Cisco Intersight Review Insights

Score9.2 out of 10

108 Reviews and Ratings

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Insights from Cisco Intersight Reviewers

Based on 5 verified reviews published in the last 18 months

Cisco Intersight provides an open API that allows integration of third-party applications. Has your organization been able to connect applications and data sources into a single platform with Cisco Intersight? If so, what impact has this had on your organization?

5 answered

Reviewers frequently discuss Cisco Intersight's capabilities for integrating with third-party applications, with 4 out of 5 reviewers referencing this functionality. While the sentiment regarding actual implementation is mixed, the potential for connecting Intersight with existing IT ecosystems is a significant area of interest. One organization reported successful integration of Terraform workflows into their server profile build processes, indicating a direct positive impact on automation. However, other organizations are still in the early stages, either observing customer attempts with tools like Ansible and Terraform or actively planning future integrations with platforms such as ServiceNow. The general consensus points towards Intersight's open API as a promising avenue for streamlining operations and consolidating data sources, even if widespread adoption of these advanced integrations is not yet universally achieved across all surveyed organizations. The ability to integrate with popular automation tools is seen as a key benefit, driving aspirations for enhanced workflow management and operational efficiency.

Third-party integration

4 mentions

Third-party integration is a prominent discussion point for Cisco Intersight, with 4 out of 5 reviewers addressing this…

Third-party integration is a prominent discussion point for Cisco Intersight, with 4 out of 5 reviewers addressing this capability. While some organizations have successfully integrated Intersight with tools like Terraform to automate server profile build processes, others are still exploring or planning their integration strategies. Reviewers specifically highlighted interest in connecting Intersight with automation platforms such as Ansible, Terraform, and service management systems like ServiceNow, indicating a strong desire to leverage Intersight's open API for broader IT ecosystem connectivity.

Cisco Intersight provides a unified control point for businesses to manage infrastructure and applications. How has Cisco Intersight helped your organization simplify complex processes? How much time has this saved your organization?

5 answered

Cisco Intersight shows promise in streamlining operational processes, particularly in server configuration, though its full impact on organizational efficiency is still emerging for many users. Two of five reviewers reported substantial time savings, with one specifically noting an 80% reduction in server configuration time. However, an equal number of reviewers indicated they are in the initial phases of integration or have not yet fully utilized the platform, suggesting that the benefits of process simplification are not universally realized across all early adopters. This indicates a bifurcated experience, where some organizations are already leveraging Intersight for efficiency gains, while others are still laying the groundwork for its deployment and measurement. The current data, from a small sample of 5 reviews, points to a positive outlook on time savings for those who have implemented it, but also highlights a common adoption curve where full integration and metric collection take time.

Time Savings

2 mentions

Reviewers who have actively deployed Cisco Intersight report positive outcomes regarding time efficiency, particularly…

Reviewers who have actively deployed Cisco Intersight report positive outcomes regarding time efficiency, particularly in tasks like server configuration. Two of five reviewers noted significant reductions in the time required for these processes, with one user quantifying an 80% decrease. However, it's also acknowledged that the extent of these savings can vary, especially for organizations where the system was already running smoothly.

Integration Status

2 mentions

A significant portion of the reviewed organizations, specifically two of five, are still in the early phases of integra…

A significant portion of the reviewed organizations, specifically two of five, are still in the early phases of integrating Cisco Intersight into their operations. This early stage means that concrete metrics on process simplification and time savings are not yet available to them. Reviewers indicate that they have either not yet fully utilized the platform or are still working through the initial setup, which limits their ability to provide definitive feedback on its impact.

What positive or negative impact (i.e. Return on Investment or ROI) has Cisco Intersight had on your overall business objectives?

8 answered

This report analyzes 8 recent reviews to assess the return on investment (ROI) of Cisco Intersight. While experiences vary, a portion of reviewers highlight the benefits of Intersight for monitoring and automation. Specifically, 2 of 8 reviewers appreciated the platform's capabilities in these areas. However, the same number of reviewers expressed concerns regarding licensing costs and integration complexities, particularly when compared to UCS Manager. These reviewers noted customer annoyance related to Intersight licensing alongside existing UCS Manager deployments. Furthermore, opinions were divided on deployment and migration, with some appreciating the ability to deploy the latest supported systems, while others cited the time and effort required to migrate from UCS Central. This mixed sentiment suggests that while Intersight offers potential benefits, organizations should carefully consider the licensing implications and migration efforts in relation to their existing infrastructure.

Monitoring and Automation

2 mentions

Two of the eight reviewers cited the positive impact of Cisco Intersight on monitoring and automation. They value the a…

Two of the eight reviewers cited the positive impact of Cisco Intersight on monitoring and automation. They value the ability to set up monitoring and automation directly from the platform, as well as its utility as a troubleshooting and analysis tool.

Licensing and Integration

2 mentions

Licensing and integration pose challenges for some users, as reported by 2 of 8 reviewers. Some users expressed a prefe…

Licensing and integration pose challenges for some users, as reported by 2 of 8 reviewers. Some users expressed a preference for UCS Manager due to its integration with existing infrastructure, avoiding the need for extra appliances. The requirement to purchase Intersight licenses even when using UCS Manager was a point of contention for some customers.

Deployment and Migration

2 mentions

Deployment and migration experiences are mixed, according to 2 of 8 reviewers. While some appreciate the ability to dep…

Deployment and migration experiences are mixed, according to 2 of 8 reviewers. While some appreciate the ability to deploy the latest supported systems, others cite the time and effort required to migrate from UCS Central as a negative aspect.

Describe how you use Cisco Intersight in your organization. What are the business problems the product addresses and what is the scope of your use case?

5 answered

Cisco Intersight is predominantly adopted by organizations as a centralized management platform for their Cisco UCS infrastructure. All 5 reviewers indicate that the product serves as the primary interface for overseeing fabric interconnects and compute nodes, often facilitating a transition from older management solutions. Reviewers leverage Intersight for essential functions such as configuring and monitoring their UCS servers, including blade systems. The platform also supports automation capabilities within the UCS environment, enhancing operational efficiency. One organization is actively migrating from UCS Central, underscoring Intersight's role in modernizing and streamlining comprehensive infrastructure management. This consistent application for UCS management highlights Intersight's value in providing a unified control plane for server operations.

Manage UCS Infrastructure

5 mentions

Reviewers universally employ Cisco Intersight as their primary tool for managing Cisco UCS servers and associated infra…

Reviewers universally employ Cisco Intersight as their primary tool for managing Cisco UCS servers and associated infrastructure. All 5 reviewers highlight its utility for overseeing fabric interconnects, compute nodes, and blade systems, serving as a unified "pane of glass" for operations. The platform is specifically used for configuring and monitoring these critical components, with some organizations also leveraging its automation features to enhance efficiency in their UCS environments.

Please provide some detailed examples of areas where Cisco Intersight has room for improvement.

5 answered

Cisco Intersight users have identified several areas where the platform could be enhanced, primarily focusing on expanding its feature set and improving the overall user experience. Two of 5 reviewers explicitly noted a desire for more comprehensive capabilities, particularly concerning support for UCSM mode Fabric Interconnects and deeper insights into virtualization environments. This suggests that while Intersight offers foundational management, some advanced or specific use cases are not yet fully addressed. Concurrently, 2 of 5 reviewers also raised concerns regarding the platform's usability and navigation. These users indicated that the graphical user interface (GUI) could be more intuitive, with one reviewer drawing a direct comparison to the perceived superior navigability of UCS Central. The feedback collectively points to an opportunity for Cisco to refine Intersight by adding more specialized features and streamlining the user interface to enhance operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

Feature Set Expansion

2 mentions

Reviewers expressed a desire for Cisco Intersight to offer a more extensive range of features. Specifically, 2 of 5 rev…

Reviewers expressed a desire for Cisco Intersight to offer a more extensive range of features. Specifically, 2 of 5 reviewers highlighted the need for increased support for UCSM mode Fabric Interconnects and more detailed insights within virtualization environments. This indicates a demand for Intersight to evolve its capabilities to cover a broader spectrum of advanced management and monitoring requirements.

Usability and Navigation

2 mentions

The usability and navigation of Cisco Intersight's graphical interface were identified as areas needing improvement by…

The usability and navigation of Cisco Intersight's graphical interface were identified as areas needing improvement by 2 of 5 reviewers. Users found the current navigation less intuitive compared to previous Cisco management solutions like UCS Central. This suggests that enhancements to the GUI's design could significantly improve the user experience and ease of operation.

Please provide some detailed examples of things that Cisco Intersight does particularly well.

5 answered

Cisco Intersight is particularly valued for its capabilities in system management and ease of use, according to reviewers. A significant portion of users, 3 of 5 reviewers, highlighted its effectiveness in managing multiple data centers from a single solution, praising its flexibility in provisioning and ability to perform system updates. Concurrently, 3 of 5 reviewers also emphasized the platform's user-friendliness, noting its straightforward installation, ease of operation, and simple configuration of dashboards. Beyond core management, Intersight is recognized for its modern technological foundation and strong integration options. Two of five reviewers specifically mentioned its contemporary console and use of the latest technology, while another 2 of 5 reviewers appreciated its ability to integrate with external workflows like Terraform and support for configuration via PowerShell, suggesting robust and adaptable functionality.

System Management

3 mentions

Reviewers frequently commend Cisco Intersight for its comprehensive system management capabilities. Three of five revie…

Reviewers frequently commend Cisco Intersight for its comprehensive system management capabilities. Three of five reviewers specifically noted its effectiveness in centralizing the management of multiple data centers, offering a unified solution. This functionality is further enhanced by the system's flexibility in provisioning and its capacity to facilitate necessary system updates.

Ease of Use

3 mentions

The platform's user-friendliness is a notable strength, with 3 of 5 reviewers praising its ease of use. This accessibil…

The platform's user-friendliness is a notable strength, with 3 of 5 reviewers praising its ease of use. This accessibility extends from the initial installation process to daily operations and the configuration of personalized dashboards, making it straightforward for users to navigate and manage their systems.

Configuration and Integration

2 mentions

Cisco Intersight receives positive feedback for its robust configuration and integration features. Two of five reviewer…

Cisco Intersight receives positive feedback for its robust configuration and integration features. Two of five reviewers specifically highlighted its ability to integrate with external tools like Terraform for workflow automation and its support for configuring systems via PowerShell, indicating strong adaptability and extensibility.

Modern Technology

2 mentions

Reviewers appreciate Cisco Intersight's foundation in modern technology. Two of five reviewers pointed out its contempo…

Reviewers appreciate Cisco Intersight's foundation in modern technology. Two of five reviewers pointed out its contemporary console design and the incorporation of the latest technological advancements, suggesting a forward-thinking and up-to-date solution.