Forward Enterprise vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager comparison

Forward Networks and SolarWinds are both solutions in the Network Automation category. Forward Networks is ranked #18, while SolarWinds is ranked #6 with an average rating of 7.7. Forward Networks holds a 2.6% mindshare in NA, compared to SolarWinds’s 9.9% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Forward Networks users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.

Forward Enterprise

Read 1 Forward Enterprise review

261 Views
217 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Read 27 SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager reviews

2,302 Views
1,128 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Forward Enterprise

SolarWinds Network Configur...

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Forward Enterprise and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

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Network Automation

June 2025

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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

Forward Enterprise

Ranking in Network Automation

18th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Modeling and Simulation (23rd)

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Ranking in Network Automation

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Configuration Management (14th)

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of Forward Enterprise is 2.6%, up from 0.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is 9.9%, down from 11.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Automation

Featured Reviews

Rozita Ahmadi

IT Architectural System Expert at a comms service provider with 1,001-5,000 employees

Plenty of useful features, and simple implementation

Forward Enterprise has improved the way my organization functions All the features are valuable in Forward Enterprise. Forward Enterprise could improve by increasing flexibility. Additionally, there should be an Android version or desktop. I have been using Forward Enterprise for approximately…

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RajeshB

Server and Network Monitoring Manager at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees

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

"All the features are valuable in Forward Enterprise."

"It is a stable solution."

"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."

"Its main functionality is highly beneficial as it centralizes the management of configuration items across the network."

"The network performance monitoring of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is a vital feature"

"Configuration pushing, upgrade capabilities, job backup, configuration backup, and real-time configuration change monitoring are highly beneficial features of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager."

"The tool is useful for security purposes."

"We push all our configurations to the servers with ease and the logs capture almost all the transactions needed for an internal audit."

"The installation is straightforward."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pros

Cons

"Forward Enterprise could improve by increasing flexibility. Additionally, there should be an Android version or desktop."

"The network logs could be improved. When the error logs come across with those false positive alarms in the error logs."

"It would be great if they include a network service manager, network performance manager, or a privileged assessment in the next release."

"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."

"The solution could improve by being more secure."

"There is room for improvement in automation."

"There are certain limitations of node-related monitoring"

"The solution could have better integration."

"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."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay for the solution annually."

"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."

"You have a base license for 50 devices, and then you can add more licenses as you go."

"Pricing is reasonable and competitive."

"I have a yearly subscription."

"Available at a moderate price"

"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."

"There is a license for the use of this solution and it is priced well, there is a lot of value for the money."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Government

13%

Computer Software Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

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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...

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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

Network Automation

June 2025

Download Forward Enterprise product report

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

June 2025

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager report

Download SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager product report

Also Known As

No data available

SolarWinds NCM

Overview

The company provides a robust network assurance and verification platform to reduce business risk and improve network operations.

Forward Networks

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

Information Not Available

United Lincolnshire Hospitals, Air Rarotonga, NetSuite, Thai AirAsia, REA Group, 335th Signal Command, Agilisys, Marine Expeditionary Force

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