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Symantec Data Center Security vs VMware NSX comparison

Broadcom and VMware are both solutions in the Cloud and Data Center Security category. Broadcom is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.0, while VMware is ranked #2 with an average rating of 7.8. Broadcom holds a 1.6% mindshare in CDCS, compared to VMware’s 12.1% mindshare. Additionally, 81% of Broadcom users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of VMware users who would recommend it.
Symantec Data Center Security
Read 11 Symantec Data Center Security reviews
  • 810 Views
  • 478 Comparison Views
81% willing to recommend
VMware NSX
Read 105 VMware NSX reviews
  • 7,576 Views
  • 3,788 Comparison Views
88% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 14, 2024

VMware NSX and Symantec Data Center Security compete in the data center security category. VMware NSX seems to have the upper hand with its integration and scalability in virtual environments.

Features: VMware NSX provides micro-segmentation for enhanced security, automation capabilities, and integration within VMware ecosystems, offering significant scalability. These features enable seamless network management and performance optimization. Symantec Data Center Security focuses on granular policy management, intrusion prevention, and server hardening, delivering robust endpoint protection and system lockdown to defend against sophisticated malware.

Room for Improvement: VMware NSX needs enhancement in integration with Kubernetes and container technologies, support for physical network topology, and a more intuitive upgrade process. Improved visibility in traffic flow introspection and routing protocol support is also necessary. For Symantec Data Center Security, refinement of complex policy structure, user interface enhancement, and more automated threat detection are needed. Users also suggest better integration with third-party solutions and performance improvements in virtualized environments.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: VMware NSX offers flexibility across private, hybrid, and public clouds, supported by robust technical assistance, although faster responses are desired by some users. Symantec Data Center Security is effective in on-premises and private cloud settings, with customer support being generally favorable, though direct assistance satisfaction varies.

Pricing and ROI: VMware NSX is considered expensive, with costs varying by features and requirements, yet seen as cost-effective when fully utilized, offering substantial ROI through efficient network management and infrastructure savings. Symantec Data Center Security is perceived as more costly than some competitors, attributed to its comprehensive security features, prompting prospective users to carefully evaluate their needs to justify the investment.

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Buyer's Guide
Symantec Data Center Security vs. VMware NSX
July 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

Symantec Data Center Security
Ranking in Cloud and Data Center Security
11th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
5.0
Number of Reviews
11
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
VMware NSX
Ranking in Cloud and Data Center Security
2nd
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.8
Number of Reviews
105
Ranking in other categories
Network Virtualization (2nd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (8th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (7th), Network Automation (5th), Microsegmentation Software (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Cloud and Data Center Security category, the mindshare of Symantec Data Center Security is 1.6%, down from 2.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 12.1%, down from 18.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Cloud and Data Center Security
 

Featured Reviews

Shahram Dehghani - PeerSpot reviewer
A robust solution that provides comprehensive protection for data centers, offering agentless security, powerful intrusion prevention, and a wide range of security features
The primary focus of data center security often revolves around serving customers who offer services to other clients within the data center. For example, if I operate a data center and provide security services, third-party customers might purchase virtual machine products within my data center. These products are automatically deployed, and we safeguard these virtual machines using intrusion prevention system features. This aspect is considered the most valuable part because when we set up these security policies, it's as if we're fortifying the entire infrastructure. It's not just about having good technical support; it's about having a robust IPS and comprehensive DOS prevention system on those operating systems. The advantage of Data Center Security is its ease of use and that it serves as a single unified platform, where I can apply all my security policies to protect that server.
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MagdyRaafat - PeerSpot reviewer
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 console and tools are very user-friendly."
"The granularity of applying the policies is valuable."
"Good file integrity monitoring features."
"We use the product to prevent unauthorized access to data, systems, and servers. It provides essential features for data center security."
"The tool will then detect any anomalies, such as an intruder who has breached the network, which can trigger the system lockdown feature if it's enabled and meets the defined threshold."
"The real strength lies in its straightforward approach, offering just two key policies: prevention and detection."
"The ability to finely control permissions and restrictions on servers or assets through a customizable rule set is a key strength."
"The monitoring in the management console allows us to find out what is going wrong, and it gets reports even before the user reports it."
More Symantec Data Center Security pros
"Over the last two years, they've enhanced a lot, especially in regard to integration with OpenStack."
"VMware NSX is a very good solution. It's also a scalable solution."
"They have a lot of support and specialists who can meet with the customer."
"Their technical support is very good. They help us figure out solutions when we have problems."
"The ability to scale from different clouds. At the moment, the scalability of the product is the number one thing that I saw."
"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."
"VMware NSX has the ability to create networks in software."
"NSX can reduce costs and has good service. It is easy for you and your users to use."
More VMware NSX pros
 

Cons

"They need to develop a more flexible product that can be scaled such that it fits well into a small business or a bigger, enterprise-level solution."
"There is room for improvement in enhancing its graphical user interface for a more user-friendly experience."
"This solution clashes with Microsoft defender, which results in performance degradation on the machine."
"A user or administrator making the policy in the DCS should have a very thorough knowledge of the operating system or policy making. You have to be very specific about the data structure."
"Could have better reporting capabilities and better support."
"Adding more compatibility with common products like Microsoft would be a plus."
"The product blocks certain processes, even after allowlisting them."
"Agent management is a challenging task."
More Symantec Data Center Security cons
"There are always issues integrating with Cisco."
"Migrating from V to T is very tricky, complicated, and there are a lot of parameters to account for."
"The setup of the solution could be simplified."
"VMware NSX could improve by having more compatibility with other none Window-based operating systems."
"The engineering team has room for improvement. They should have have more of a Knowledge Base about different case studies and should develop more advanced features. These kinds of improvements will change the way things get done."
"They have some limitations in the firewall features as compared to the on-prem or dedicated hardware appliance. They can add more features, such as IPS and IDS, to the cloud firewall."
"Occasionally the licensing is not very clear. They should make it easier to understand."
"VMware NSX only supports some platforms like KVM."
More VMware NSX cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Compared to some other solutions, such as CrowdStrike, Symantec is more expensive."
"It is notably more expensive when compared to other solutions."
"The product is a bit costly."
"We have saved man-hours and decreased our security exposure."
"It is an expensive product, but cheaper than some competing solutions."
"VMware NSX is expensive and everything is licensed. We have to pay for each individual feature."
"The solution is free and the price for the support can be expensive."
"The price is significantly high and it can be a hurdle for many potential users."
"The product pricing ranges from medium to expensive. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten."
"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."
"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."
More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
14%
Financial Services Firm
13%
Computer Software Company
9%
Construction Company
6%
Computer Software Company
15%
Financial Services Firm
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
9%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Symantec Data Center Security?
The granularity of applying the policies is valuable.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Symantec Data Center Security?
Agent management is a challenging task. We cannot do it from the console. We will have to use other tools.
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Symantec Data Center Security?
One key use case for data center security is protecting files within the data center. This is especially important for Linux systems, where locking down specific files is essential to prevent unaut...
See all answers
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...
See all answers
What do you like most about VMware NSX?
The product has valuable features for security and network extension.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Trend Micro Deep Security vs Symantec Data Center Security Logo
Trend Micro Deep Security vs Symantec Data Center Security
Compared 63% of the time
Symantec Endpoint Security vs Symantec Data Center Security Logo
Symantec Endpoint Security vs Symantec Data Center Security
Compared 27% of the time
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Illumio vs VMware NSX Logo
Illumio vs VMware NSX
Compared 19% of the time
Nutanix Flow Network Security vs VMware NSX Logo
Nutanix Flow Network Security vs VMware NSX
Compared 17% of the time
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX Logo
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX
Compared 16% of the time
Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX Logo
Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX
Compared 8% of the time
Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX Logo
Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX
Compared 6% of the time
More VMware NSX Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Symantec Data Center Security
July 2025
Symantec Data Center Security reportDownload Symantec Data Center Security product report
Buyer's Guide
VMware NSX
July 2025
VMware NSX reportDownload VMware NSX product report
 

Also Known As

No data available
VMware Nicira, Lastline Defender
 

Overview

Docker containers make it easy to develop, deploy, and deliver applications where containers can be deployed and brought down in a matter of seconds. This flexibility makes it very useful for DevOps to automate deployment of containers. Symantec Data Center Security: Server Advanced provides agentless Docker container protection that allows you to achieve the performance benefits of Docker without sacrificing security. Full application control enables administrator privilege de-escalation, patch mitigation, and protection against zero day threats in today's heterogeneous data centers.

Broadcom

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
Buyer's Guide
Symantec Data Center Security vs. VMware NSX
July 2025
Free Report: Symantec Data Center Security vs. VMware NSX
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