We use it to aid the tools that we make and to sponsor and get flow.
Information Security System Specialist at everis New Company Erifson
Enables us to distribute internet access to guests and has a good profiling feature
Pros and Cons
- "It is scalable because we use a network load balancer at the front of the PSN. It can be extended as we want to multiply. It's scalable to our environment. We have around 8,000 users and we are planning to expand it."
- "They should improve the upgrades. It's not easy to upgrade the solution."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
We distribute internet access to guests. It's the product to our environment.
What is most valuable?
The profiling option is the most valuable feature.
What needs improvement?
They should improve the upgrades. It's not easy to upgrade the solution.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable because we use a network load balancer at the front of the PSN. It can be extended as we want to multiply. It's scalable to our environment. We have around 8,000 users and we are planning to expand it.
How are customer service and support?
I opened some tickets with them and I had no problems. They are engineers from India and the U.S and they perform well.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was complex. The deployment took around one year.
What about the implementation team?
We used an integrator for the deployment. They didn't know a lot about the solution so we had to learn about it ourselves and helped them.
What was our ROI?
We have seen ROI from this solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We use a virtual machine so in terms of pricing, we can extend it as much as we need. The licensing; we had to renew twice and in my opinion, it's good.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We also looked at ForeScout but we preferred Cisco ISE.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Works
All devices have multifactor authentication in collaboration with IT which secures access to all our devices
Pros and Cons
- "For device administration, all devices have multifactor authentication in collaboration with IT, so it secures access to all of our devices. For guest and wireless access, it's a matter of a lowly manager who we give access to the portal and he can assign access to the guests, so it's a very simple process now. It keeps the IT focusing on their work, and gives the business people the right access."
- "The compliance and posture don't always work. They should make it more stable. With each upgrade, we lose some functionality. We have to wait for another upgrade."
What is our primary use case?
My primary use case of this solution is for access control for authentication and for the authorization of wireless users.
How has it helped my organization?
For device administration, all devices have multifactor authentication in collaboration with IT, so it secures access to all of our devices. For guest and wireless access, it's a matter of a lowly manager who we give access to the portal and he can assign access to the guests, so it's a very simple process now. It keeps IT focusing on their work, and gives the business people the right access.
Also, with BYOD mobile users can work easier and in a more secure way. For the places in public access we're securing our network socket, so now not everybody can plug in and log into our network due to this feature. It's making it more secure for headquarters.
What is most valuable?
- BYOD service
- The guest and secure wireless access
- Compliance and posture
- Wireless administration
What needs improvement?
The compliance and posture don't always work. They should make it more stable. With each upgrade, we lose some functionality. We have to wait for another upgrade.
I would like to see them develop some type of device management, like an iPad feature, just to be able to give security access to certain devices for management. Mainly for the suppliers and the third parties.
Another feature I would like to see would be for them to create the ability to integrate with other products from the start. We always search for products that integrate with us and so it would ease the management and then everybody would be entered.
For how long have I used the solution?
Three to five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's 99% stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. We have more than 500 users. We are planning to use more features and to integrate it with other branches that we have. It's a way to have a global solution across all branches.
How is customer service and technical support?
Technical support is okay. Sometimes it takes a long time for them to respond. We'll usually end up solving our own issues. The response time should be shorter.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was complex. It took time to have a stable environment but once it stabilized, it was great. Although, we had six to seven months of an unstable system.
What about the implementation team?
We deployed through a reseller, they were good. We require two staff members for maintenance.
What was our ROI?
Our ROI is good enough. It's simplifying things for IT and for the business, so it's good for both sides. It solves a lot of issues that without the product would be costly to our organization so we see ROI in that sense.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Licensing is very complicated and it changes a lot. I know recently it changed since we acquired the solution. It had a different licensing scheme that has changed.
The cost is high compared to other solutions. Even so, it is better than what's on the market. The licensing model is complicated and the cost is a little bit high.
What other advice do I have?
It's a great product but you should be careful to plan before deploying. Do thorough planning as not to do the same error that we did. We didn't do enough planning before deploying so it took us a long time to have a thorough plan.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Security Senior Network Engineer with 1,001-5,000 employees
We use it for implementing wireless 802.1X with Active Directory and guest portal, but we're waiting for TACACS integration to completely replace the Cisco ACS line of products.
What is most valuable?
- I'ts compatibility with 802.1X
- Posture
- Profiling
- Guest Portal
How has it helped my organization?
As an integrator, I can tell that this product is mostly used for implementing wireless 802.1X with Active Directory and guest portals. It can be integrated with Active Directory and an external SMS gateway, can be used to track user authentications with Cisco WLC, can be therefore used to completely implement BYOD (considering the tight integration with leading MDM vendors). The product can be bought as a physical appliance as well a virtual appliance.
What needs improvement?
We are waiting for TACACS integration to completely replace the Cisco ACS line of products.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used it for about four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Being a product relatively young the product seems incredibly stable and not prone to system outages.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Having a Cisco consolidated experience with this type of products, the product encounters very little of no scalability problem.
How are customer service and technical support?
Cisco has implemented a special ATC partner program to help partners and customers to have a smooth deployment. As far as I know there is also a dedicated TAC area for this product, Cisco commitment on the ISE line of product is really at a top level. I can say this with an high degree of certainty being a Cisco Gold Partner.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use this product because we mainly sell this as a premier class NAC solution, compared to other similar products.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforwardly done by following the product’s document guides.
What about the implementation team?
I work for a vendor/system integrator.
What other advice do I have?
The main advice is to seek for an accredited ATC system integrator with a large ISE portfolio.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: We are a Gold Partner and an authorized ISE system integrator.
IT Operations Supervisor at Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.
Good integration between IT and OTs but still has some bugs
Pros and Cons
- "ISE's most valuable feature is integration between IT and OTs."
- "There are still some bugs in ISE that need to be worked out."
What is our primary use case?
I primarily use ISE for segregating identities, IP addresses, and ports.
What is most valuable?
ISE's most valuable feature is integration between IT and OTs.
What needs improvement?
There are still some bugs in ISE that need to be worked out.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Cisco ISE for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
ISE is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
ISE is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Cisco's tech support could be improved.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What other advice do I have?
Regardless of your industry, I would recommend Cisco ISE if you want good identity management. I would rate this solution seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Director of Security and Computer Risks at Eclipse Telecomunicaciones S.A. de C.V.
A next-generation NAC solution that is easy to use
Pros and Cons
- "Our clients like Cisco ISE because they already use various Cisco solutions. It's easy for them to use this solution because they have an engineer with Cisco certifications."
- "The price could be better. I would like to see more integration with third-party solutions in the next release. This is because many of my clients don't have Cisco."
What is our primary use case?
Our clients use Cisco ISE for security, especially in the finance industry.
What is most valuable?
Our clients like Cisco ISE because they already use various Cisco solutions. It's easy for them to use this solution because they have an engineer with Cisco certifications.
What needs improvement?
The price could be better. I would like to see more integration with third-party solutions in the next release. This is because many of my clients don't have Cisco.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been a partner dealing with Cisco ISE for about 14 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco ISE is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is good.
How are customer service and support?
I think Cisco has already improved its support for this solution.
On a scale from one to five, I would give technical support a five.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. We have two engineers who implement this solution.
On a scale from one to five, I would give the initial setup a four.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cisco is expensive, but it's the cost for all the functions and value it brings. Functions like internet solutions, integrations, security, and many more features are important, but it's expensive for some clients.
What other advice do I have?
I would tell potential users that this is a good solution.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Cisco ISE a ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Sr.Manager at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees
Easy to use, centralized administration, and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features are authentication, we have more granular control on the access policies for the administrators. The solution is easy to use, has a center point administration, and has a good GUI."
- "The solution could be more secure."
What is our primary use case?
We use Cisco ISE for device authentication, such as auto switches, and wireless authentication.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are authentication, we have more granular control on the access policies for the administrators. The solution is easy to use, has a center point administration, and has a good GUI.
What needs improvement?
The solution could be more secure.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) for approximately five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco ISE is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have found Cisco ISE to be scalable.
We have approximately 500 people using this solution in my organization.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were using Cisco ACS previously. I have found Cisco ISE to be a more advanced and easy-to-use solution than the Cisco ACS.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is straightforward since we have worked on Cisco platforms previously.
What about the implementation team?
We have approximately 100 people for the maintenance and support of this solution.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Chief Technology Officer at Mehbub General Trading PLC
Overall useful features, good community support, and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "I have found that all of the features are valuable. It is very easy to deploy because we are able to port users directly from Active Directory (AD) and LDAP."
- "In an upcoming release, the solution needs to be more agentless and more independent. Additionally, there could be improved integration with other next-generation solutions, such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Check Point."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution for both wired and wireless network access control. We have deployed it in a bank, government offices, and some universities.
What is most valuable?
I have found that all of the features are valuable.
It is very easy to deploy because we are able to port users directly from Active Directory (AD) and LDAP.
What needs improvement?
In an upcoming release, the solution needs to be more agentless and more independent. Additionally, there could be improved integration with other next-generation solutions, such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Check Point.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for approximately nine years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution takes a while to get up and running before it becomes stable. There is a lot of fine-tuning that needs to be done to make sure that users are authenticated properly and not denied access. I have had the experience of redeploying the ISE several times because of false denial of services or access to services but once it is configured correctly the stability is fine.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have found this solution is scalable, especially the latest versions. The older versions, have to have some additions in order to make them scalable. However, I think they have resolved this issue.
We have had customers of all business sizes using this solution, from small to enterprise companies.
How are customer service and technical support?
The community support is satisfactory, it is very easy to get support. You can find any documentation and support within the community.
How was the initial setup?
The deployment takes a long time. Additionally, if you want to integrate the solution with AD and LDAP you will need someone that is very experienced. It is a good feature to have but it is complex to integrate.
What about the implementation team?
We have had experience deploying this solution to small, medium, and enterprise size companies.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
This solution requires an annual license and it is a bit expensive than competitors.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller, integrator
Smart Information and Communication Technology Engineering student at INPT
Provides significant benefits including enhancing compliance and security
Pros and Cons
- "It provides client provisions and profiling as well as guest access."
- "Difficult to figure out the protocols and nodes in order to implement correctly."
What is our primary use case?
I'm an engineering student, studying smart information and communication technology.
What is most valuable?
The product has many useful features. It enhances compliance and security posture. It provides client provisions and profiling as well as guest access, features not available in other solutions. The product can be customized.
What needs improvement?
Although the solution is easy to implement it's not so easy to understand. You need to be able to figure out the protocols, the nodes, and the personals of the nodes in order to implement correctly and make good use of it. Because it's a Cisco product, if you're not in a Cisco environment, it's difficult to integrate with anything else, so the big concern is its interoperability with other technologies and other vendors.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for two months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
ISE is extensible. It can be deployed for small and large organizations, and can even be distributed and centralized.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't used the customer support but if I do need some assistance my supervisor and the manager I'm working with can help.
What other advice do I have?
I've looked at other network access control solutions and ISE is among the leading technologies. I recommend it but suggest taking a close look at the technology before implementing it. Try to really understand it, because if you miss anything and don't configure correctly, it's going to be awful and you'll lose the benefits that the solution provides. Even if you only need one or two of the features that the solution provides, I would recommend using it.
I rate this solution nine out of 10.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: February 2025
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
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