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CEO at CITOM
Real User
Simple to use, open technology, with a nice GUI
Pros and Cons
  • "These switches are very simple to use and the GUI is very nice."
  • "The VPN technology in Ubiquiti products is really difficult for beginners who do not have the right skills."

What is our primary use case?

We are a solution provider and Ubiquiti UniFi switches are one of the products that we implement for our customers.

The use case for this solution depends on the size of the infrastructure. Normally, for smaller installations, we use the routing functionality because they are layer three switches. In larger organizations, we use it as a layer two switch and we use Compass routers to handle 10-gigabit bandwidth. We have one customer using this configuration who does 3D modeling and 3D printing, which requires a lot of bandwidth.

How has it helped my organization?

We have several offices in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and we can manage this solution, as well as for our customers, remotely.

What is most valuable?

These switches are very simple to use and the GUI is very nice. They have made administration much easier. Optionally, if you have a very advanced requirement then you can do it less comfortably using the GUI, or instead use SSH to program it. If you have experience in Linux and bash scripting then it is very easy to do.

The most valuable feature is that the technology is open. If there's a new technology then you can implement it yourself. For example, WireGuard is a very nice VLAN framework that is available on Linux and you can implement it on the Ubiquiti switches. With Cisco or other commercial products, you'll have to wait until the manufacturer starts to provide it for you. Sometimes, they need quite a long time before this will happen. It is for this same reason that we don't use macOS or Windows because they are always about five years behind current technologies.

What needs improvement?

The UniFi switches are for people who are not very into technology and if you have a big deployment with special configurations then this line of switches is very limited.

It would be nice to have a single, unique management console or a GUI because as it is now, Ubiquiti switches have two management systems and it is annoying.

The VPN technology in Ubiquiti products is really difficult for beginners who do not have the right skills. It would be very nice if they had a simple way to manage all of the VPN connections from a GUI. This would include from location to location, or from location to computer.

Buyer's Guide
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Ubiquiti UniFi Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have about two years of experience with Ubiquiti UniFi switches.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

So far, this solution has been completely stable. We have had issues with hardware and needed to exchange it at times, although we had the same issues with Cisco.

We are operating in Germany, and the rules here for when things fail are quite nice. We normally have a two-year warranty, and it is quite easy to exchange hardware with the dealers. Normally, if something is not going to function well, then it gives up within three months. There is no difference between Cisco and Ubiquiti in this regard.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Ubiquiti UniFi has been scalable enough for our use cases. The throughput is ok. We have used it in cases with a gigabit backbone and it worked fine.

We have deployments with only five users and we have deployments with up to 500 users.

How are customer service and support?

We have not been in touch with official technical support from Ubiquiti. There's a big community that supports you if you have issues, which is the only support we have used.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We used to use Cisco switches but we had a lot of trouble with them. They are not easy to handle, which is why we switched to Ubiquiti. Cisco switches have the same capability but you have to have knowledge of Cisco IOS.

Ubiquiti is known for its access points, but the ER and ES switches are quite nice. We primarily use the Ubiquiti Edge switches and routers. The overall administration is very easy because we are able to write scripts in the same language that we use for our common operating systems. This was a great step forward from our Cisco solution.

The Cisco switches allow you do do everything because they are the standard-makers, but it is a closed community. If they don't do it then you can't do it, whereas with Ubiquiti, there is always somebody who is doing something crazy and you can get advice for your project. It is very nice.

With Cisco, normally after six years, they stop support and you have to buy completely new infrastructure. It is really awful. 

How was the initial setup?

It is a complex product so, of course, the setup is complex. However, it is straightforward in that you have the freedom to do what you want to do, without any limitations. There is a big community that supports you if you have issues with the configuration.

The deployment is quite fast. We took about two weeks to get the switches running exactly the way we wanted them to, but for simple tasks, you can do it in just two days. It's really easy.

Personally, I think that it is much easier to do if you are already familiar with the command line and the terminology from Cisco. 

What about the implementation team?

If our customer is large enough to have their own IT department and host the switch on their site then we do consultancy for them. There are cases where we conduct a PoC and then when the customer is satisfied, we implement it on their site and they take it over. Finally, if they have insufficient knowledge on their end, we sometimes implement and manage the entire solution on their site. In most cases, we handle the implementation for our customers.

Beyond what our technical department does, the economic department will discuss things with the client such as what new services or products are available. This can include things like monitoring, data aggregation, and providing information.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Ubiquiti switches are quite affordable and you don't have to pay extra for support.

What other advice do I have?

We are focused on open software and manufacturer-independent solutions, so Ubiquiti fits our strategy well because they operate on the Linux operating system. 

We have had no problems where this product did not do what it was supposed to do, either from the hardware side or the software side.

This is a solution that I recommend for normal operations. The suitability of these switches depends on what you want to do, what your tasks are, and what the application is. Ubiquiti is not always the manufacturer of choice. If you need really high-speed networks or have special requirements then it is important to test things out in the lab beforehand.

I have a lot of experience with different switches that are on the market and my favorite are those by Ubiquiti. They are affordable, they do what they should do, they are open, and you don't have to pay extra for support.

I would rate this solution 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.
PeerSpot user
Consultor at Importadora El Triunfo
Real User
Top 20
Reliable platform enhancing organization's connectivity and operational efficiency
Pros and Cons
  • "The product's most valuable features include its robust performance and reliability."
  • "They could integrate artificial intelligence for more advanced network traffic analysis and optimization features into the product."

What is our primary use case?

We use the platform to support our wireless infrastructure in a building. The facility serves multiple functions across different floors, including a showroom where we provide internet access to clients.

How has it helped my organization?

The product has significantly improved our organization's connectivity and operational efficiency. We have observed a 19% improvement in process efficiency, which is attributed to the solution's reliable performance and effective management.

What is most valuable?

The product's most valuable features include its robust performance and reliability. The latest models handle our current and future demands efficiently, and their integration with other tools has been highly beneficial for managing our network.

What needs improvement?

They could integrate artificial intelligence for more advanced network traffic analysis and optimization features into the product. Additionally, expanding compatibility with other network management tools could improve its utility.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Ubiquiti UniFi Switches for approximately one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product is scalable. It is designed to handle current and future network demands efficiently, allowing us to expand our infrastructure without issues.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We previously used HP solutions. We switched to Ubiquiti UniFi for better performance and more advanced features.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward. Our in-house team, including myself, a Cisco-certified engineer, efficiently managed the process, which was completed without major complications.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented the product with the help of our in-house team. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The setup costs are reasonable, and there are no additional licensing fees beyond the initial purchase.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We also evaluated Cisco solutions. However, Cisco was too expensive, and Ubiquiti UniFi offered a more cost-effective solution with competitive performance.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend Ubiquiti UniFi Switches to others and rate it a ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Buyer's Guide
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Ubiquiti UniFi Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
ESTEE Gabriel Carpio - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Solutions Architect at TechConek Philippines Inc.
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Helps to support clients remotely without onsite visits
Pros and Cons
  • "We have integrated the tool for PoE switches and non-PoE switches. Its most valuable feature is SD-WAN. UniFi SD-WAN can access all statistics and performance data in one interface, enabling us to support clients across different locations remotely. Additionally, we can even restart devices remotely through the UniFi SD-WAN."
  • "The product needs to improve its pricing."

What is our primary use case?

We use Ubiquiti UniFi Switches internally and as part of our managed client service.

How has it helped my organization?

The main benefit we've experienced is the ability to support clients remotely, especially since our clients are spread across the Philippines. We no longer need to visit sites in person; instead, we can manage everything remotely using SD-WAN. Even simple tasks like restarting equipment can be done remotely.

What is most valuable?

We have integrated the tool for PoE switches and non-PoE switches. Its most valuable feature is SD-WAN.  UniFi SD-WAN can access all statistics and performance data in one interface, enabling us to support clients across different locations remotely. Additionally, we can even restart devices remotely through the UniFi SD-WAN.

We no longer need to physically visit sites for troubleshooting as much because issues can often be addressed remotely.

What needs improvement?

The product needs to improve its pricing. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution's stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We use the tool on a day-to-day basis. I rate its scalability a nine out of ten. 

How was the initial setup?

Deploying the solution is easy. We're time-bound for each project, so we don't encounter issues deploying the product. Typically, we can deploy it within one day or even less.

We perform maintenance on Ubiquiti UniFi Switches based on the needs of our clients. Some clients require monthly maintenance, others quarterly, and some even weekly. We conduct checks and immediate replacements as necessary during these maintenance periods.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It's challenging to compare Ubiquiti UniFi Switches and other brands directly due to the significant price difference, especially between US brands like Cisco and Aruba versus others. However, compared to US brands, Ubiquiti UniFi Switches are more cost-effective. On the other hand, if compared with brands from China, it might seem expensive.

I rate its pricing as seven out of ten. We compare prices between the store and local distributors, especially for larger projects, and negotiate based on that.

What other advice do I have?

In most cases, we advocate for an end-to-end Ubiquiti product solution. This includes using UniFi switches for various purposes, such as wireless controllers, PoE switches, and non-PoE switches.

The tool's product lines are good. The management tools, including the web app and mobile application, are easy to use. With them, I can support clients remotely and troubleshoot issues. Checking equipment statistics is simple. This flexibility is great for helping third-party clients.

Once installed, it is an "install and forget" device, requiring minimal attention or troubleshooting.

I rate the overall product a nine out of ten. I recommend it. Select the model that fits your customer or client requirements, and you're ready.

I am involved in the tool's design, implementation, and support. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
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Security engineer at ARCEP Togo
Real User
Top 5
Fairly inexpensive and easy to set up but may have some instability
Pros and Cons
  • "It offers very good control."
  • "We have been having issues with non-homogeneity."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for access points. We want to improve the quality of the service by having devices on edge as well. We have all of the IPs converging on the switches and controlled by the controller. Sometimes we would notice quality issues. It may be due to the non-homogeneity of the networks, so we will aggregate the switches under Cisco. 

What is most valuable?

The devices are cheaper than Cisco. That's why we adopted them.

It offers very good control. 

It is easy to set up.

The solution is stable.

It can scale well. 

What needs improvement?

We will likely move to Cisco. We have been having issues with non-homogeneity. We'd like to have more stability.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using the solution for five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable product. That said, the problem we have is the homogeneity of the network. We're not sure if this is caused by Ubiquiti or some other device. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. 

We have about 100 users on the solution, and we have 400 devices. 

We will increase usage if employees increase.

How are customer service and support?

We've never contacted technical support. I'm not sure how their level of service would be. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I've also used Cisco Switches. 

How was the initial setup?

It is easy to set up the solution. 

With a small network with ten Ubiquiti switches, you and do it in two or three hours. A larger deployment would take longer. 

First, we set up the controller and then deploy the IPs and put them in the same network and configure everything. 

We have three people that are able to handle deployment and maintenance. They are engineers. 

What about the implementation team?

We're able to handle the setup ourselves. We have enough experience to manage it in-house. 

What was our ROI?

We have witnessed an ROI while using the solution. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is fairly inexpensive. It does not cost as much as Cisco.

Right now, I am using them without a license. If we make a new purchase, we would need to buy a license. 

What other advice do I have?

I'd recommend the solution to others. It is mostly stable; however, sometimes, we have some interruptions. 

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Andreas Diehl - PeerSpot reviewer
Managing Director at Ensurecom.ch
Real User
Top 10
Enhanced small network convenience with intuitive interface and PoE options
Pros and Cons
  • "One of the most valuable features of Ubiquiti UniFi switches is their graphical interface and plug-and-play capability."
  • "I would recommend Ubiquiti UniFi switches to others, especially for smaller environments."
  • "I would like to see improvements in their PBX-related features."
  • "I would like to see improvements in their PBX-related features. The current setup is closed and does not allow for integration with non-Ubiquiti VoIP devices or providers outside their ecosystem."

What is our primary use case?

We have been using Ubiquiti UniFi switches both at home and in the office. We primarily use them for smaller networks, not in a large enterprise environment. They are suitable for environments with around ten to 20 people.

What is most valuable?

One of the most valuable features of Ubiquiti UniFi switches is their graphical interface and plug-and-play capability. They are software-configured and offer many PoE ports. 

Additionally, the firmware can be updated, allowing the switch to adapt to new rules. We have not had any outages, and they have a standard interface that has evolved to support both their standard and other PoE standards in recent years.

What needs improvement?

I would like to see improvements in their PBX-related features. The current setup is closed and does not allow for integration with non-Ubiquiti VoIP devices or providers outside their ecosystem. For them to enter the PBX business, they should adopt a more open standard to allow wider compatibility.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Ubiquiti UniFi switches for more than ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The switches are stable and there have been no outages. The PoE functionality works perfectly.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

While we are satisfied with its use in small environments, other products may be needed in very large companies with more than 30 users. I have no experience with larger environments.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before using Ubiquiti UniFi switches, we had Netgear switches. I have personal experience with Netgear switches.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The setup cost is reasonable, but there are companies in the business pushing more expensive solutions. Ubiquiti offers good cost-effectiveness yet might not be favoured by all resellers due to the lack of commissions.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We have looked into Ruckus, but found it to be more expensive without offering enough advantages.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Ubiquiti UniFi switches to others, especially for smaller environments. However, without evaluating other products, they may not be suitable for large companies. 

Overall, I rate Ubiquiti UniFi switches nine 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.
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Owner at Gallops Investments
Real User
Performs well, robust, and requires no maintenance
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a high-quality product, and it won't let you down."
  • "I would like to see the pricing improved."

What is our primary use case?

All we have is WiFi extenders and ceiling signal extenders. They likely bear another name. I think they function extremely well.

We use internet signals for our TV almost daily and have TV all across the place. Behind the counter, we have a system.

We occasionally live-stream some of the events that take place here, therefore a reliable system is definitely required. 

We use social media frequently, and a large number of people who come and go really use our wifi.

What is most valuable?

It was recommended to me by an IT professional, so I went with it. He said, "It's a bit pricey, but it won't let you down." And it didn't, it's been working.

What needs improvement?

I would like to see the pricing improved.

I have a price for the system in Poland, which is expressed in Polish zlotys. 

The quote is for seven of those routers, a switch, and all related hardware that goes with it. 

The quoted amount of 18,000 Polish Zlotys, which is in euros is approximately 4.8. Therefore, the system in Poland is more than $3,700 USD.

I believe it will be the solution to our difficulties in Poland.

The pricing is the only thing I have a problem with. We still haven't finalized what we are going to do in that case.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Ubiquiti UniFi Switches for three or four years.

We are not working with the latest version, it is three or four years old.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have not had any issues with the stability of this solution.

I have no issues with the performance of Ubiquiti UniFi Switches.

The equipment, in my opinion, is really good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Ubiquiti UniFi Switches are scalable.

It performs all of its stated functions exactly as promised.

There may have been as many as 20 at one time. While it's not a lot, we use a lot of it. 

We consume a lot of bandwidth ourselves and upload a lot of streaming and other content while working here. 

At any given moment, we may have up to 10 of our own appliances running. It isn't a lot, but we need stability, the assurance that it won't fail us, and that it is reliable.

How are customer service and support?

I have not contacted technical support. I have read through the documentation.

How was the initial setup?

That's what the person who gave me the recommendation here does. He knew what he was doing. The initial setup was easy for him.

We haven't had any issues at all since he put it. Now, I'm impressed as I learn more about it and read. It's an excellent system.

It doesn't require any maintenance.

What was our ROI?

I have not seen a return on investment.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is expensive.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I am in Ireland. I run a business in Ireland. Additionally, I run a business in Poland. I wanted to look and see what the history of the Ubiquiti system was because the company in Poland is a hostel and we need to run a WiFi system.

I was conducting some research since I run a hostel in Poland where we frequently experience issues with our visitors' access to the internet. 

We require a wireless mesh solution that will enable numerous users to enter the facility simultaneously, provide decent access to all areas of the building, and allow us to exert a little bit more control than we now can.

What other advice do I have?

If someone is interested in something, I would definitely recommend it. It is a little more expensive, but it will do the job. It is a high-quality product, and it won't let you down. 

I would rate Ubiquiti UniFi Switches a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1228218 - PeerSpot reviewer
Group IT Manager at a manufacturing company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Manages firmware revisions and we haven't had any outages
Pros and Cons
  • "The ability to manage firmware revisions."
  • "It's difficult to manage the WiFi on the edge switches in the same console."

What is our primary use case?

We are a customer of Ubiquiti. The key for us is the switch. The edge with the core switch, servicing office environments. I believe we use the US-48 and US-24, with a 10 gig with the SFP+ port. We have about 200 deployments scheduled for the next few weeks, so I'd say in total we will have 200 to 300 people involved and we plan to increase usage. 

What is most valuable?

The ability to manage firmware revisions is probably the most valuable feature. 

What needs improvement?

The management console could be improved, It's very, very slow. In the next release, I'd like to see some amalgamation of the two different consoles. I believe it's difficult to manage both the WiFi on the edge switches in the same console. Some more SFP+ ports would also be helpful. They should also try lowering the price of cloud management, it's mostly about management. If you can manage it quickly, and it's a little more cost-effective to manage it in the cloud, that would be a big improvement. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the product for six months. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability so far has been very good. No downtime, no outages.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's a scalable solution but the limit on the number of 10 gig ports was an issue.

How are customer service and technical support?

Our technical support is carried out through a third party so I haven't had any experience with that. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

The company previously has another solution but I wasn't involved with that. I was responsible for the company switching to UniFi.

How was the initial setup?

The setup was straightforward and deployment took about three weeks. We used a consultant for the process and were very satisfied. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We haven't had to pay any licensing costs at all.

What other advice do I have?

Something people need to look out for is the cost of cloud management. For us, that's been handled externally at the moment, so we're not actually paying for that directly. It's something people should consider with Ubiquiti.

I would rate this product an eight out of 10. 

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.
PeerSpot user
Managing Director at ProcessDrive India
Real User
Top 20
Easy-to-manage platform with efficient network protection functionality
Pros and Cons
  • "The switches' PoE capabilities have made device deployment very easy."
  • "In the next release, it would be beneficial to include a face recognition feature for door access control to enhance security and user convenience."

What is most valuable?

The product is a simple and user-friendly software offering network protection and access controllers. Integrating everything into one solution makes it easy to manage and control all aspects of our network from a single place, which is crucial for our operations. These are the most valuable features of the product.

What needs improvement?

Ubiquiti products in India are very limited compared to other countries. It would be great if they could improve the distribution and access to these products in India. For example, I had to import some products from other countries because they were unavailable here.

In the next release, it would be beneficial to include a face recognition feature for door access control to enhance security and user convenience.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Ubiquiti UniFi Switches since 2020 for about four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable solution. When I started using it four years ago, I had issues with automatic updates a couple of times, but I haven't had any issues after that. It's been straightforward and stable for more than three years now.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution. I initially had two access points and two to three cameras. Now, I have nearly 30 devices, and everything works fine.

Scalability has been fine for us. Our maximum usage is about 30 to 40% of our network bandwidth. We are a small company with a total capacity of 100 seats, so I foresee problems once we reach that capacity.

How are customer service and support?

I have yet to interact with the technical support. I usually find solutions by Googling and using their help documents.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I used NETGEAR earlier. I switched because I couldn't scale. I also used unmanaged switches from other brands, but a friend recommended Ubiquiti for its manageability and design. Since then, I've been using Ubiquiti.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was very straightforward. In this aspect, I haven't seen any other product do better than Ubiquiti.

Even though I am a software developer, I wanted to implement the product independently. It was a smooth process for me. I initially bought the USG, then the IBM Pro, followed by the switches, IP cameras, access controllers, and door access control. I gradually started buying whatever was available from Ubiquiti. It's just a matter of plugging them in. It takes two to three minutes to complete. The switches have been maintenance-free for the past few months.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Ubiquiti is much more affordable than enterprise brands like Aruba and Cisco, which makes it good for small and medium businesses. However, it's a bit expensive in India compared to other brands like D-Link and TP-Link.

What other advice do I have?

UniFi switches have significantly enhanced our network management. One of the most impactful features has been the addition of VPN support a couple of years ago. It has greatly improved our routing capabilities. While VPN and routing are common features in networking equipment, I am particularly happy with how UniFi has implemented these functionalities.

The switches' PoE capabilities have made device deployment very easy. Over the last four to five years, I have never encountered any issues with them. I did the entire networking setup for our office and have been very satisfied with the overall networking experience with Ubiquiti.

I don't see any AI-specific features from Ubiquiti. It just connects us to the Internet. They may have added AI features in their new product lines, but I haven't seen them yet.

The product has helped me save a lot of time and money. The devices are efficient, and the network setup is stable. I no longer need to work on the network, saving me time and maintenance costs.

I have already recommended it to two of my colleagues' companies and helped implement it in a partner university.

I rate it nine out of ten. The only reason I should have given it a ten is the limited availability of their products in India.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Download our free Ubiquiti UniFi Switches Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: October 2024
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Download our free Ubiquiti UniFi Switches Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.