Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Catalyst Switches comparison

Arista Networks Platform and Cisco Catalyst Switches are prominent competitors in the networking industry. Arista appears to have the upper hand in ease of deployment and a unified operating system, while Cisco stands out in security features and extensive documentation.

Features: Arista Networks Platform offers a robust Linux shell for troubleshooting, an excellent performance-to-price ratio, and a standardized approach. Notably, its CloudVision centralized management and telemetry features are favored for easy deployment and management, supporting scalability. Meanwhile, Cisco Catalyst Switches are recognized for their PoE, stackability, and comprehensive security options. Users value its stability, versatility, and dependability in enterprise settings, supported by a strong hardware ecosystem.

Room for Improvement: Arista could enhance its documentation and expand integration features. It lacks micro-segmentation solutions among its limitations. Stability and integration in wide environments also need attention. Cisco faces challenges with its complex pricing models and expensive licensing. Interoperability and backward compatibility pose issues. Improving programmability and simplifying management interfaces are areas where Cisco could advance.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Arista Networks Platform is noted for its straightforward deployment and management. Direct service and responsive support without multiple escalation layers are highlighted. In contrast, Cisco offers a robust ecosystem and extensive support resources, but some users find its deployment process complex due to intricate configurations. While support is reliable, further simplicity in configurations is desired.

Pricing and ROI: Arista Networks Platform, though premium-priced, appeals to large-scale, cloud-focused clients. It is considered cost-effective compared to other high-end solutions but might not suit smaller budgets due to its price compared to competitors like Juniper. Cisco Catalyst Switches are also perceived as high-cost but their reliability and comprehensive features justify the expense for large investments. However, organizations may seek more affordable alternatives for potential cost savings.