Cisco DNA Analytics and Assurance vs. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager (NAM)

So not everyone is in need of a smart AI checking their network metrics looking for issues before they happen or finding and alerting on problems that the network staff may not have noticed, but if you have the budget for it, it could be a huge time saver for your whole department.

Incentivized

Solarwinds NAM is well suited if you want following - 1. Monitor multiple vendor devices from single tool. 2. Multiple capabilities from one umbrella tool. 3. Easy and default integration with ITSM Solution. 4. API driven architecture and hence automation can be done easily. If you planning to monitor SD-WAN devices then Solarwinds may not be good solution as it does not have in-built pollers for the same like for devices v-manage, viptela etc. In this case either you have to leverage native solutions and integrate with Solarwinds or use different solutions.

Incentivized

• Push configs to new floors or during switch upgrades
• Assurance to troubleshoot issues
• Inventory
• Keep track of infrastructure OS levels

Incentivized

• Fault and Performance Monitoring
• Devices Configuration Backup
• IP Address Management
• Voice Infrastructure Monitoring
• Users Ports monitoring
• Netflow Traffic Utilization

Incentivized

• May require an implementer to get this set up and running.
• For a software based service that you can run on your own VM's, price is still very high.
• The first setup can be a bear and you will need much help from TAC.

Incentivized

• Support for more call infra provider vendors
• Cloud Network Monitoring
• Event Management
• Predictive Intelligence using AIOps and ML

Incentivized

Cisco DNA Analytics and Assurance definitely has a steep learning curve. While it's had an upgrade to its onboarding, it's still a very technically heavy application that requires knowledge of Cisco networking and terminology. I think keeping that in mind helps with the expectations, but anyone can use the application with a little training and experience.

Incentivized

Mainly we did have some funding remain and major our network gears are Cisco shop.

Incentivized

Solarwinds is cost effective and easy to install and maintain solution. Anyone can install and operate the same whereas other tools like LogicMonitor, Microfocus needs specialized skill. SolarWinds provides rich MIB OID support that means you do not have to worry about devices supportability, in case there are new vendor with new MIBS then also you do not have to worry about this as Vendor itself does that part whereas other tools like Microfocus does not support this and LM do have MIB complier itself. Parameters are already enabled in SolarWinds and hence less chance of customization required. Whereas Microfocus and LM requires customization efforts. Solarwinds does not have SD-WAN so does Microfocus but LogicMonitor seem pretty good in SD-WAN comparatively.

Incentivized

• I thinkCisco DNA Analytics and Assurance can have a positive ROI as it frees up labor resources to do other things.
• We've saved countless hours of troubleshooting with our end user device team using it as well.

Incentivized

• Our Network Health has improved with Proactive Monitoring
• Cost reduction on additional products like PowerBI for Reporting
• Service Now Integration was easy enough and hence less efforts and cost

Incentivized