

SolarWinds NPM and Cisco Secure Network Analytics compete in the network monitoring and security category. SolarWinds NPM has the upper hand in flexibility and deployment options, while Cisco Secure Network Analytics stands out in security and analytic capabilities.
Features: SolarWinds NPM provides comprehensive customization options, SNMP monitoring, and real-time network performance visibility. It offers robust alert features and a modular pricing structure allowing selective capability purchases. Cisco Secure Network Analytics focuses on providing detailed network visibility and strong analytic features, along with integration capabilities beneficial for threat detection and analysis.
Room for Improvement: SolarWinds NPM users indicate heavy resource usage and complexity in feature integration, accompanied by a need for better scalability and more flexible alert customization. The modular pricing approach causes cost concerns. Cisco Secure Network Analytics could improve ease of integration, modernize its user interface, and enhance reporting capabilities.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SolarWinds NPM is deployable across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments, offering various customer support options. Customer feedback varies on response times. Cisco Secure Network Analytics primarily supports on-premises deployment, with customer service praised for technical skill, although response times for non-critical issues can be slow.
Pricing and ROI: SolarWinds NPM is perceived as expensive due to its modular pricing but is justified by its features and ROI from effective network monitoring. Cisco Secure Network Analytics presents licensing complexity, especially with network flow calculations, but provides security value. SolarWinds offers more flexible pricing, while Cisco demands careful licensing considerations.
The return on investment is significant as the solution effectively reduces costs while being worth its expense.
There is a lack of adequate local support from the Indian side.
For technical support of Cisco, the support they provide depends on how the client procures it, and so far, it's understandable.
If there is no timely response, getting a resolution is more difficult.
We had contact with SolarWinds regarding the implementation, and they were helpful.
They have good technical support.
SolarWinds NPM is scalable and effective in handling large network infrastructures.
Cisco products are incredibly stable, boasting a 200% stability.
Once resolved, the system works well, and overall I think it's good.
The NPM product is stable, particularly when used for simple network monitoring.
The solution should have the ability to analyze security events not only at the network layer but also at the application and OS layers.
Proper management of the database is also important; it should be centralized for easier data collection from a single database.
Customers have given feedback about the delayed response times from the technical team.
SolarWinds needs to upscale on observability and add full-fledged observability features, including security features.
I would need a feature in SolarWinds in the future for some kind of malfunctioning detection, such as malware attacks or that type of environment.
Cisco solutions are considered to be very expensive.
Regarding cost, for the Bangladesh context, Cisco Secure Network Analytics is a little bit high-priced because we are a developing country, making it tough to manage affordable solutions.
It is not too pricey and is adequate.
PRTG's package offers all features in one bundle, which is cost-effective.
The solution is considered expensive.
The most valuable features include encrypted traffic analytics and the ability to fulfill requirements at the network level.
Every solution is gradually integrated with AI, and Cisco has already implemented AI building features in their solution.
Whenever any node is down in our network, whether it is a server or any network device, we receive information through email that the device is down.
It provides a detailed overview of the network, which is valuable.
SolarWinds NPM has specific modules for monitoring different network capabilities, which provides rich features for carrying out specific tasks.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| SolarWinds NPM | 3.7% |
| Cisco Secure Network Analytics | 0.9% |
| Other | 95.4% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 11 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 7 |
| Large Enterprise | 52 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 59 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 33 |
| Large Enterprise | 85 |
Cisco Secure Network Analytics enhances network security through integrated threat detection and detailed traffic visibility, optimizing performance with AI analytics and strong platform integrations.
Cisco Secure Network Analytics offers deep visibility into network traffic, with tools like network maps and server response times. Its AI-driven analytics help detect threats, focusing on east-west traffic. Integration with platforms such as pxGrid and ISE complements its capabilities. Reporting and telemetry help in identifying bandwidth issues, yet improvements are desired in AI for better data organization. Installation complexity and false positives present challenges, and managing network loads effectively is a recognized need.
What are the key features of Cisco Secure Network Analytics?Industries such as banking, defense, and police rely on Cisco Secure Network Analytics for securing networks against threats. Its capability to provide insights into encrypted traffic and facilitate device auditing makes it a sought-after choice for those requiring extensive network visibility. Users appreciate its application for threat prevention and response in demanding sectors.
SolarWinds NPM is a network performance monitoring tool offering a user-friendly interface with customizable dashboards. It provides real-time tracking of device health, latency, and bandwidth utilization, supporting diverse integration and scalability needs.
SolarWinds NPM's robust features include real-time monitoring of network performance and efficient tracking of device health, latency, and bandwidth utilization. The tool is appreciated for its ease of deployment, scalability, and support for integration with other tools. Features like SNMP monitoring, NetPath, and comprehensive reporting enhance its diagnostic capabilities and network visibility. However, users identify areas for improvement such as real-time analytics, advanced customization options, and enhanced scalability for larger enterprises. Better customer support, improved integrations, and security measures are also desired.
What are the key features of SolarWinds NPM?In enterprise environments, SolarWinds NPM is deployed to monitor network health and device status, sending alerts for any issues. It provides visibility into network performance, tracking bandwidth utilization and server metrics efficiently. Its applications span from monitoring routers, switches, and firewalls to supporting infrastructure monitoring across industries.
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