Forward Enterprise vs VMware NSX comparison

Forward Networks and VMware are both solutions in the Network Automation category. Forward Networks is ranked #16, while VMware is ranked #5 with an average rating of 7.7. Forward Networks holds a 2.4% mindshare in NA, compared to VMware’s 3.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Forward Networks users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of VMware users who would recommend it.

Forward Enterprise

Read 1 Forward Enterprise review

212 Views
140 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

VMware NSX

Read 102 VMware NSX reviews

674 Views
459 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Forward Enterprise

VMware NSX

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Executive Summary

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

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Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

April 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

16th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

VMware NSX

Ranking in Network Automation

5th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

102

Ranking in other categories

Network Virtualization (2nd), Cloud and Data Center Security (3rd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (8th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (9th), Microsegmentation Software (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of Forward Enterprise is 2.4%, up from 0.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 3.7%, down from 6.3% 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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DanielBass

Senior IT Strategy Consultant at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees

Improves network security with micro-segmentation but setup is complex

I value the ability to dynamically configure our network on the fly using VMware NSX. This flexibility is a huge advantage because it allows us to avoid static configurations that come with traditional hardware setups. Additionally, the micro-segmentation feature is beneficial for adhering to strict security regulations from our security department.

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."

"From a distributed firewall perspective, it's a solid solution."

"The product has valuable features for security and network extension."

"Some of the key features I find most valuable are the highly graphical user interface, virtualization of networks, and Microsoft application compatibility. It has all the functionality that we require."

"The we can actually extend Layer 2 networking across datacenters, and also Layer 3 networking, which comes along with it."

"Overall, I would say the solution has been quite stable."

"The firewall is its most valuable feature."

"Any administrator with basic networking knowledge, in a couple of days, can be in full control of their networking without going through a networking engineer."

"This is a good firewall and overall it is rich in features."

More VMware NSX pros

Cons

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

"I would rate this product an eight because it's a good product but it needs more work. They should fix some of the bugs."

"Lacks integration with other solutions."

"I think that one of the more important things to see better integrated into the NSX product would be an IDS/IPS type solution."

"The support needs improvement."

"We had some complexities implementing into the other parts of a network."

"It's a good product, but the way that it has got so many multiple levels that need to be purchased makes it expensive and cumbersome."

"We have been satisfied with the technical support. They were able to solve our problems. However, they could be faster."

"If you're worried that NSX is too complex, I would tell you to take another look. If you compare NSX to a similar solution you might find it to be a bit more complex. Usually, the guy that comes in to implement NSX isn't the network guy and will lack the knowledge for the program. He can lack the knowledge for this program and will therefore think it's complex. You need somebody with network experience."

More VMware NSX cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay for the solution annually."

"VMware NSX is expensive and everything is licensed. We have to pay for each individual feature."

"We haven't had to hire a dedicated network engineer because NSX handles 90 percent of it. The reduced overhead in terms of managing networks has been the biggest plus."

"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 price is pretty high."

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

"There is a license required for this solution and there is also a support license available. The price of the solution could be better."

"We have saved man-hours and decreased our security exposure."

"VMware has a subscription and perpetual license. In the New Year, they're changing many things about the licensing model. Previously, NSX was licensed according to the number of sockets inside the appliance, so we bought VMware licenses based on that. However, that may have changed this year. We are still contacting the vendors to understand the new licensing strategy."

More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

14%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

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

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

April 2025

Download Forward Enterprise product report

Buyer's Guide

VMware NSX

April 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 sophisticated solution utilized for micro-segmentation, network security, software-defined networking, and private cloud construction. It aids in the transition from physical to virtual infrastructure, ensuring efficient network virtualization and security of production workloads.

VMware NSX empowers organizations to manage network functions, implement distributed firewalls, and enhance security within virtual environments. Crucial for disaster recovery and load balancing, it supports cloud-native application development and enterprise clients. Its ease of use, scalability, and seamless integration with existing VMware solutions ensure streamlined network management and swift deployment. Despite its extensive features, areas like pricing, routing functionality, and compatibility with certain platforms require attention.

What are the key features of VMware NSX?

Ease of Use: Simplifies network management with an intuitive interface.
Scalability: Adapts to growing infrastructure needs seamlessly.
Micro-Segmentation: Enhances security by dividing networks into smaller, manageable segments.
Integration: Seamlessly works with existing VMware solutions and third-party applications.
Dynamic Routing: Optimizes network traffic efficiently.
Security Options: Offers robust firewall features and security measures.
Automation: Facilitates quick deployment through comprehensive automation capabilities.
High Bandwidth: Ensures high-performance network operations.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Enhanced Network Security: Superior protection for virtual environments.
Efficient Disaster Recovery: Reliable support for business continuity.
Reduced Deployment Time: Fast implementation and configuration.
Improved Network Management: Centralized and streamlined control of network resources.

VMware NSX is widely implemented across industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Organizations in these sectors utilize it to bolster security, enhance network efficiency, and support cloud-native applications. By extending on-premise networks into provider spaces and managing virtual access networks, VMware NSX significantly optimizes infrastructure operations.

VMware

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, VMware and others in Network Automation. Updated: April 2025.

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