VMware NSX Reviews

Name: VMware NSX
Brand: VMware
Rating: 4.0 (101 reviews)

Vendor: VMware

4.0 out of 5

101 reviews
88% willing to recommend

1,794 followers

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What is VMware NSX?

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.

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VMware NSX is the #1 ranked solution in best Cloud Security companies, #1 ranked solution in top Microsegmentation Software solutions, #2 ranked solution in top Network Virtualization solutions, #5 ranked solution in top Network Automation solutions, #7 ranked solution in top Network Detection and Response (NDR) solutions, and #8 ranked solution in Network Traffic Analysis tools. PeerSpot users give VMware NSX an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 101 most recent VMware NSX reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.0. (Among the highest in the category). VMware NSX is most commonly compared to Cisco ACI: VMware NSX vs Cisco ACI. VMware NSX is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 67% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 16% of all views.

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Featured reviews

Chris Nixon

Lead Infrastructure Architect at a hospitality company with 10,001+ employees

The on-premises version of VMware NSX is not scalable. The cloud version is most likely fine. I couldn't really say, but after the on-premise system was implemented, everyone was afraid of change. It was really flaky. We don't have a large number of users. It is not used as such by people; it is a piece of infrastructure software. There would have been less than half a dozen, not very many.

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Santi-Lara Garcia

Key Account Manager - Catalonia and Baleares Islands at Red Heart

The solution is only sold as part of a bundle and not as an individual product. Some customers only need vSphere or NSX for their use cases, but account executives focus on bundles so this is a problem. Account executives need to talk with both systems and security staff to get a full picture of the environment's requirements. For example, systems staff have no need for the solution so they will never deploy it.

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Roger Nurse

VMware NSX T/V Consulting Engineer /Solutions Architect at Onebox Solutions

The most valuable features are: * N-VDS Geneve encapsulation L2/L3 * Less need for the VM to hit the TOR switch to communicate with VMs on the same ESXi host/segment (logical switch) * Micro-segmentation capabilities/tagging * NSX-T dashboard/compute usage across the configuration allows a quick view * The NSX-T configuration screens are fairly easy to navigate but they might need to simplify them a bit in future versions. * Very extensive detailed configuration items can be set in Uplink profiles to better map pNICs * Edge TEP and Host TEP tunnel config and troubleshooting is much more understandable and verifiable

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VMware NSX mindshare

Product category:

As of November 2024, the mindshare of VMware NSX in the Network Virtualization category stands at 46.2%, up from 45.9% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Virtualization

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 8, 2024

Valuable Features

VMware NSX excels with features like micro-segmentation offering advanced security by enabling network separation on a granular level. Distributed firewall enhances protection by applying controls at the network's core. Users appreciate its scalability, automation, and ease of management. Integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure, it simplifies network tasks without extensive hardware changes. The ability to extend networks across environments and integrate with other VMware offerings is highly valued for operational efficiency.

"The most powerful feature of VMware NSX is the micro-segmentation that allows us to separate the different protocols our application works with."
"The most powerful feature of VMware NSX is the micro-segmentation that allows us to separate the different protocols our application works with."
"They have a lot of support and specialists who can meet with the customer."

Room for Improvement

VMware NSX needs improvements in reporting clarity to make technical information more digestible for users, speed and stability of deployment, and scalability for large environments. Enhanced compatibility with other platforms, simplified migration tools, and better integration with open-source and other third-party solutions are also needed. Cost reduction and improved licensing transparency are desired. Automation, security features, and training affordability also require attention for better user experience and efficiency.

"I have no complaints regarding the user interface or any technical issues."
"Migrating from V to T is very tricky, complicated, and there are a lot of parameters to account for."
"A faster resolution time would be beneficial."

ROI

VMware NSX provides significant benefits, enhancing infrastructure for training and consulting, reducing hardware refresh needs, and lowering security exposure and overhead. Organizations report savings in CAPEX and show returns within 18 months. Some users note it takes time to see the returns in new deployments, but after achieving maturity, they recognize substantial investment benefits. Security enhancements offer substantial returns, although some find the level of security insufficient on its own. Overall, VMware NSX significantly reduces man-hours and management complexities.

Pricing

VMware NSX pricing is perceived as high compared to other solutions, with costs influenced by bundled features and licensing complexities. Many users find the solution expensive, often considering alternatives due to its pricing model. Some highlight savings, particularly in capital expenditure, while others mention affordability relative to included features. The cost structure, often dependent on virtual desktop infrastructure and environment size, challenges smaller organizations. Licensing is mostly annual with opportunities for negotiation.

"I would rate the pricing of VMware NSX as seven out of ten"
"The product pricing ranges from medium to expensive. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten."
"VMware NSX is a cheaper product compared to its competitor, Cisco."

Popular Use Cases

Enterprises utilize VMware NSX for network virtualization, microsegmentation, and security enhancement. They leverage its capabilities for hybrid and private cloud deployments, disaster recovery, and distributed firewall implementations. Many prioritize migrating from traditional to virtual infrastructures, using NSX to streamline network management, isolation, and load balancing in complex multi-site environments. Users appreciate its ability to segment workloads, manage software-defined networks, and implement robust security measures in virtualized data centers.

Service and Support

VMware NSX receives varied feedback on customer service and technical support. Some users find support responsive, knowledgeable, and quick to resolve issues, while others experience delays and difficulty escalating to higher-level engineers. Customer service is often rated highly, but geographic location impacts response times and expertise availability. Many users express satisfaction, yet some suggest improvement in support accessibility and speed. Despite recent quality concerns, many remain pleased with VMware engineers' capabilities and professionalism.

Deployment

The initial setup of VMware NSX is generally straightforward, though complexity varies based on user expertise and deployment environment. Many users found it easy, especially with proper guidance and following best practices. However, others indicated that while installation was simple, configuring components like virtual networks and edge services posed challenges. Some relied on vendor support or training, emphasizing that understanding both networking and virtualization is crucial for smooth deployment. Time frames for deployment ranged from a few days to several weeks.

Scalability

VMware NSX is highly scalable, accommodating both extensive and smaller environments. Its modular design and deployment flexibility enable straightforward integration with existing systems. Organizations report it scales effectively across various data centers and virtual environments. Users highlight improvements in newer versions, particularly NSX-T, which offers enhanced features. Although some complexities arise, its scalability is praised, often rated highly, indicating reliable performance across diverse business needs and user bases.

Stability

VMware NSX is widely acknowledged as stable and reliable. Multiple entities found it mature, robust, and integrating seamlessly with other environments like Red Hat and Ubuntu. While some experienced no issues, others noted bugs during upgrades or scaling. Many emphasized its performance improvements over time and praised its availability, fault tolerance, and management capabilities. Some entities emphasized the need for thorough initial design to ensure stability. Frequent patch updates were mentioned, though they sometimes affected stability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our VMware NSX Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

14%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Educational Organization

Insurance Company

University

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Real Estate/Law Firm

Hospitality Company

Construction Company

Transportation Company

Media Company

Non Profit

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Performing Arts

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Logistics Company

Marketing Services Firm

Compare VMware NSX with alternative products

Learn more about VMware NSX

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 NSX was previously known as VMware Nicira, Lastline Defender.

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VMware NSX customers

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