ExtremeCloud IQ and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN compete in the network management and security category. ExtremeCloud IQ seems to have the upper hand in pricing and ease of deployment, while Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN excels in features and security.
Features: ExtremeCloud IQ offers controller-less architecture, extensive deployment planning tools, and integrated firewalls that provide robust security. It excels in centralized cloud management and scalability, enabling easy control of multiple access points (APs) across different locations. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is known for its application-level routing, extensive security features, and reliable network configurations, making it ideal for high-density enterprise environments.
Room for Improvement: ExtremeCloud IQ could enhance its user interface and simplify setup processes. Updating tools and the development of more powerful APs would improve user experience. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN would benefit from reducing deployment complexity and improving licensing flexibility. Enhancements in security features and user interface would also increase its competitiveness.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: ExtremeCloud IQ provides flexibility with its deployment options, supporting public, private, and hybrid clouds. Its customer service is well-regarded for its responsiveness and quality support, catering to both cloud and on-premises needs. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, while offering diverse deployment scenarios, requires a steeper learning curve. Its customer support is robust but typically involves more time for issue resolution compared to Extreme.
Pricing and ROI: ExtremeCloud IQ is seen as cost-effective, especially in educational settings, due to its simplified pricing structures and discounts for bulk purchases and long-term licenses. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is more expensive due to its comprehensive features, considered justifiable but potentially prohibitive for small to medium-sized businesses.
They are now back to do that with the remainder of their company, so they've realized the value in 12 months and are willing to invest in the remainder of their organization.
I managed to support and deploy ExtremeCloud IQ and handle network management without requiring external staffing, thus saving on external hiring costs.
I would rate Cisco's support, their customer service, and technical support as excellent.
I would consider Cisco support a 10 out of 10.
The principal third-level support is very good.
I experienced effective help mainly remotely, though for some issues, a technical person had to assist on-site.
Cisco SD-WAN is highly scalable and can be expanded to more than 10,000 sites.
The ease of configuration and features like zero-touch provisioning enhance the scalability of Cisco SD-WAN, especially in disaster recovery situations.
While some software-related issues and bugs were encountered, they did not cause the whole environment to crash.
It requires some time to update, which affects real-time management.
Now, they change frequently, making it difficult to obtain long-term support.
Including more features like integrating with Splunk for monitoring vulnerabilities would help eliminate the need for other SOC solutions.
The negative, or the downside of Cisco is the knowledge base; you need to be a little bit more tech-savvy and network-savvy to work with Cisco, while Juniper is a lot more user-friendly from what I can see, especially in terms of configuration and any kind of roll back.
I needed deep details and more thorough resources.
The pricing of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is rated between eight and nine out of ten, where ten is the most expensive.
Its pricing is justifiable due to the comprehensive solution it offers.
It is also relatively cost-effective for smaller businesses when using the Meraki version.
The licensing was a challenge due to budget constraints, and I used ExtremeCloud IQ without a license for a period.
It also provides robust security features, including port security, analysis, mirroring, and multiple other security solutions.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN has integrated security features which include base firewall, URL filtering, IPS, and secure segmentation.
Integration capabilities provide comprehensive security.
The automation and information provided by ExtremeCloud IQ, such as connection status and logs, were very beneficial.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN offers centralized management and integrates seamlessly with existing Cisco ecosystems. It simplifies deployment with zero-touch provisioning, delivering robust security and optimized application routing.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides essential capabilities for organizations seeking secure remote connectivity and cost reduction, notably through its support of hybrid environments. While pricing and complexity present challenges, its advanced application control and cloud compatibility make it a valuable asset for connecting branches and data centers. Users benefit from enhanced security, network assurance, and simplified management, driving operational efficiency.
What are the key features of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?In banking, retail, and enterprise sectors, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN facilitates effective network management by enhancing connectivity between branches and data centers. Its security features and zero-touch deployment are particularly valued, providing scalable solutions for locations that demand reliable, application-prioritized networking.
ExtremeCloud is a resilient and scalable cloud-based network management solution offered by Extreme Networks as a subscription service.
The network is your platform of engagement for clients and staff. We have designed ExtremeCloud to provide superior user experience by empowering you and the applications that drive your business. The combination of Extreme Networks’ smart wired and wireless edges and the elasticity, resilience and scalability provided via state-of-the-art datacenters distributed strategically for worldwide availability allows you to respond to the changing needs of your business, at the speed of cloud, through a simple, multi-site aware user interface.
We monitor all Network Management Applications reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.