Senior Technical Officer at Sri Lanka Telecom Services
Real User
Scalable and secure switches offering high-speed connectivity
Pros and Cons
  • "Aruba Central is very valuable to us."
  • "I would prefer it if they reduced the cost of the switches and the access points."

What is most valuable?

Aruba Central is very valuable to us.

What needs improvement?

I would prefer it if they reduced the cost of the switches and the access points. They are very high for a country like Sri Lanka. It's a good product, but the price is too high.

Here, most customers are interested in cheaper, local solutions like Planet Switches. I think Auba is better than the local solutions, but they need to cut the cost down in order for people to switch over to them.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Switches for three years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Aruba Switches are both scalable and stable. I am pretty satisfied with this product.

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How are customer service and support?

Their technical support is pretty good. Actually, the first level of support is given by our supplier. Regardless of the time, they will help you.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before Aruba, we worked with Cisco, but personally, I prefer Aruba.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very easy. 

What about the implementation team?

I'm not part of the configuration team. We have a team that handles all implementation and configuration. I am part of the design team.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Aruba for anyone looking for a stable enterprise-level solution.

On a scale from one to ten, I would give Aruba Switches a rating of eight. If they lowered the cost and introduced some basic-level features and access points, I would give them a higher rating. Basic Aruba access points are expensive in Sri Lanka.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Team leader technical support at a manufacturing company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Top 20
Provides plenty of options for automation and programming, a way forward for networking as a whole
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution has great open architecture."
  • "It's a little less convenient for more simplified management needs."

What is our primary use case?

We had a need to implement a distributed data center, split over two different sites, which were still more or less in each other's vicinity, less than a kilometer apart. The Aruba CX line products was one of the candidates in review and it was deemed the most logical choice We are customers of Aruba and I'm the team leader of technical support.

What is most valuable?

What I like about the product is its open architecture, the API based line of thought, so to speak. There are plenty of options and possibilities for automation and programming. We see that as a way forward for networking as a whole. These are data center switches and it provides a good use case for programming and the like.

What needs improvement?

The solution is a little less convenient for more simplified management needs. It doesn't use a traditional, classical user interface for small changes. For monitoring, it's fine, but for small changes, less so. It means that our staff who have a less technical background are not able to help out with minor changes - the environment is less suitable for them.

I do think the graphical user interface for small changes could use some more love, so to speak. But let me reiterate that it's only required for staff that is less knowledgeable. For larger rollouts, larger deployment, everything ought to be API and program based. And in that department, the environment is quite sufficient.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for a couple of months. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is great. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is great. 

How are customer service and technical support?

We're very happy with the technical support, they're doing a great job. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We switched to this product because the previous solution had reached its end of support and end of life.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup had some complexity to it. Implementation took about two or three months, but that was right at the top of the COVID-19 breakout here in the Netherlands. So we had quite a bit of a setback due to that. If it wasn't like that, it might've taken less time. Our network partner carried out the deployment - they did a great job. In normal times, we'd have between 500-600 users, but for now there are about 300 using the solution. Maintenance is not an issue. We don't have plans to increase usage for now. Our on-premise deployment has suffered a lot due to the COVID-19 outbreak so we have less customers on premises which means that for now there's no further deployment necessary.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We looked at the Cisco option, but since we already had Aruba wireless and we had virtually no Cisco products in our environments, we went for Aruba. 

What other advice do I have?

If you start using these products, then it's a good idea to check whether the product that you're going to use is in the same management fabric. We use a slightly different hardware architecture for the access switches, the 2930f environment, and that uses a different management layer. So if I was to think about it again, I would try to see if it's possible to get the whole environment within the same management fabric. By doing that you ease up on a lot of the manageability issues.

I would rate this solution a nine out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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IT Director at a government
Real User
Very reliable and easy to use but could have a better dashboard
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is very reliable. It's easy to use with other solutions."
  • "The interface could be more user-friendly and the dashboard could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for our IT infrastructure.

What is most valuable?

The solution is very reliable. It's easy to use with other solutions.

What needs improvement?

The pricing could be adjusted.

The interface could be more user-friendly and the dashboard could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Now and then there tend to be issues if we have a virtual stack. If there's a power failure, the switches come up at different times. This means we have to shut down the stack and then put them up in a proper way. Otherwise, we will have issues with the IP and those kinds of things. I should note that I've only seen this issue with the virtual stack.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable enough. The product itself is fantastic; I've had no issues with scalability. Currently, we have about 700 people using the technology.

How are customer service and technical support?

The solution's technical support is okay. I would prefer more engagements around new products and roadmaps, however.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I've never used a different solution. At a previous company, we worked with Cisco switches, which I thought were good until I came to this job and saw you could get a cheaper solution that was just as good.

How was the initial setup?

My network is segmented, however, it's not too complex. The last refresh we did was 2016 and that took us two days over a weekend.

What about the implementation team?

We had a provider that assisted us with the implementation.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is decent. It's less expensive than Cisco.

What other advice do I have?

We use both the cloud and on-premises deployment models.

I would recommend the solution, especially if you are on a tight budget and are looking for a no-nonsense product.

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
CEO at Radax Software Solutions
Real User
Top 10
Excellent technical support, enjoy the working environment, and reasonable budget pricing
Pros and Cons
  • "I find the most valuable feature is it is part of the Aruba family."
  • "I would like to see easier learning and configuration from previous switch deployments."

What is most valuable?

I find the most valuable feature is it is part of the Aruba family.

What needs improvement?

I would like to see easier learning and configuration from previous switch deployments.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Switches for the past two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is very good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We do see scalability.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is excellent.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

We have used a consultant team and it has taken two years to deploy because of the size of the project.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay for the clear pass and the controller.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Aruba Switches an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network Architect & Pre-Sales Consultant at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
Reseller
A feature-rich and reliable device that is easy to work with and has amazing technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "The technical support is fantastic!"
  • "The need to come up with a bit more flexibility in their range of models."

What is our primary use case?

I'm a reseller and I supply these switches to customers.

The use case of this solution is to connect endpoint devices through to the data centers.

What is most valuable?

It has several awesome features. I actually prefer Aruba over Huawei.

What needs improvement?

With Aruba, some of the models that are available, you need simple features, but you have to go to very high models, very expensive models.

They need to come up with a bit more flexibility in their range of models.

I would like to see more flexibility with regard to the models that are available.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using HP Switches for about 15 years, then when HP bought Aruba, it became Aruba and I started using it under the new name.

We use all of the versions that are available. I use the older Aruba OS Switches. I use the new Aruba CX Switches. It just depends on what the customer needs.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's a very stable product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Aruba Switches are very scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support is fantastic! Absolutely fantastic. We have no problems with their technical support.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. They are the easiest switches to work with.

The deployment time varies; if it's one switch then it will be quick. If it's a hundred switches, it will take a while.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

here are no licensing costs for the Aruba Switches. However, there are licensing costs for some of their other solutions.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend it 100%. Absolutely no problem with it.

I would rate Aruba Switches an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller.
PeerSpot user
Consultant at Visolity B.V.
Consultant
A reliable performer with great performance and scalability
Pros and Cons
  • "This is a very stable product with good performance."
  • "The product could be a little more competitive price-wise."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case is data center networking. We work with a hybrid deployment model. Currently, we are working with the 8325 switches. We have sold the solutions to a lot of our customers.  

What is most valuable?

The thing that I have found most valuable about the Aruba product is that it is very stable. It provides great performance and reliability.  

What needs improvement?

Our clients are really very satisfied with the service this product provides. I really see nothing for the moment that needs improvement. There was a new release at the beginning of this year that is currently available, so essentially it is a new product. It has kept up with good development.  

The only improvement I can really see is that maybe they could get more competitive price-wise. Technically we are satisfied with the product.  

For how long have I used the solution?

I am a systems architect and ee have been using Aruba switches at our company for two years.  

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is very stable. We have no trouble with the performance.  

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is very scalable. It is a stackable switch and that gives it scalability.  

How are customer service and technical support?

We have not needed to use Aruba's technical support. The product has not given us any issues that require it.  

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very straightforward. The deployment takes only about half-an-hour. It is very fast.   

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Price-wise, the product is a little expensive compared to the competition.  

What other advice do I have?

My advice for people considering this solution is that I would recommend it. It is very stable, it is a high-performance switch for the mid-market segment. It is just a very good switch.  

On a scale from one to ten where one is the worst and ten is the best, I would rate Aruba Switches as a nine-out-of-ten. If I say that it is a ten it means that there is nothing more that they can improve. Everything can be improved. I think nine is a very good rating.  

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network and Security Engineer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Easy to use, good GUI, and good technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "Aruba is very easy to use, the GUI is very good and the command line is quite similar to Cisco, so it is very easy to configure."
  • "I think that the performance is getting better but they need to have more powerful switches on the market so that they can capture medium and large businesses."

What is our primary use case?

We provide networks with antennae switches and Wi-Fi switches for small to medium-sized businesses for customers in the UAE.

What is most valuable?

Aruba is very easy to use, the GUI is very good and the command line is quite similar to Cisco, so it is very easy to configure.

What needs improvement?

I think that the performance is getting better but they need to have more powerful switches on the market so that they can capture medium and large businesses.

They don't have any data center switches.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's quite stable. After Cisco HPE Autobus, it's the best on the market.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's scalable and expandable to some extent.

Fifty to sixty percent of the customers we meet normally use Aruba. They are IT, managers, and administrators.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not had much interaction. Their knowledge base is quite good, so normally we don't need to call them.

We have only contacted them a few times.

If you need an RMA, then it would be required, and it is also quite good.

We are happy with the technical support, they are good.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. It's easy.

What other advice do I have?

For small businesses, it is the best on the market right now.

The recognition is still new.

Aruba is easy to expand and easy to configure.

I would recommend Aruba Switches.

I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Managing Director at P & P Enterprise Solution Co.,Ltd.
Real User
Top 5
High availability and good performance
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Aruba Switches is its performance."
  • "There is a long delay in receiving Aruba Switches when ordered. There should not be a long delay in receiving the solution. Additionally, there should be a lifetime warranty to compete with other solutions."

What is our primary use case?

I am using Aruba Switches in hospitals, educational institutions, and government networks.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Aruba Switches is its performance.

What needs improvement?

There is a long delay in receiving Aruba Switches when ordered. There should not be a long delay in receiving the solution. Additionally, there should be a lifetime warranty to compete with other solutions.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Switches for approximately 20 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Aruba Switches are highly scalable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 4,000 people using this solution.

We do not scale the solution because after five years the technology is old and needs to be updated.

How are customer service and support?

When I contact support, such as through email, it takes a long time to receive a response.

How was the initial setup?

The installation of Aruba Switches is not difficult. The implementation took me two hours.

What about the implementation team?

I did the implementation of the solution myself.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is a license to use the solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Aruba Switches a ten out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
PeerSpot user
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