings are organized and applied. It is a focused choice for DSC-based management rather than a general-purpose configuration system.

The cloud service supports on-premises virtual machines, physical hosts and public-cloud virtual machines with internet access; proxy configuration is possible. Windows node registration requires running a PowerShell script that installs the XOAP DSC module and configures the local configuration manager. XOAP says its service is hosted in Europe, is GDPR compliant, encrypts management connections and does not store actual user credentials.

Key features

Configuration authoring and enforcement

A web-based wizard can create DSC configurations without requiring users to write code, while custom configurations and modules let teams apply their own setup where needed. The wizard can lower the barrier to authoring, but it does not change the product’s reliance on DSC or eliminate the registration work required for Windows nodes.

Continuous evaluation and automatic drift correction are valuable where systems must stay aligned with a defined configuration. Configurations can be assigned to groups or individual hosts, which supports both shared policy and host-specific needs.

Application deployment and security

Configuration runs can trigger package installations through application.XO, which is based on PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit. This is useful for teams that want configuration and application installation to work together, but it ties that workflow to XOAP’s application management product.

Uploaded PowerShell DSC configurations are encrypted with a certificate provided by XOAP, while user-uploaded compiled MOF files are not encrypted. That distinction matters when choosing how to upload configuration artifacts. XOAP also says management connections are encrypted and actual user credentials are not stored.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, billed Free forever. It includes 1 workspace, 1 admin user, 1 cloud connection, 1 hypervisor, 3 managed systems and 1 API key. This is a meaningful starting point for a small evaluation or a very small deployment, but the three-system cap and single admin user limit its usefulness for a growing team.

Standard costs €449 a month, or €4,999 billed annually. It includes 10 admin users, unlimited cloud connections, unlimited hypervisors and 10 managed systems, with more systems available. The plan expands team and infrastructure allowances, but the 10-system baseline remains a consideration for organizations managing a larger fleet.

Custom pricing is available by contacting sales. The plan is customized and includes extended enterprise support and technical engineering, making it the relevant route for organizations that need those services or a tailored arrangement. There is no free trial.

Platforms

config.XO is a cloud deployment with an agent-based model. It supports API, Linux, web and Windows, including Windows Server 2022, 2019 and 2016, and Windows 11 and 10. Supported environments include on-premises virtual machines, physical hosts and internet-connected public-cloud virtual machines. Linux support is included, though the Windows documentation names specific releases.

Who it's for

config.XO fits teams that already use PowerShell DSC and need central assignment, ongoing drift correction and optional application.XO package installation. The wizard may suit administrators who want to create configurations without writing code. The Free plan is suited to up to three managed systems; teams with more nodes should assess Standard’s 10-system base and the cost of expanding beyond it. Organizations seeking a non-DSC approach or broad free fleet capacity should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Automatic drift correction keeps managed systems aligned with desired state without relying only on manual checks.
• Pro: Group and individual-host targeting, plus custom modules, gives teams flexibility in applying configurations.
• Pro: The forever-free plan includes three managed systems, providing a real small-scale entry point.
• Con: Free is limited to three managed systems and one admin user, while Standard starts with 10 systems.
• Con: Uploaded compiled MOF files are not encrypted, unlike uploaded PowerShell DSC configurations.
• Con: Windows node setup requires a PowerShell registration script and local configuration manager setup.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Configuration Management Tools. Consider Salt if a free, Apache 2.0-licensed option across Linux, macOS, self-hosted and Windows platforms better suits your deployment. CFEngine is another freemium option, with a free Community Edition and a free trial. Choose AWS Systems Manager State Manager if its free service and Linux, macOS, web and Windows platform coverage suit your needs.

Google Cloud VM Manager may fit teams looking at a VM-focused option with a free tier and usage-based billing after it. Rudder is worth considering for its downloadable, modifiable open-source code and free plan. cdist is a free alternative for Linux, macOS and self-hosted environments. OpenVox is a free, community-maintained option with agent/server or standalone use. pyinfra is free and MIT licensed, and may suit teams using Python 3.10 or later.

Verdict

Choose config.XO if your team already works with PowerShell DSC and wants hosted, continuous drift correction with a configuration wizard and group-based targeting. Its main advantage is focused DSC enforcement across Windows and Linux; its main reason to look elsewhere is the modest managed-system allowance relative to the paid price, alongside the unencrypted handling of uploaded MOF files.