Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller and Cisco DNA Center are key players in the network management category. Cisco DNA Center appears to have the upper hand due to its broader integration capabilities and effective centralized management features.
Features: Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller excels with its admin VDC management, a robust automation suite, and unparalleled insights into data centers. Users recognize its stability and innovative fabric suite automation. Cisco DNA Center provides centralized management, AI-driven insights, and enhanced security through software-defined networking, making it valuable for large-scale operations.
Room for Improvement: Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller users desire better third-party integrations, improvements in automation, and pricing adjustments. There are also calls for better VRF support and IPv6 integration. Cisco DNA Center could improve with cost-effective licensing models, better integration with non-Cisco products, and enhanced reporting capabilities. Its user interface and configuration complexity could be simplified to support smaller networks and ease the initial setup process.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both products offer on-premises and private cloud options. Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller's deployment is straightforward but may involve complex hardware setups. DNA Center offers hybrid cloud flexibility with simple operational setup. Technical support for both is reliable, though there is some variability in response effectiveness. DNA Center benefits from high-quality technical engagement, albeit at a high cost.
Pricing and ROI: Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is perceived as expensive compared to market alternatives, with users finding value in its features for larger environments. Licensing is often tied to third-party hardware, and ROI is appreciated for its longevity and management capabilities. DNA Center pricing is also high, potentially deterring mid-market customers. Its extensive feature set and centralized management justify the cost for large enterprises, offering multiple licensing tiers that can escalate costs but promise significant ROI through reduced manual efforts and streamlined operations.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco DNA Center | 1.4% |
| Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) | 0.6% |
| Other | 98.0% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 9 |
| Large Enterprise | 24 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 15 |
Cisco DNA Center offers a comprehensive platform for network automation and management, providing detailed analytics, enhanced security, and streamlined operations for both wired and wireless networks.
Cisco DNA Center integrates with Cisco infrastructure to deliver efficient network automation and management, helping organizations improve network visibility, security, and control. It supports AI-driven analytics and automated workflows to enhance operational efficiency and reduce errors. Challenges include compatibility with third-party systems, steep learning curve, and complex deployment. Its interface facilitates centralized control, vital for troubleshooting, policy management, and configuration management, with support for zero-touch provisioning and SD-Access.
What are the key features of Cisco DNA Center?In sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail, Cisco DNA Center is utilized for its ability to enhance security and compliance, manage large-scale networks, and provide detailed analytics for better operational decision-making. Its support for location tracking and policy automation ensures efficient network management across diverse environments.
The Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) offers a comprehensive solution for managing Cisco NX-OS switches in hybrid-cloud environments, providing automation, visibility, and consistent operations. Designed to simplify and enhance data center management, NDFC integrates with Cisco Nexus Dashboard to streamline network connectivity, reduce deployment times, and ensure seamless transitions with minimal disruptions. Its modular architecture, new user interface, and support for non-Nexus OS platforms make it a robust tool for LAN, SAN, and IP Fabric for Media management. Additionally, NDFC enhances fabric reliability, automates workflows, and supports cloud connectivity with AWS and Microsoft Azure, making it ideal for businesses adapting to increasingly complex digital environments.
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