ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager offers intuitive, color-coded configuration comparisons that make spotting changes in configurations effortless. Cisco DNA Center lacks this detailed, visual approach, making NCM the more powerful choice for clear, efficient configuration analysis.
Versatility is a key strength of ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager, supporting a wide range of vendors and device types for seamless multi-vendor network configuration management. In contrast, Cisco DNA Center is primarily optimized for Cisco-heavy environments, limiting its flexibility in diverse network setups.
Built-in change and approval workflows in ManageEngine NCM streamline network change management, offering simplicity without additional tools. Cisco DNA Center, however, depends on integrations like ServiceNow, adding layers of complexity and dependencies to achieve similar functionality.
ManageEngine NCM allows administrators to attach remediation configlets directly to devices, ensuring quick responses to issues like configuration errors or compliance violations. Cisco DNA Center does not support remediation configlets, leaving gaps in its ability to address such challenges efficiently.
With transparent and consistent pricing for over five years, ManageEngine NCM offers straightforward cost management. Cisco DNA Center’s pricing, on the other hand, remains undisclosed publicly, often requiring direct contact with Cisco or a partner to get detailed information and a quote.
(based on the reviews of Cisco DNA Center customers)
Cisco DNA Center | ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager | |
---|---|---|
Training resources | Limited video training guides | Free detailed video guides, blogs, feature documentation, and help articles |
Minor network changes | Requires Cisco TAC (support team) for even minor changes, such as switch replacements. | Easy, intuitive interface with auto-discovery for switches and other network devices |
Vendor compatibility | Primarily serves as a vendor lock-in solution | Vendor-agnostic, supports multiple vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, etc.) for broad compatibility |
Integration needs | Requires ServiceNow integration for performing important network configuration tasks | Does not require integrations for configuration tasks but can integrate with third-party solutions for additional functionalities |
Support response | Most Cisco TAC cases are escalated to Cisco BU due to it's complexity, leading to delayed responses. | Dedicated 24/5 support team, offering faster responses and efficient problem resolution |
NCM offers comprehensive configuration management features to safeguard and streamline network configuration processes.
Supports manual, scheduled, and real-time backups to capture the latest configurations.
Logs each change with timestamps and user details for easy tracking.
Enables stable version labeling for quick rollbacks to a previous version when needed.
NCM enhances network change management by monitoring, alerting, and reporting on configuration changes.
Enable real-time alerts via syslog, SNMP traps, email, or ticketing to monitor all changes.
Leverage role-based access control to restrict critical configuration changes to authorized users.
NCM offers Diff View that highlights configuration differences, simplifying change tracking and troubleshooting.
Detailed reports show both authorized and unauthorized updates.
NCM actively monitors firmware vulnerabilities and provides details to help prioritize patching, ensuring network security.
Retrieves daily updates from databases like the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and other vendor sources.
Displays devices with security issues, including CVE details, risk level, and patch recommendations.
Allows admins to sort vulnerabilities by criticality or discovery date to protect the network from potential exploits.
NCM automates repetitive tasks, reducing manual errors and streamlining network management processes.
Uses pre-configured scripts (configlets) for tasks like SNMP, VLAN, ACL settings, firmware updates, and more.
Use CLI and REST-based configlets to apply bulk changes across multiple devices.
Enables quick, uniform updates that reduce operational disruptions and maintain network stability.
NCM ensures adherence to industry standards through automated and custom compliance checks.
Complies with policies such as CIS, HIPAA, SOX, PCI DSS, and more.
Create custom policies to run compliance checks according to your enterprise standards.
Compliance audits run with each backup, flagging violations by severity.
Custom policies and templates allow remote resolution of non-compliant configurations.
When evaluating network configuration management solutions, the choice often comes down to how well a product balances affordability, ease of use, and feature depth. ManageEngine's Network Configuration Manager (NCM) offers a compelling alternative to Cisco DNAC, delivering robust network configuration management, change management, compliance, firmware vulnerability management and automation features.
This page highlights ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager as an alternative to Cisco DNA Center. This page is compiled from the information available on Cisco's website. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. ManageEngine is not liable for any inaccuracies in the page due to changes made on Cisco's website or any development made to Cisco's product subsequent to the date of publication of this page. Please refer to Cisco's website for more information.