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SnaPatch VS Cisco Network Assistant

Compare SnaPatch VS Cisco Network Assistant and see what are their differences

SnaPatch logo SnaPatch

Software to manage your Azure, SCCM and VMware or HyperV environments, designed with the Administrator in mind. Let's make Administration easy.

Cisco Network Assistant logo Cisco Network Assistant

Cisco Network Assistant simplifies wired and wireless network management, and provides critical product information using Cisco Active Advisor.
  • SnaPatch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-11-10
  • Cisco Network Assistant Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-19

SnaPatch features and specs

  • Streamlined Patch Management
    SnaPatch simplifies the patch management process by integrating with SCCM and VMware, allowing for automated deployment, scheduling, and reporting of software updates and patches.
  • Reduced Downtime
    By coordinating with VMware, SnaPatch can take snapshots before deploying patches, ensuring a quick rollback in the event of failure, thus minimizing downtime.
  • Enhanced Security
    Regular patch management helps in closing security vulnerabilities. SnaPatch automates this, ensuring that systems are consistently up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Comprehensive Reporting
    The platform offers detailed reports and dashboards, providing insights into patch compliance and the overall health of the IT environment.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    SnaPatch features a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it easier for IT administrators to navigate and perform tasks without a steep learning curve.

Possible disadvantages of SnaPatch

  • Cost
    SnaPatch may represent a significant investment, especially for smaller organizations with limited budgets. Licensing and subscription fees can be relatively high.
  • Dependency on SCCM and VMware
    The tool is heavily reliant on SCCM and VMware infrastructure. Organizations not using these platforms may find it incompatible or less useful.
  • Complex Initial Setup
    The initial setup and configuration of SnaPatch can be complex, requiring significant time and expertise to get the system up and running smoothly.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, particularly during large-scale deployments, which can slow down the patching process.
  • Limited Support for Non-Windows Environments
    SnaPatch is primarily designed for Windows environments, and its support for patching non-Windows operating systems is limited, which may be a drawback for heterogeneous IT environments.

Cisco Network Assistant features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Cisco Network Assistant offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate GUI, which makes it accessible even for less experienced network administrators.
  • Comprehensive Device Management
    It provides robust management capabilities for a wide range of Cisco devices, including routers, switches, and access points, allowing for centralized control and monitoring.
  • Simplified Troubleshooting
    The tool includes features for quick troubleshooting, including graphical topologies and real-time alerts, helping administrators to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Automatic Configuration
    Cisco Network Assistant supports automatic configuration and deployment, which can save time and reduce human error during the setup and management of network devices.
  • Cost-Effective
    As a free tool provided by Cisco, it can be a cost-effective solution for managing small to medium-sized networks without the need for additional software investment.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco Network Assistant

  • Limited Scalability
    Cisco Network Assistant is designed primarily for small to medium-sized networks and may not be suitable for large-scale enterprise environments.
  • Cisco Device Restriction
    The tool is specifically tailored for Cisco products, which makes it less versatile for environments that use a mix of different hardware vendors.
  • Basic Functionality
    While it covers essential network management tasks, Cisco Network Assistant lacks some of the advanced features and granular control offered by higher-end Cisco management tools like Cisco Prime.
  • Limited Updates and Support
    Given its positioning as a free tool, it may not receive as frequent updates or comprehensive support as paid Cisco solutions, potentially leading to compatibility or security issues over time.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, some of the more advanced features can have a learning curve and may require additional training or experience to utilize effectively.

Analysis of SnaPatch

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SnaPatch is generally well-regarded, especially by IT administrators who work in environments heavily reliant on Windows systems. Its ability to simplify patch management and integration with existing infrastructure tools like SCCM makes it a valuable asset for organizations looking to enhance their IT operations. However, as with any tool, its effectiveness can vary based on the specific requirements and existing setups within an organization.

Why this product is good

  • SnaPatch from SmiKar Solutions is designed to streamline the process of patch management within enterprise environments. It integrates with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to automate patch deployment, scheduling, and management. Users often find it useful because it reduces downtime, saves administrative time, and ensures systems are continually up-to-date with the latest patches, addressing security vulnerabilities efficiently.

Recommended for

    SnaPatch is best suited for medium to large enterprises that utilize Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and are seeking to enhance their patch management processes. It is particularly beneficial for organizations that require regular updates and security compliance but wish to minimize manual intervention and the risk of human error in patch deployment.

SnaPatch videos

SnaPatch Patch Management Add-On for SCCM

Cisco Network Assistant videos

Cisco Network Assistant

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SnaPatch and Cisco Network Assistant)
Security & Privacy
100 100%
0% 0
Monitoring Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Enterprise Software
100 100%
0% 0
Log Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SnaPatch and Cisco Network Assistant, you can also consider the following products

ITarian - IT and remote access management solution

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.

Patch Manager - Patch Manager is a platform that allows users to manage all the patches present in the system and applications to reduce any kind of risks.

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

Kenna - Kenna is a risk intelligence & vulnerability platform that enables InfoSec teams to prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities faster.

Auvik - Auvik’s network infrastructure RMM gives IT service providers better visibility, documentation, and...