


SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and VMware Aria Automation are leading network management products in the enterprise IT market. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager seems to hold the edge in network device management, offering robust features that cater to real-time monitoring needs, whereas VMware Aria Automation shines with its superior automation and orchestration capabilities for virtual machine management.
Features: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager includes network performance monitoring, IP SLA management, and flexible integrations with platforms like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow. It effectively manages configurations with comparison tools and provides comprehensive backup and compliance capabilities. VMware Aria Automation offers extensibility and ease of use, integrating well with existing infrastructure solutions. It automates infrastructure and VM deployments with advanced design and templating capabilities.
Room for Improvement: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager could improve its support for larger node numbers and enhance compliance with international security standards such as GDPR. Enhancing automation features and improving user notifications about configuration changes are also recommended. VMware Aria Automation could streamline cloud service integrations, improve multi-tenancy management, and reduce the need for custom scripting.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and VMware Aria Automation primarily offer on-premises deployments. VMware Aria Automation also supports private and hybrid cloud options. While SolarWinds users note responsive technical support, there is room for enhancing the responsiveness for complex issues. VMware's support is reported as effective but could be improved with more comprehensive initial documentation.
Pricing and ROI: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is considered competitively priced, leading to quick ROI through efficient network management features. Its moderate initial cost is offset by reduced personnel needs and increased network reliability. VMware Aria Automation, despite a higher price point, offers comprehensive capabilities that justify the cost, reflecting its extensive feature set for orchestration and automation, resulting in significant long-term cost savings.
Everything we've gained from it makes my job easier day after day, and I see value in it as an engineer.
Microsoft Intune not only saves costs by reducing the number of personnel needed but also offers a comprehensive solution for managing laptops, applications, security, individual access, and enrollment.
With Microsoft Intune, tasks such as device provisioning, policy deployment, application delivery, and compliance enforcement require less manual effort than in more traditional management models.
When a support ticket is submitted, it directly reaches someone with Intune support expertise.
When I contacted Microsoft, they had the same expertise, if not more, which is phenomenal because I felt heard and my problem was solved.
Sometimes, the support provided is excellent, and the representative is knowledgeable, while other times, the service needs improvement.
Technical support is limited but generally acceptable as we possess skilled personnel, making us less dependent on SolarWinds.
SolarWinds tech support is a strong point.
The support for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is quite supportive, and I can work with them in-depth, especially regarding installation.
I see a lot of lack of knowledge and lack of training.
We never had major issues to report or request support.
The scalability of Microsoft Intune is ten out of ten.
Ideally, we want to automatically segregate devices based on user properties like primary use, but currently, dynamic groups seem limited to device properties.
It supports organizations with 200 endpoints and those with more than 15,000 endpoints.
The product is scalable as SolarWinds increased its licensing capacity from supporting 12,000 devices to 48,000 devices with stack licenses.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is known for its network monitoring capability, where it started and continues to lead.
We have not experienced downtime, bugs, or glitches.
It appears Microsoft Intune undergoes changes without informing customers.
In my experience, Microsoft Intune is a stable platform as it is a cloud-based service, and updates are regularly delivered by Microsoft.
I would rate the stability of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager at a nine out of ten.
Until version six or seven, it was perfect.
Features like unlocking devices sometimes fail, and the support offered for other operating systems is insufficient.
There are communication issues, so you might start working with a feature without knowing if it will be deprecated six months from now.
Many third-party companies offer single-pane-of-glass reporting that shows you what your update environment looks like, how your patch is doing, application status, etc., but Intune's reporting is not intuitive.
Currently, there are limitations in performing tasks without logging into routers directly.
Regarding the automation capabilities of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, I think that is an area they will need to explore in making it more autonomous.
I would like to see more features in terms of wireless reporting and more historical information for client connectivity in SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager.
VCF 9 will bring VCF Automation and VCF Operations, the new product line of VMware.
It operates for both of my products, however, as a product, it is complicated to integrate and automate with other products.
Introductory professional services, like a fast-track service, were included with our E5 membership, and there have been no additional costs.
The Intune suite and add-ons, such as batch management and remote help, are costly.
It costs approximately forty euros per user per month.
The licensing costs of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are expensive, but considering its reliability, feature enhancements, and support, it is worthwhile.
On pricing, I would rate SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager as one of the best in its segment among leading products and competitors.
Intune excels in configuration and compliance management for Windows 10, ensuring devices receive timely updates and adhere to organizational standards.
Dynamic groups allow us to set conditions for automatic membership, eliminating the need for user intervention or manual review and ensuring a seamless workflow.
Windows Autopatch is the most valuable because it removes the burden of patch management.
The solution facilitates compliance reporting through an NCM module, effectively generating out-of-the-box reports on software vulnerabilities and outdated software versions.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager handles the performance side, allowing companies to measure and improve their network performance, making it an excellent choice for enterprises needing a robust network insight tool.
Configuration pushing, upgrade capabilities, job backup, configuration backup, and real-time configuration change monitoring are highly beneficial features of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager.
We leverage VRO when the going gets tough. When something is not doable with the tools we have with VMware Aria Automation, we use the capabilities of VRO because it has many plugins for many things.
It helps us automate the workflow of creating many VMs and the TensorFlow key method.
We have strong regulations for maintaining compliance and mitigating risks with this product.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Intune | 4.6% |
| VMware Aria Automation | 4.1% |
| SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager | 3.2% |
| Other | 88.1% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 192 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 62 |
| Large Enterprise | 186 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 15 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 9 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 33 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 24 |
| Large Enterprise | 131 |
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service designed for device management, security, and compliance. It supports automation and facilitates endpoint management for Windows, iOS, and Android devices, ensuring data protection and efficient policy enforcement.
Microsoft Intune offers seamless integration with tools like Windows Autopilot to automate device setup and deployment. Integrated with Azure Active Directory, it enhances policy management while providing robust reporting and analytics tools for compliance tracking. Despite its intuitive interface aimed at simplifying navigation and device security management, there are challenges such as compatibility issues with Linux and Mac, limited policy support for Android, and demands for better third-party integration. It's widely used for both corporate-owned devices and BYOD scenarios in dynamic IT environments.
What are the key features of Microsoft Intune?In industries such as finance and healthcare, Microsoft Intune is implemented to ensure data protection and compliance with regulatory standards. Manufacturing sectors utilize Intune for managing a distributed workforce across global locations, while educational institutions employ it to secure and manage devices in learning environments supporting both students and faculty.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager provides essential tools for network performance monitoring, configuration compliance, and vulnerability management, ensuring streamlined operations for network administrators with real-time change detection and backup automation capabilities.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers extensive features that empower network management through integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow. It manages network devices effectively, automating backups and streamlining configuration compliance. Users find it flexible and reliable for network configuration and security management, including support for IP SLA management, which enhances device health checks. The solution facilitates remote network configuration, mass changes across devices, and efficient backup and restore procedures for disaster recovery. While improvements in node-related limitations, AI features, and integrations are noted, the tool remains critical for aligning configurations with enterprise standards and ensuring network visibility.
What are the key features?In industries such as telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is implemented to manage complex network infrastructures, optimize performance, and maintain security compliance. These sectors rely on the tool's ability to conduct mass device configurations and ensure continuous network monitoring, which is crucial for operations that require consistent uptime and quick response to potential security threats.
VMware Aria Automation is known for its automation capabilities, integrating with VMware and third-party tools to enhance workflow efficiency, save time, and manage resources effectively.
VMware Aria Automation offers a diverse set of features including a self-service portal and a streamlined user-friendly interface, which make it ideal for organizations aiming to automate virtual machine provisioning. The platform supports extensive automation capabilities across multi-cloud environments, featuring flexible blueprint designs and comprehensive integration with platforms like AWS, Azure, and ServiceNow. Though improvements are desired in areas like logging, template management, and vCenter integration, its robust framework facilitates IT infrastructure services, disaster recovery, and development operations. It is specifically beneficial for orchestrating workflows, automating routine tasks, and managing workloads efficiently in private and hybrid cloud environments.
What are the most important features of VMware Aria Automation?VMware Aria Automation is implemented across industries for automating the provisioning of virtual machines and managing cloud environments. It is used in sectors requiring efficient server deployment, network configurations, and seamless integration with tools such as AWS and Azure. It aids in reducing manual efforts, supporting IT infrastructure services, and enhancing disaster recovery protocols.
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