Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

NetZoom VS Cisco ACI

Compare NetZoom VS Cisco ACI and see what are their differences

NetZoom logo NetZoom

Use NetZoom Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Solutions to solve data center challenges of managing Assets, Change, Capacity, Connectivity while Optimizing Power, Space, and Cooling.

Cisco ACI logo Cisco ACI

Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) simplifies, optimizes, and accelerates the application deployment lifecycle in next-generation data centers and clouds.
  • NetZoom Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-08-04
  • Cisco ACI Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21

NetZoom features and specs

  • Comprehensive Asset Management
    NetZoom provides a robust suite of tools for managing and documenting IT infrastructure, including assets, space, and power. This helps organizations maintain an organized inventory and better plan for future expansions.
  • Extensive Device Library
    The platform boasts an extensive library of device shapes and models, making it easy for users to find accurate representations of their equipment for documentation and visualization purposes.
  • Customizable Reporting
    NetZoom offers customizable reporting features, allowing users to generate detailed reports tailored to the specific needs of their organization or projects. This enhances decision-making by providing clear and relevant data insights.
  • Integration Capabilities
    The software can integrate with various third-party applications and services, facilitating seamless workflows and improving efficiencies across different tools commonly used by IT teams.

Possible disadvantages of NetZoom

  • Complex User Interface
    Some users might find the interface complex and challenging to navigate, especially those new to the software or without comprehensive training, potentially leading to a higher learning curve.
  • Subscription Costs
    The pricing structure for NetZoom might be a concern for smaller organizations or those with tight budgets, as the cost can be relatively high compared to some alternatives in the market.
  • Performance Issues
    In some cases, users have reported performance issues such as slow responsiveness when dealing with large datasets or complex configurations, which can hinder productivity.
  • Limited Offline Access
    NetZoom's reliance on internet connectivity for its full functionality means that offline access is limited, which could be a drawback for teams working in environments with restricted or unreliable internet access.

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.

NetZoom videos

NetZoom Basic Demonstration

More videos:

  • Review - NETZOOM
  • Review - Enhancing Your Visio Stencils Product With The NetZoom Visio Add In

Cisco ACI videos

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NetZoom and Cisco ACI)
Monitoring Tools
26 26%
74% 74
Log Management
26 26%
74% 74
DCIM Software
30 30%
70% 70
Product Deployment
37 37%
63% 63

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

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

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.

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.

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.

Device42 - Automatically maintain an up-to-date inventory of your physical, virtual, and cloud servers and containers, network components, software/services/applications, and their inter-relationships and inter-dependencies.

Atlassian Data Center - Deploy Atlassian's software in your own data center with clustered failover and more to support large and mission critical deployments.

Nlyte - Learn more about Nlyte, a global leader providing data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software and tools to help reduce costs and mitigate risk.