Forward Enterprise vs VMware NSX comparison

Forward Networks and Broadcom are both solutions in the Network Automation category. Forward Networks is ranked #18, while Broadcom is ranked #5 with an average rating of 7.9. Forward Networks holds a 2.6% mindshare in NA, compared to Broadcom’s 3.9% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Forward Networks users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

Forward Enterprise

Read 1 Forward Enterprise review

287 Views
232 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

VMware NSX

Read 106 VMware NSX reviews

6,667 Views
467 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Forward Enterprise

VMware NSX

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Forward Enterprise and VMware NSX based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Red Hat, Cisco, Broadcom and others in Network Automation.

To learn more, read our detailed Network Automation Report (Updated: October 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

October 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 (24th)

VMware NSX

Ranking in Network Automation

5th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

106

Ranking in other categories

Network Virtualization (2nd), Cloud and Data Center Security (3rd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (7th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (9th), Microsegmentation Software (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of Forward Enterprise is 2.6%, up from 1.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 3.9%, down from 4.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Automation Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
VMware NSX	3.9%
Forward Enterprise	2.6%
Other	93.5%

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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TAIYAB HASAN

Windows Redhat Linux Vmware & Azure & Cloud & Nutanix Ahv-Vmware & Backup Senior System Administrator at AlDawaa Medical Services

Has improved network visibility and security through micro-segmentation and SDN capabilities

This feature gives us flexibility and allows us to manage everything under one pane. We can see everything on one console, including network operations and behavior. Monitoring and security are among the best features for VMware NSX. For micro-segmentation, it's integrated with our endpoint security. If there are any issues with servers or VMs, it notifies us so we can isolate the servers and investigate. It provides distributed security features such as firewall and intrusion, IDS, IPS. The security level with IPS and IDS in VMware NSX is excellent. It also provides logical switching and routing which gives an extra layer for Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching requirements. The solution provides flexibility, automation, and self-service capabilities, resulting in cost savings as extensive expertise isn't required. Once automation and self-service are implemented, many tasks can be completed automatically. Load balancing is another excellent feature. Multiple servers can run on load balancing features, which is particularly useful since we have many application servers running. Sharing loads between servers provides the best performance.

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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."

"The most valuable feature of VMware NSX is the load balancing and routing of firewall rules. Many of the features are beneficial."

"When you have a solid secure solution between your on-prem and cloud solution, then you're in a safe place."

"I have found VMware NSX to be easy to use."

"Provides protection for virtual machines."

"The most valuable feature of VMware NSX is the ease of use and its user friendly. For example, it is simple to change the subnet masks."

"The installation is straightforward, it took a couple of hours."

"The most valuable feature is the ability to create, develop, and deploy servers in minutes to hours, rather than days."

"Their technical support is very good. They help us figure out solutions when we have problems."

More VMware NSX pros

Cons

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

"Some configuration maximums are limiting to the user, especially when it comes to the deployment of very, very large environments."

"The setup is complex and should be made easier."

"The tool's setup is complex and we need support to implement it."

"Going through and getting more features sets from the routing protocols is definitely necessary for the future."

"The solution is complex but for the key user, it's not really complex. You just need to learn the standards and mechanics for your specific product."

"If there are other solutions already in place, it can be difficult to implement."

"The solution could benefit from improvements in its pricing and scalability."

"The network-extending capabilities for the physical environment need improvement."

More VMware NSX cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay for the solution annually."

"We can't go without NSX, so it's invaluable from this perspective."

"The tool's pricing is reasonable."

"The price is significantly high and it can be a hurdle for many potential users."

"The price is pretty high."

"VMware NSX is a cheaper product compared to its competitor, Cisco."

"The implementation of VMware NSX can be cost-intensive, especially if an organization is looking for a comprehensive solution. The costs can vary based on factors like the level of conversation and discounts obtained during negotiations. Some government organizations, for instance, may find the prices relatively high, leading to concerns about budget hikes, especially when deploying the solution across the entire organization. Regarding maintenance and support, they are typically included in the standard licensing costs for enterprise-level businesses. While these costs can be significant, many companies opt for standard licensing to ensure they have access to necessary support and maintenance services."

"The pricing is higher than other options from Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco because it is sold in a bundle."

"I would rate the pricing of VMware NSX as seven out of ten"

More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Computer Software Company

14%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	33
Midsize Enterprise	23
Large Enterprise	69

Questions from the Community

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What are the biggest differences between Cisco ACI and VMware NSX?

There are some very major differences between both the Products and to name a few. -Cisco ACI have physical network gear (9K Switches) where the Code runs in ACI Policy Mode & the UCS server wh...

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What are the biggest differences between Cisco ACI and VMware NSX?

Once you know your way around the Cisco ecosystem, using Cisco ACI is not so difficult. It is a global product, so when you change one interface, changes are automatically reflected on every switch...

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What do you like most about VMware NSX?

The product has valuable features for security and network extension.

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 100% of the time

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Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX

Compared 14% of the time

Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX

Compared 6% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

October 2025

Download Forward Enterprise product report

Buyer's Guide

VMware NSX

October 2025

Download VMware NSX product report

Also Known As

No data available

VMware Nicira, Lastline Defender

Overview

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

Forward Networks

VMware NSX is a comprehensive tool for network virtualization and security, offering advanced features like micro-segmentation and multi-cloud networking to enhance scalability and management efficiency within enterprises.

VMware NSX revolutionizes enterprise networking by integrating security and scalability into one streamlined platform. With capabilities like dynamic policy updates and automation, it simplifies complex configurations and provides robust API integration. Its support for Layer 4 and 7 load balancing, along with its seamless integration in multi-cloud environments, makes it a preferred choice among companies. Although deployment speed and management console features require refinement, NSX is an effective solution for private cloud and hybrid environments, enabling centralized orchestration and management of complex networks.

What are the key features of VMware NSX?

Micro-segmentation: Provides secure, granular network segmentation for enhanced security.
Distributed Firewall: Offers policy-driven firewall capabilities across all network endpoints.
Automation: Enables dynamic policy updates and simplifies network configurations.
API Integration: Facilitates seamless third-party integrations and improves configuration processes.
Multi-Cloud Networking: Supports seamless integration across various cloud environments.

What benefits and ROI should users consider?

Scalability: Offers significant improvements in network scalability and management efficiency.
Security: Ensures enhanced security through advanced features like micro-segmentation.
Cost-Effectiveness: Potential to reduce costs through network automation and efficiency improvements.
Flexibility: Supports various enterprise requirements with its comprehensive feature set.

In the tech industry, VMware NSX is instrumental in managing private and hybrid cloud environments, allowing companies to replace traditional networking with software-defined networks. In finance, it helps secure transactional data through micro-segmentation. Healthcare organizations leverage its flexibility for managing sensitive patient information securely and integrating cloud services.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

City of Avondale, Lumeta, Kroll Ontrack, Heartland Payment Systems, Baystate Heallth, Exostar, Tribune Media, iGATE, NTT Communications, Synergent, California Natural Resources Agency, Bloomington Public Schools, Columbia Sportswear, Join Experience S.A, Schuberg Philis

Find out what your peers are saying about Red Hat, Cisco, Broadcom and others in Network Automation. Updated: October 2025.

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