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Cisco Prime [EOL] vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager comparison

The compared Cisco and SolarWinds solutions aren't in the same category. SolarWinds is ranked #14 in CM , with an average rating of 7.7, and holds a 1.5% mindshare. Additionally, 91% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.
Cisco Prime [EOL]
Read 35 Cisco Prime [EOL] reviews
    91% willing to recommend
    SolarWinds Network Configur...
    Read 27 SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager reviews
    • 495 Views
    • 323 Comparison Views
    95% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Cisco Prime [EOL] and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out in this report how the two Network Management Applications solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.

    DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE REPORT
    To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Prime [EOL] vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Report (Updated: March 2023).
    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Prime [EOL] vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
    March 2023
    Download the complete report
    Helped 857,028 peers since 2012

    Review summaries and opinions

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Categories and Ranking

    Cisco Prime [EOL]
    Average Rating
    7.8
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.5
    Number of Reviews
    35
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
    SolarWinds Network Configur...
    Average Rating
    8.2
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.9
    Number of Reviews
    27
    Ranking in other categories
    Configuration Management (14th), Network Automation (5th)
     

    Featured Reviews

    ZeeshanAli1 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Robust, cost-effective, and provides good visibility, but the scalability could improve
    We are extremely satisfied with the reliability and robustness of Cisco Prime Infrastructure, which we have been using for many years. Compared to newer products such as DNS centers or others, it has proven to be much more stable, which is important for large-scale operations. Stability is a primary concern for us, and we are glad that Cisco Prime Infrastructure meets our expectations in that regard. Furthermore, in regards to Legacy Plus new hardware, Cisco Prime has proven to be a reliable and adaptable solution thus far. Not only can it support older hardware, but it also has the capability to handle new features with the latest updates. If we consider new solutions such as DNS Center, we may have to sacrifice some legacy features that we still rely on. We may need to continue using these legacy features for a few more years due to various reasons such as budget constraints or the site not being a high priority. However, if we switch to a new product at this stage, we may lose a lot of the monitoring and other capabilities that we have with Cisco Prime. We have a close relationship with Cisco and understand that they are not prioritizing investments in Cisco Prime as they are encouraging customers to adopt the Cisco DNA Center. This means that we don't anticipate many new features to be added to the product in the future. While we know that we will eventually have to transition to a new solution, in the meantime, we plan to do a quick refresh of our legacy products.
    Read full review
    RajeshB - PeerSpot reviewer
    Offers additional functionality, including warranty management
    Setting up a solution involves configuring a server and a web console, which is straightforward. Network team coordination is necessary when applying it to devices. This involves creating device connection profiles and ensuring SNMP is enabled. Initially, there were challenges involved in this process, but once the setup was complete, operations proceeded smoothly. All network devices are automatically added to NPM during auto-discovery in SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, including Network Configuration Manager features. Once configuration profile credentials are established in NCM, they are automatically deployed to all network devices. The solution is easy to use and deploy, although initial setup may require coordination and overcoming challenges.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Pros

    "It helps us manage and monitor analytics and fix issues."
    "Cisco Prime is a good tool for inventory monitoring and wireless management."
    "Cisco Prime is user-friendly, so we are comfortable using it."
    "What I found most beneficial from Cisco Prime is that it gives you an insight into what your network does, even when you're not actively monitoring what's going on with your network."
    "The most valuable feature of Cisco Prime is the heat maps."
    "The dashboard is a valuable feature. It's very clear, and the metrics make it easy to see the current network situation."
    "Has a good wireless heatmap and search management features."
    "The most valuable feature of Cisco Prime is the heat map."
    More Cisco Prime [EOL] pros
    "This solution has helped our organization by allowing us to store all the device configurations for the various network devices in NCM and making it easy for us to retrieve and look them over."
    "The most valuable Real-time fault detection is beneficial as it enables the identification of changes made to a device's configuration through the SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager. This makes it easy to pinpoint which configurations were added or removed, potentially causing network issues. Such changes are saved in logs for future reference."
    "The scanning features have proven to be highly valuable, particularly due to the comprehensive information they provide."
    "The network performance monitoring of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is a vital feature"
    "SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager improves the mean time to repair significantly, bringing measurable benefits to customers."
    "The installation is straightforward."
    "The solution's view is very nice, and they have a great customized dashboard."
    "We push all our configurations to the servers with ease and the logs capture almost all the transactions needed for an internal audit."
    More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pros
     

    Cons

    "We would like to see the inclusion of detailed alerts."
    "Cisco Prime could improve the graphical user interface."
    "Maybe it could be a little cheaper."
    "I rate Cisco Prime seven out of 10 for affordability. All Cisco solutions are expensive."
    "Some improvements are needed, specifically in the form of more updates and enhancements."
    "Cisco Prime could improve the notifications in the system. Having more details about what is happening would be useful, such as traffic numbers or who is connected. We can see them through the firewall controller, but it would be better if you can see them from one place."
    "The solution can be slow at times."
    "The product is expensive compared to other vendors in the market."
    More Cisco Prime [EOL] cons
    "I would like to see more features in terms of wireless reporting and more historical information for client connectivity in SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager."
    "There are certain limitations of node-related monitoring"
    "The only thing that requires some experience, and training doesn't fix, is how to set up your custom policy-based reports to check compliance."
    "It would be great if they include a network service manager, network performance manager, or a privileged assessment in the next release."
    "The interface of solar winds could be improved."
    "On NCM, reporting could be a bit better. It's completely become just one report. When I try to create a custom report, the solution just commits old server data."
    "The third-party plugins available in the solution could improve. I have received some issues with the templates."
    "The AI features do not work well."
    More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager cons
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "The product's performance monitoring feature could be more intuitive."
    "I would rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."
    "I would rate the pricing of Cisco Prime a seven out of ten."
    "I rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."
    "The price of Cisco Prime was reasonable because we purchased it as part of a Cisco One package. The package was a bundle of Cisco solutions together, such as Cisco ISE and CMX. The price is reasonable com compared to other solutions."
    "The cost is quite high."
    "You need to get special quotes from the company for each order."
    "Cisco Prime is an expensive solution."
    More Cisco Prime [EOL] pricing and cost advice
    "Pricing is reasonable and competitive."
    "Available at a moderate price"
    "There is a license needed to use SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager."
    "We have to pay additionally for its support and maintenance."
    "In Africa, the cost is a major factor in decision-making for many companies. As a result, some companies may choose cheaper solutions, even if they are open-source, over more expensive ones, such as SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager. However, as an engineer, I believe that the functionalities and services offered by SolarWinds justify the cost. Nonetheless, many companies in Africa may still view the prices as unaffordable."
    "I have a yearly subscription."
    "With a minimal bundle, we pay about $3000 a year in licensing costs. If you have multiple devices in your network, you must buy the bundle, which is 100% identical for your infrastructure. If you have 15 devices, you need 15 licenses, for example. That's one bundle. You don't pay for anything over and above that."
    "The price of the solution is high compared to other solutions."
    More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pricing and cost advice
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Computer Software Company
    17%
    Government
    14%
    Manufacturing Company
    8%
    Educational Organization
    6%
    Government
    13%
    Computer Software Company
    12%
    Manufacturing Company
    9%
    Financial Services Firm
    9%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
     

    Questions from the Community

    What do you like most about Cisco Prime?
    The most valuable features of Cisco Prime include its comprehensive functionality as a one-stop solution for basic SNMP port management.
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with Cisco Prime?
    The product's performance monitoring feature could be more intuitive.
    See all answers
    What is your primary use case for Cisco Prime?
    We use Cisco Prime for centralized configuration management backups and monitoring.
    See all answers
    What do you like most about SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?
    The configuration compliance aspect of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager allows for easy comparison of configuration settings across branches, ensuring adherence to security guidelines and b...
    See all answers
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for 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.
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?
    Further improvements in automation are needed. Currently, there are limitations in performing tasks without logging into routers directly, and we expect more comprehensive device control.
    See all answers
     

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    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Prime [EOL]
    June 2025
    Cisco Prime [EOL] reportDownload Cisco Prime [EOL] product report
    Buyer's Guide
    SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
    May 2025
    SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager reportDownload SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager product report
     

    Also Known As

    Cisco Prime Infrastructure
    SolarWinds NCM
     

    Overview

    Cisco Prime products deliver next-generation management by supporting an intuitive workflow-oriented user experience and integrated lifecycle operations across Cisco architectures, technologies, and networks.

    Cisco
    Before you monitor your network, configure it! A reliable and secure network starts with carefully planned, executed, and monitored network configuration and change management. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) saves time and improves network reliability and security by managing configurations, changes, and compliance for routers, switches, and other network devices from Cisco, Juniper, HP, Dell, Brocade, Aruba, Rukus, and more.
    SolarWinds
     

    Sample Customers

    Mohawk Industries, Universidad EAFIT, Halton Healthcare
    United Lincolnshire Hospitals, Air Rarotonga, NetSuite, Thai AirAsia, REA Group, 335th Signal Command, Agilisys, Marine Expeditionary Force
    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Prime [EOL] vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
    March 2023
    Free Report: Cisco Prime [EOL] vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
    Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Prime [EOL] vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and other solutions. Updated: March 2023.
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    See our Cisco Prime [EOL] vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager report.

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