SolarWinds Network Automation Manager vs VMware NSX comparison

SolarWinds and VMware are both solutions in the Network Automation category. SolarWinds is ranked #16, while VMware is ranked #5 with an average rating of 7.8. SolarWinds holds a 3.8% mindshare in NA, compared to VMware’s 3.5% mindshare. Additionally, 50% of SolarWinds users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of VMware users who would recommend it.

SolarWinds Network Automati...

Read 2 SolarWinds Network Automation Manager reviews

336 Views
9 Comparison Views

50% willing to recommend

VMware NSX

Read 105 VMware NSX reviews

530 Views
53 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Automati...

VMware NSX

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 6, 2025

VMware NSX and SolarWinds Network Automation Manager compete in the network management space. VMware NSX leads in scalability and virtualization, while SolarWinds offers superior network monitoring and automation features.

Features: VMware NSX offers advanced network virtualization, emphasizing data center redesign. Its security features enhance data protections significantly, while its automation is tailored toward virtualization. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager stands out with network performance monitoring, extensive automation tools, and troubleshooting features, providing comprehensive network visibility.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: VMware NSX deployment may need substantial IT expertise and involves a lengthy setup period. It benefits from dedicated support channels. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager provides a faster installation process, bolstered by extensive technical support and resources, giving it a user-friendly deployment edge.

Pricing and ROI: VMware NSX tends to have higher initial costs, focusing on virtualization infrastructure, offering ROI through enhanced security and efficiency. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager has a lower upfront cost with flexible pricing, offering considerable ROI through improved performance and reduced downtime, making it ideal for those who prioritize network monitoring.

To learn more, read our detailed SolarWinds Network Automation Manager vs. VMware NSX Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Automation Manager vs. VMware NSX

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

SolarWinds Network Automati...

Ranking in Network Automation

16th

Average Rating

5.6

Reviews Sentiment

8.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Monitoring Software (107th)

VMware NSX

Ranking in Network Automation

5th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

105

Ranking in other categories

Network Virtualization (2nd), Cloud and Data Center Security (2nd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (8th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (7th), Microsegmentation Software (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of SolarWinds Network Automation Manager is 3.8%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 3.5%, down from 5.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Automation

Featured Reviews

Giulio Valeri

Owner at SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS SRL

Threat detection failures, poor technical support, and expensive

We use the solution to manage all of our customer's systems. We monitor and decide if everything is okay and if not, we do changes when needed. For example, if there is a need to change the antivirus software we can automate the process and install the new one. There are scripts within the software…

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MagdyRaafat

Services Presales Solutions Architecture - UAE & Gulf at Dell Technologies

Enhanced security and streamlined management drive efficient connectivity

Open source is a standard solution where you take a gray box or white box and put the software from your end. You can do programming with Ansible and make the network work in the software-defined mode, providing automation and management capabilities. I am currently working with VMware. It integrates easily with everything and can work with any system. When discussing micro-segmentation, it enhances security, providing more secure data in your data center while allowing for extra layers of security outside your data center. If you have an ACI, there is communication between locations, keeping your data secure in your data center and throughout the path it takes, such as to SD-WAN or the cloud. I work with cloud solutions including AWS, Azure, GCP, and private cloud. My overall rating for VMware NSX is 8.5 out of 10.

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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

"The solution offers so many great resources, it makes them a powerhouse in the market."

"The installation is easy."

"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."

"NSX helps us by making IT management and operations more efficient. When VMs spin off from the DC to the DR site, all required settings on the network level are handled automatically."

"The solution is easy to use and is good for management control."

"NSX is good in managing security or controlling the security and the access control for each single VM."

"The initial setup is straightforward."

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

"VMware NSX offers some of the best features for security, such as micro-segmentation."

"The most valuable features are ease of use and user interface."

More VMware NSX pros

Cons

"We did not like SolarWinds because it was not able to communicate between UPSA and our accounting system. They should have better integration."

"The price could be a bit lower."

"The initial setup for VMware NSX is a bit complex; it's not as simple as it could be."

"The licensing model is expensive and could be more flexible, especially after Broadcom bought VMware."

"I would like to have automating reporting built into common service management platforms, such as JIRA, Serviceaide, and ServiceNow."

"We would like tenant segmentation available in future releases."

"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."

"The licensing model is expensive and could be more flexible, especially after Broadcom bought VMware. It made it an expensive licensing model with no other options to take something specific from the license itself."

"There could be an improvement in regards to security."

"This solution is really unusable from my perspective at this point. Overall, I would rate the solution a one of ten."

More VMware NSX cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of SolarWinds Network Automation Manager is fair. However, it is more expensive than ConnectWise."

"VMware has always been geared towards enterprise and their pricing options are a bit high. Their price is higher than other options in the market."

"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 licensing is renewed every three years. The cost for implementation and renovation are a huge portion of that price."

"The price of this product is too high."

"VMware NSX isn't cheap."

"The licensing fees are expensive and we pay on a yearly basis."

"Our customers have definitely complained about its cost. It's expensive. I'd rate it a nine out of ten in terms of pricing where ten represents a high price. There are other products out there that are equally expensive."

"There is a license required for this solution, we pay annually."

More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

16%

Computer Software Company

10%

Government

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

13%

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...

See all answers

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 86% of the time

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Compared 14% of the time

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Illumio vs VMware NSX

Compared 20% of the time

Nutanix Flow Network Security vs VMware NSX

Compared 18% of the time

Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX

Compared 17% of the time

Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX

Compared 7% of the time

More VMware NSX Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

June 2025

SolarWinds Network Automation Manager report

Download SolarWinds Network Automation Manager product report

Buyer's Guide

VMware NSX

June 2025

Download VMware NSX product report

Also Known As

SolarWinds NAM

VMware Nicira, Lastline Defender

Overview

Scale environments from 1,000 to tens of thousands of nodes with comprehensive performance, traffic, WAN, and switch port monitoring, automated change and configuration management, and IP address management in an integrated network automation software solution.

SolarWinds

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

Maalem Financing Company, School City of Hammond

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

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Automation Manager vs. VMware NSX

June 2025

Free Report: SolarWinds Network Automation Manager vs. VMware NSX

Find out what your peers are saying about SolarWinds Network Automation Manager vs. VMware NSX and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.

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