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CloudPassage VS Cisco ACI

Compare CloudPassage VS Cisco ACI and see what are their differences

CloudPassage logo CloudPassage

CloudPassage offers cloud server security and compliance products purpose-built for elastic cloud...

Cisco ACI logo Cisco ACI

Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) simplifies, optimizes, and accelerates the application deployment lifecycle in next-generation data centers and clouds.
  • CloudPassage Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25
  • Cisco ACI Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21

CloudPassage features and specs

  • Scalability
    CloudPassage is highly scalable, designed to secure dynamic cloud environments, enabling businesses to expand their security as they grow without significant overhead.
  • Comprehensive Security
    It offers a broad range of security features including workload security, compliance monitoring, and vulnerability scanning, providing holistic protection for cloud infrastructures.
  • Automation Capabilities
    The platform supports automation of security processes which helps in reducing manual efforts and enhancing efficiency in managing security policies and practices.
  • Ease of Deployment
    CloudPassage is designed to integrate smoothly within existing cloud environments, allowing for quick and hassle-free deployment.
  • Agent-Based Security
    Utilizes lightweight agents for security monitoring and management, ensuring continuous protection without significant resource consumption.

Possible disadvantages of CloudPassage

  • Complexity
    While feature-rich, CloudPassage may present a steep learning curve for organizations new to cloud security solutions or those with limited IT resources.
  • Cost
    The comprehensive nature of CloudPassage's features might come with higher pricing compared to simpler or smaller-scale security solutions.
  • Performance Impact
    Although the agents are lightweight, there may still be some performance impact on systems, particularly in resource-constrained environments.
  • Integration Challenges
    Despite its ease-of-deployment promise, there might be occasional issues with integration into certain cloud architectures or legacy systems.
  • Limited On-Premises Support
    CloudPassage is primarily optimized for cloud environments, which might limit its effectiveness or functionality in hybrid infrastructures with significant on-premises components.

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.

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.
  • ACI’s security features, including micro-segmentation and policy enforcement, enhance overall network security.
  • The ecosystem offers extensive support and documentation, backed by Cisco’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 ACI’s integration capabilities.

CloudPassage videos

CloudPassage Ensuring Next Level Container Security

More videos:

  • Review - CloudPassage Best Practices for Automatic Security Scaling
  • Review - CloudPassage Employee Reviews - Q3 2018

Cisco ACI videos

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CloudPassage and Cisco ACI)
Security
100 100%
0% 0
Monitoring Tools
14 14%
86% 86
Web Application Security
100 100%
0% 0
Log Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

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

Symantec Control Compliance Suite - Symantec Control Compliance Suite automates security and compliance assessments across physical and virtual assets, data centers, and public clouds.

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.

ditno - ditno. secures business infrastructure, applications & data storage services, whilst allowing them to fully exercise the benefits of cloud computing, including elasticity, scalability, flexibility, speed of provisioning and lower costs.

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.

Qualys - Qualys helps your business automate the full spectrum of auditing, compliance and protection of your IT systems and web applications.

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.