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Cisco ACI VS ApexSQL Monitor

Compare Cisco ACI VS ApexSQL Monitor and see what are their differences

Cisco ACI logo Cisco ACI

Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) simplifies, optimizes, and accelerates the application deployment lifecycle in next-generation data centers and clouds.

ApexSQL Monitor logo ApexSQL Monitor

SQL Server performance monitor - Monitor, detect, and solve SQL Server performance problems on any device
  • Cisco ACI Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21
  • ApexSQL Monitor Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-13

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.

ApexSQL Monitor features and specs

  • Comprehensive Monitoring
    ApexSQL Monitor offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities for SQL Server databases, providing insights into performance metrics, query optimization, and real-time database status.
  • Custom Alerts
    The tool allows users to set up custom alerts for specific metrics and conditions, enabling proactive database management and quicker response times to potential issues.
  • Intuitive User Interface
    ApexSQL Monitor provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both experienced DBAs and new users to navigate and configure.
  • Historical Data Analysis
    It offers historical data analysis, allowing users to review past performance data to identify trends and potential problems over time.

Possible disadvantages of ApexSQL Monitor

  • Resource Intensive
    The application can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting the performance of the system it runs on, especially in environments with limited resources.
  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up and configuring the tool for optimal performance can be complex and may require a significant time investment for fine-tuning.
  • Cost
    ApexSQL Monitor might be considered expensive, especially for small organizations or individual users who may not need its full feature set.
  • Limited Non-SQL Server Support
    The tool is primarily focused on SQL Server monitoring, which limits its applicability in environments that use diverse database systems.

Analysis of Cisco ACI

Overall verdict

  • Cisco ACI is generally considered a robust and effective solution for many organizations, providing a scalable and efficient network management framework.

Why this product is good

  • Cisco ACI provides centralized management and control of network infrastructure, which can significantly reduce complexity and improve operational efficiency.
  • The platform supports advanced automation capabilities and policy-driven network provisioning, enhancing agility and consistency.
  • Its integration with both Cisco hardware and third-party systems makes it a versatile choice for various IT environments.
  • ACIโ€™s security features, including micro-segmentation and policy enforcement, enhance overall network security.
  • The ecosystem offers extensive support and documentation, backed by Ciscoโ€™s reputed customer service.

Recommended for

  • Large enterprises with complex network requirements.
  • Organizations looking to streamline their network management and operations through automation.
  • Companies seeking a scalable solution that can grow with their business needs.
  • Network administrators who need comprehensive visibility and control over their network environment.
  • Businesses utilizing hybrid or multi-cloud strategies, benefiting from ACIโ€™s integration capabilities.

Cisco ACI videos

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

ApexSQL Monitor videos

ApexSQL Monitor - General Overview

More videos:

  • Review - Reviewing and resolving alerts in ApexSQL Monitor

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco ACI and ApexSQL Monitor)
Monitoring Tools
93 93%
7% 7
Log Management
92 92%
8% 8
DCIM Software
100 100%
0% 0
Databases
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco ACI and ApexSQL Monitor, you can also consider the following products

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.

Navicat Monitor - Agentless remote server monitoring tool

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.

dbForge Monitor - dbForge Monitor is a FREE add-in for Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio that allows you to track and analyse SQL server performance.

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.

MssqlMerge - MssqlMerge is an easy to use diff & merge tool for Microsoft SQL Server databases.