SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and Cisco DNA Center compete in network management. Cisco DNA Center has the upper hand in advanced features and large enterprise suitability, while SolarWinds is preferred for smaller networks due to its pricing and support.
Features: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is recognized for compliance, reliability, and security vulnerability detection. It also offers automation for configuration changes and centralized backup management. Cisco DNA Center excels with advanced analytics, wireless assurance, and zero-touch provisioning, providing strong integration with Cisco devices and network health insights.
Room for Improvement: SolarWinds could improve its reporting capabilities and third-party tool integration, along with automation features. Cisco DNA Center needs development in affordability, non-Cisco product integration, and user-friendly setup processes. Enhancements in task failure reporting and upgrade efficiency are also needed.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both products primarily offer on-premises deployment. SolarWinds gets good customer support feedback, though slower response times and report generation issues are noted. Cisco users report complex deployment and a steep learning curve, despite overall positive support experiences.
Pricing and ROI: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is cost-effective for smaller businesses, yielding ROI from reduced overheads within three years. Cisco DNA Center is expensive, suitable for large enterprises investing in comprehensive features for centralized management, offering good value in robust capabilities.
Although Cisco DNA Center is expensive, we have seen a return on investment in terms of time savings.
I would rate Cisco support easily at nine out of ten.
Overall, Cisco DNA Center rates eight out of ten as a complete solution.
The support for Cisco DNA Center is good.
Technical support is limited but generally acceptable as we possess skilled personnel, making us less dependent on SolarWinds.
SolarWinds tech support is a strong point.
From my experience, we can easily manage numerous devices.
The solution is designed for large enterprise companies.
The product is scalable as SolarWinds increased its licensing capacity from supporting 12,000 devices to 48,000 devices with stack licenses.
When we communicate problems, they solve them effectively.
The AI-driven insights have contributed significantly to faster troubleshooting and predictive analytics.
The deployment part is definitely an area for improvement.
The client history in Cisco DNA Center can be longer than 10 days, perhaps extending to 15 or 20 days.
Currently, there are limitations in performing tasks without logging into routers directly.
I would like to see more features in terms of wireless reporting and more historical information for client connectivity in SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager.
The licensing costs of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are expensive, but considering its reliability, feature enhancements, and support, it is worthwhile.
If there is a problem, I can inspect the situation and see what is happening, which is beneficial.
The most valuable features include AI-driven insights which make troubleshooting much easier.
The solution facilitates compliance reporting through an NCM module, effectively generating out-of-the-box reports on software vulnerabilities and outdated software versions.
Configuration pushing, upgrade capabilities, job backup, configuration backup, and real-time configuration change monitoring are highly beneficial features of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco DNA Center | 8.5% |
| SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager | 7.5% |
| Other | 84.0% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 9 |
| Large Enterprise | 26 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 15 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 8 |
Cisco DNA Center delivers powerful centralized security, automation, and comprehensive analytics for enhanced network management. With an intuitive dashboard and integration with Cisco devices, it reduces errors, boosts efficiency, and ensures seamless wired and wireless network operations.
Organizations leverage Cisco DNA Center for network management and automation, offering increased visibility into traffic flows and efficient device provisioning. It supports real-time data transmission, network segmentation, and integrates with ISE. Features like wireless assurance, centralized management, and AI-driven insights into network health promote an efficient network environment while addressing compliance issues. However, improvements are necessary for better third-party integration, affordability, and more user-friendly documentation.
What are the solution's most important features?In industries like healthcare, finance, and education, Cisco DNA Center's advanced features facilitate the management of complex network infrastructures and aid in achieving compliance efficiently. Its ability to manage LANs and WLANs supports diverse networking environments including greenfield projects and SPN setups.
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