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Cisco DNA Center VS ControlUp

Compare Cisco DNA Center VS ControlUp and see what are their differences

Cisco DNA Center logo Cisco DNA Center

Find and resolve network issues with Cisco DNA Center. Provides software-based network automation and assurance. Control and manage intent-based networks.

ControlUp logo ControlUp

ControlUp is a computer management & monitoring platform for managing Windows servers, workstations and user sessions.
  • Cisco DNA Center Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17
  • ControlUp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-01

Cisco DNA Center features and specs

  • Centralized Network Management
    DNA Center offers a single pane of glass for managing the entire network, which simplifies operations and reduces administrative overhead.
  • Automation and AI-Driven Insights
    It uses AI and machine learning to provide predictive insights and automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and reducing human error.
  • Enhanced Security
    Integrates security features like Cisco ISE, providing network visibility and segmentation, which help in identifying and mitigating threats swiftly.
  • Scalability
    Designed to scale with your network, it supports a wide range of network sizes and can evolve as your network grows.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Offers extensive integration with third-party systems and other Cisco solutions, allowing for a more cohesive IT ecosystem.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco DNA Center

  • Cost
    The initial investment and ongoing licensing fees can be high, which may be a barrier for smaller organizations.
  • Complexity
    The wide array of features and capabilities can lead to a steep learning curve for IT staff who are not already familiar with Cisco products.
  • Hardware Dependence
    Some features and functionalities require specific Cisco hardware, which can limit flexibility and increase costs.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Using Cisco-exclusive solutions may limit options for integrating non-Cisco hardware and software in the future.
  • Implementation Time
    Deploying Cisco DNA Center can be time-consuming and may require substantial planning and resources to implement effectively.

ControlUp features and specs

  • Real-time Monitoring
    ControlUp provides real-time monitoring of virtual environments, allowing administrators to detect and address issues quickly before they affect end-user experience.
  • User-centric Insights
    The platform offers insights from the perspective of the end-user, enabling administrators to understand and improve user experience effectively.
  • Comprehensive Visibility
    Offers visibility across multiple virtual environments, including VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft, consolidating data into a single interface for easier management.
  • Automated Remediation
    Includes automation capabilities that help in quickly resolving common issues without manual intervention, thus reducing downtime and operational costs.
  • Customizable Dashboards
    ControlUp's customizable dashboards allow IT teams to tailor the visualization of metrics and information to fit their specific needs and preferences.

Possible disadvantages of ControlUp

  • Complexity
    With its extensive features, the platform can be complex to configure and manage, especially for new users or organizations with limited IT resources.
  • Cost
    The pricing of ControlUp can be a concern for smaller organizations, as the solution may represent a significant investment in licensing and operational costs.
  • Learning Curve
    There is a learning curve involved in mastering the platform's full capabilities, which may require additional training for IT staff.
  • Resource Intensity
    Running ControlUp, especially in large environments, can be resource-intensive, potentially requiring additional hardware or infrastructure.
  • Dependency on Vendor Support
    Organizations might find themselves dependent on vendor support for complex troubleshooting and customization, which can delay resolutions.

Analysis of Cisco DNA Center

Overall verdict

  • Cisco DNA Center is generally considered a robust and comprehensive network management solution designed for enterprise environments.

Why this product is good

  • It offers a wide range of features, including network automation, policy-based segmentation, assurance, and analytics. These capabilities help improve network performance, enhance security, and simplify management tasks. Additionally, its ability to provide deep insights and automate complex processes makes it a valuable tool for IT teams managing large and sophisticated networks.

Recommended for

    Cisco DNA Center is particularly recommended for large enterprises and organizations with complex network infrastructures that require automated solutions, centralized management, and advanced troubleshooting tools. It is also suitable for those looking to enhance network security and performance through segmentation and analytics.

Cisco DNA Center videos

Overview of Cisco DNA Center

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to use Cisco DNA Center Appliance for Assurance and SD-Access
  • Review - Overview of Cisco DNA Center Assurance

ControlUp videos

No ControlUp videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco DNA Center and ControlUp)
Monitoring Tools
83 83%
17% 17
Log Management
79 79%
21% 21
Performance Monitoring
0 0%
100% 100
Security
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco DNA Center and ControlUp, you can also consider the following products

Nmap - Nmap Free Security Scanner, Port Scanner, & Network Exploration Tool. Download open source software for Linux, Windows, UNIX, FreeBSD, etc.

Nexthink - Nexthink provides solution to turn end-user feedback into actionable intelligence to improve business productivity.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager - SolarWinds is a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT infrastructure management software. Make IT look easy.

Systrack - Digital experience monitoring solution for IT

Cisco Network Assistant - Cisco Network Assistant simplifies wired and wireless network management, and provides critical product information using Cisco Active Advisor.

uberAgent - uberAgent easily answers questions like the following: Why are my logons taking so long? Which backend server slows down our sessions? Which apps are being run by our users? What causes web app page load delays?