Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

AWS IoT Device Defender VS Cisco ACI

Compare AWS IoT Device Defender VS Cisco ACI and see what are their differences

AWS IoT Device Defender logo AWS IoT Device Defender

Manage the security of your fleet. With AWS IoT Device Defender, you can audit and monitor device configurations. Get started today.

Cisco ACI logo Cisco ACI

Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) simplifies, optimizes, and accelerates the application deployment lifecycle in next-generation data centers and clouds.
  • AWS IoT Device Defender Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-02-05
  • Cisco ACI Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21

AWS IoT Device Defender features and specs

  • Comprehensive Security
    AWS IoT Device Defender provides a comprehensive security solution specifically designed for IoT devices, which helps in identifying potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
  • Automated Auditing
    It offers automated auditing of security configurations, helping ensure that IoT devices comply with security best practices continuously without manual intervention.
  • Anomaly Detection
    The service enables anomaly detection in device behavior, allowing users to identify unexpected anomalies that might indicate a security breach or device malfunction.
  • Custom Metrics Monitoring
    Users can create custom metrics to monitor specific device attributes or behaviors, providing more tailored and relevant insights into potential security issues.
  • AWS Integration
    It integrates seamlessly with other AWS services, allowing for streamlined operations and leveraging AWS's robust infrastructure and best practices.

Possible disadvantages of AWS IoT Device Defender

  • Complexity
    The setup and management of AWS IoT Device Defender can be complex, especially for users unfamiliar with AWS services, potentially leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Cost
    The cost associated with using AWS IoT Device Defender can be high for large-scale deployments, as it charges based on the number of audits and monitored metrics, which may be prohibitive for small businesses.
  • Dependency on AWS Ecosystem
    Relying on AWS IoT Device Defender means dependence on the AWS ecosystem, which might limit flexibility if users wish to integrate with non-AWS systems or consider multi-cloud strategies.
  • Limited Offline Capability
    The service predominantly operates online, so devices or solutions that require significant offline capabilities might find it challenging to use AWS IoT Device Defender effectively.

Cisco ACI features and specs

  • Centralized Management
    Cisco ACI provides a centralized point of management for the entire network infrastructure, making it easier to configure, automate, and manage policies across the network.
  • Scalability
    ACI allows for scalable design, accommodating the growth of network infrastructure with minimal disruption and extensive support for multi-cloud environments.
  • Policy-Based Automation
    ACI leverages policy-driven automation to reduce the complexity and potential for human error in network configurations. Policies can be applied uniformly across the network to ensure compliance and security.
  • Security
    By using micro-segmentation and other security features, ACI enhances network security by isolating segments of the network and ensuring consistent security policies.
  • Multi-Tenancy Support
    ACI supports multi-tenancy, allowing different segments or tenants within an organization to operate within their own isolated environments while sharing the same physical infrastructure.
  • Integration with Third-Party Tools
    The platform supports integration with a wide range of third-party tools and applications, streamlining workflows and improving operational efficiencies.
  • Visibility and Troubleshooting
    ACI provides extensive monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities, allowing for enhanced visibility into network performance and faster resolution of issues.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco ACI

  • High Initial Investment
    The upfront costs associated with deploying Cisco ACI can be significant, including both hardware and software expenses.
  • Complexity
    While ACI simplifies many aspects of network management, its sophisticated features and architecture can add layers of complexity, requiring specialized knowledge and training.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Implementing Cisco ACI often ties the organization to Cisco's ecosystem, which might limit flexibility with multi-vendor environments or introduce higher costs for future upgrades and expansions.
  • Learning Curve
    Network administrators and engineers may face a steep learning curve when transitioning to ACI, necessitating time for training and adjustment.
  • Dependency on APIC
    The Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) is a critical component of the ACI architecture, and any failure or issue with APIC can impact the entire network's operation.
  • Migration Challenges
    Migrating existing network infrastructure to ACI can be a complex and risky process, requiring careful planning and execution to avoid disruptions.

AWS IoT Device Defender videos

AWS Tutorials - Working with AWS IoT Device Defender

Cisco ACI videos

Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX: Which Software-Defined Solution is Right for You?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AWS IoT Device Defender and Cisco ACI)
Monitoring Tools
17 17%
83% 83
IoT Platform
100 100%
0% 0
Log Management
0 0%
100% 100
Data Dashboard
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing AWS IoT Device Defender and Cisco ACI, you can also consider the following products

Azure Sphere - Help protect your connected IoT devices, such as MCUs and crossover modules, development kits, and guardian devices, with Azure Sphere.

ManageEngine OpManager - Monitors routers, switches, firewalls, load-balancers, wireless LAN controllers, servers, VMs, printers, storage devices, and everything that has an IP and is connected to the network.

Azure IoT Hub - Manage billions of IoT devices with Azure IoT Hub, a cloud platform that lets you easily connect, monitor, provision, and configure IoT devices.

Cisco Data Center Network Manager - Cisco Data Center Network Manager offers network management system (NMS) support for traditional or multiple-tenant LAN and SAN fabrics.

Symantec Critical System Protection - Symantec Critical System Protection is a flexible and compact behavioral security engine built with application whitelisting infused with anti-exploits for managed or standalone IoT devices.

DCImanager - DCImanager is a platform for managing physical equipment. Connect any physical equipment to a single platform. Use the platform to manage your servers, switches, PDU as well as physical and virtual networks.