Overview
ShareWatcher and Status Monkey are two distinct monitoring tools designed for different aspects of IT operations. ShareWatcher focuses on file-level monitoring within Windows and FTP environments, providing visibility into who accesses files and when changes occur. Status Monkey, on the other hand, is a website uptime monitoring service that checks your web endpoints every 60 seconds and alerts you via SMS and email when they go down. While both aim to keep you informed, they cater to different needs: one for internal file security and automation, the other for external service reliability.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ShareWatcher | Status Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Monitors local and remote Windows File Shares and FTP servers for access and changes. | Monitors websites and services for uptime and downtime, checking every 60 seconds. |
| Monitoring Targets | Windows file shares (local and remote) and FTP servers (new files). | Web applications, APIs, and services via HTTP/HTTPS. |
| Alert Methods | Email, sound notifications, custom commands, and Windows event logs. | SMS and email alerts. |
| Automation | Trigger custom scripts or use QuickMove to relocate new files automatically. | Smart follow-up alerts every 30 minutes until issue is acknowledged or resolved. |
| Reporting | Tracks who accessed files and when changes occurred; no detailed uptime reports. | Comprehensive uptime reports and analytics, including response-time graphs. |
| Status Page | Not mentioned. | Customizable public status page for transparency. |
| Pricing Model | One-time purchase (free trial available). | Subscription-based at $5.99/month (free during beta). |
| Target User | Network administrators and security-focused users managing Windows environments. | Developers and businesses needing reliable uptime monitoring. |
Pricing
ShareWatcher offers a free trial and then a one-time purchase. The website does not list specific pricing, but it is a paid tool with a "Buy Now" option. This model may appeal to those who prefer a one-time cost over recurring fees.
Status Monkey uses a subscription model with a single plan: StatusMonkey Pro at $5.99 per month. During the beta period, the fee is waived, and no credit card is required. For additional monitors, users, or custom features, an enterprise plan is available. This transparent pricing is simple and predictable.
Pros and Cons
ShareWatcher
Pros:
- Real-time alerts via multiple channels (email, sound, custom commands, event logs)
- Automation capabilities with custom scripts and QuickMove for file relocation
- Ideal for sensitive data monitoring and compliance
- Supports both Windows file shares and FTP servers
Cons:
- Limited to Windows and FTP environments
- No built-in uptime reporting or status page
- Pricing not transparent on website
Status Monkey
Pros:
- Fast 60-second monitoring intervals
- SMS and email alerts with smart follow-ups
- Detailed uptime reports and analytics
- Customizable status page for transparency
- Simple, transparent pricing with free beta
Cons:
- Limited to HTTP/HTTPS monitoring (no file share or FTP monitoring)
- Subscription-based cost may add up over time
- No automation features beyond alerts
Verdict
Choose ShareWatcher if you need to monitor file access and changes on Windows shares or FTP servers, especially for security and automation. Choose Status Monkey if you need reliable website uptime monitoring with fast alerts and a public status page. They serve different purposes and can complement each other in a comprehensive monitoring strategy.