Cisco ACI Reviews

Name: Cisco ACI
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.0 (101 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.0 out of 5

101 reviews
85% willing to recommend

1,124 followers

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What is Cisco ACI?

Cisco ACI automates data center networking, centralizing management and configuration of diverse network environments. It's used for micro-segmentation, replacing legacy networks, and deploying software-defined networking.

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Cisco ACI is the #1 ranked solution in top Network Virtualization solutions, #2 ranked solution in top Software Defined Networking, and #6 ranked solution in best Cloud Security companies. PeerSpot users give Cisco ACI an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Cisco ACI is most commonly compared to VMware NSX: Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX. Cisco ACI is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 71% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 22% of all views.

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Featured Cisco ACI reviews

Raj Metkar

Director, Head of Networks at MUFG, EMEA

The solution's most valuable feature is its programmability and the automation you can do for large changes. It's not that automation wasn't available on any of the other Cisco platforms, like Cisco NX-OS, but not many people did it, Network Automation was just buzz word, but with MSO/NDO this automation becomes real for DC networking Stack. Cisco ACI is built on data application-centric infrastructure with automation and Cisco is bring more automation be working with partners like Nutanix etc We have not implemented Cisco ACI with APIC and spine and leaf in the application centric mode but in network centric mode be use another Cisco platform for micro-segmentation very successfully in protecting out internal environment. Even though it was a painful journey for us, right from day one, we went for a Cisco multi-site implementation with Cisco's MSO (Multi-Site Orchestrator), which is today called NDO. We configured and deployed Cisco ACI through an NDO. The way you can expand the platform within the data center allows you to have a top-of-the-row design instead of centralizing everything in one frame and one central network rack. You can have leaf switches in the cabinet where they are needed most. You can have a top-of-the-row design or within-a-row design instead of a centralized design. That architecture allows you to have spines in a central place, but leaves can be distributed wherever you need them.

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Rammohan Manike

Sr Consultant at Tata Consultancy

We are using Cisco ACI primarily for data center operations. We are creating different remote channels for segmentation and structuring our network, building routes for traffic management, and implementing micro-segmentation from end-to-end for traffic management Robustness is a key aspect.…

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Brook Debebe Hailu

Chief Technology Officer at Mehbub General Trading PLC

Cisco ACI was the first product in the market, offering stability with a significant install base. Its features, like easy application deployment, short deployment time for new applications or software, and eliminating the hassle of STP, are appreciated. Additionally, performance capabilities like connectivity of forty gs and one hundred gs and security integration are key benefits.

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Cisco ACI mindshare

Product category:

As of May 2025, the mindshare of Cisco ACI in the Network Virtualization category stands at 48.5%, up from 46.8% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Virtualization

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco ACI reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Network Virtualization	May 1, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	May 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX	May 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco ACI vs Cisco Enterprise Network Functions Virtualization	May 1, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
VMware NSX	4.0	45.9%	88%	102 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco ACI offers centralized management, programmability, and automation, allowing efficient policy control and configuration. It integrates with VMware and supports micro-segmentation, enhancing security. The platform’s scalability supports extensive multitenancy and provides seamless networking across data centers. Its ease of deployment, intuitive UI, and robust application-focused features ensure efficient management, reducing complexity. The integration capabilities with virtual environments and network-centric approach make Cisco ACI a preferred choice for modern data center solutions.

"I rate Cisco ACI nine out of ten due to its impressive features."
"I recommend Cisco ACI due to its reliable tech support, timely updates for security, traffic management, and ease of management."
"The routing of traffic is one of our main focuses when utilizing Cisco ACI."

Room for Improvement

Cisco ACI users suggest improvements in simplifying the interface and configuration processes. Integration with third-party products and enhanced training are needed. The learning curve is steep, with users finding it complex to navigate. There's emphasis on better technical support and documentation. Users face challenges in migration, troubleshooting, and managing contracts. They desire improved cloud compatibility and feature flexibility. There is feedback on frequent bugs, licensing concerns, and the need for enhanced user-friendliness and automation.

"Cisco needs to enhance their technical support and pay more attention to regional support."
"The initial setup was not straightforward. We adopted an agile strategy, starting small and expanding to multiple data centers."
"We are looking at better synchronization with the cloud and on-premise, bringing in a multi-cloud networking solution."

ROI

Many users experienced time savings, operational cost reduction, and efficient resource utilization with Cisco ACI, though some are still in early stages of adoption. Companies have noticed improved network stability and faster provisioning times. Several entities achieved impressive returns, notably through infrastructure consolidation and enhanced productivity. However, a few are yet to fully capitalize due to ongoing transition processes or incomplete usage of available features. Overall, most participants recognize benefits despite varied return timelines.

Pricing

Cisco ACI pricing is considered expensive, with users highlighting its high costs for licensing and setup. However, the investment often justifies the price due to its quality, support, and comprehensive features. Many enterprises find value in the package, which includes hardware, software, and support. Smart Licensing has introduced a new cost structure, sometimes adding to expenses. Discounts are available for gold partners, but smaller businesses may find the costs prohibitive.

"Yearly, we pay around one point two million for the solution."
"The product is not cheap."
"On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco ACI is primarily used for data centers, with its main applications involving migrating legacy systems, automating infrastructure, providing software-defined networking, enhancing multitenancy, and enabling micro-segmentation. Users implement it across multi-site architectures and centralize network management. It supports virtualized and physical network environments by using ACI Fabric for server deployment, firewall integration, and traffic management. The platform is favored for its automation capabilities, hybrid configurations, and simplified management processes.

Service and Support

Cisco ACI customer service and support are generally good, with responsive and knowledgeable teams resolving issues efficiently. Some have encountered delays and inexperienced staff, highlighting a need for improved training. Dedicated teams and contracts enhance response times, although finding the right expert can be challenging. Professional services and regional differences affect satisfaction. Despite occasional inconsistencies, many users rate support highly, praising its effectiveness and quick resolution capabilities, particularly with experienced engineers and proper licensing.

Deployment

Experiences with Cisco ACI's initial setup varied significantly. Many found it complex due to new networking concepts and requiring extensive resources and support. Others described it as straightforward, emphasizing detailed planning and familiarity with Cisco tools. The complexity often depended on existing network architecture and migration needs. Some users highlighted the benefits of training and documentation, while others faced challenges with the learning curve and integration. Ultimately, successful deployments relied on expertise and preparation.

Scalability

Cisco ACI demonstrates impressive scalability, allowing seamless network expansion by easily adding devices like spines and leaves. It adapts to diverse business growth needs without requiring complete network redesign. Users highlight its robust fabric structure and multi-site capabilities, facilitating effortless integration and offering flexibility for large environments. Issues are rare, though periodic upgrades may be necessary. Customers appreciate its ease of deployment and integration with legacy systems, providing scalable solutions across varied organizational sizes.

Stability

Many users report Cisco ACI as stable, particularly after version updates. Initial challenges included bugs and outages, but improvements were noted over time. The solution is praised for its reliability in production environments, often operating without downtime. While some experienced hardware and software issues, they were resolved quickly. Cisco's support is positively highlighted. A few users mention integration challenges, but Cisco ACI's performance is generally rated highly for stability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

22%

Financial Services Firm

13%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Educational Organization

University

Retailer

Insurance Company

Transportation Company

Construction Company

Hospitality Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Legal Firm

Non Profit

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Performing Arts

Outsourcing Company

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

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Learn more about Cisco ACI

Cisco ACI enables seamless integration with cloud platforms and multi-site connectivity. It ensures high availability and redundancy, supports network-centric applications, enhances security, and facilitates agile service implementations across different regions and data centers. The platform offers high throughput, ease of configuration, centralized management, and programmability. Users find value in its single management interface, policy-based routing, Service Graphs, and simplified deployment. Cisco ACI also excels in scalability, automation, low latency, and supports data center expansion efficiently.

What are the key features of Cisco ACI?

High Throughput: Ensures fast data transmission and network efficiency.
Ease of Configuration: Simplifies setup and changes to network configurations.
Centralized Management: Provides a single interface for managing the entire network.
Micro-Segmentation: Enhances security by isolating network segments.
Integration with VMware: Seamlessly integrates with VMware environments.
Scalability: Easily expands to accommodate growing organizational needs.
Automation Capabilities: Reduces manual tasks through advanced automation.
Policy-Based Routing: Optimizes network traffic based on set policies.

What benefits should users look for when evaluating Cisco ACI?

Seamless integration with cloud platforms and multi-site connectivity.
High availability and redundancy ensuring consistent service uptime.
Enhanced security with micro-segmentation and policy-based control.
Agility in service implementations across regions and data centers.
Efficiency in network management with centralized control.

Organizations in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology implement Cisco ACI to modernize data centers, improve security, and streamline network operations. Its capabilities support expanding infrastructure, integrating with cloud services, and managing complex network architectures with minimal effort.