The solution helps with the management and support of the enterprise network.
Senior Solution Architect at Zak Solution
Helps with the management and support of the enterprise network
Pros and Cons
- "The solution helps with the management and support of the enterprise network."
- "The product needs to improve its stability."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The tool's performance is fine.
What needs improvement?
The product needs to improve its stability.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for more than 15 years.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Prime [EOL]
November 2026
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Prime [EOL]. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2026.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the solution's stability an eight out of ten since I have encountered bugs in the past.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
My company has 30-50 users for the product.
How was the initial setup?
The tool's setup is easy. One engineer is enough to handle the deployment and maintenance.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the product an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Supervisor at EIA
A stable and scalable solution that helps connect physical service stations
Pros and Cons
- "We use the solution to control the physical service station that is part of the SCADA network. We connect and control them remotely."
- "The product's pricing can be cheaper."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution to control the physical service station that is part of the SCADA network. We connect and control them remotely.
What needs improvement?
The product's pricing can be cheaper.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product is scalable. My company has 100 users for the product.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's deployment depends on the experience. It took about three to four months to deploy the product. We have around 10 people who are supervising the materials.
What about the implementation team?
Our partner in Iraq helped us with the deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We update the license every five years.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the product an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Prime [EOL]
November 2026
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Prime [EOL]. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2026.
920,929 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Sales Manager at Ultimate Tech and Innovation
Provides very good support, but the product needs to improve its interface
Pros and Cons
- "The technical support team is very good."
- "The product needs to improve its interface and reporting."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution as a monitoring tool for management and configuration.
What is most valuable?
The technical support team is very good.
What needs improvement?
The product needs to improve its interface and reporting. The setup should be made easy.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used the solution for years.
How was the initial setup?
The product is not at all easy to deploy. It needs quite a bit of server, and the person installing must have the knowledge to handle and manage the product.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
If we have a license for Cisco DNA, we can use the same license for Cisco Prime.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend the product for medium to large enterprises. I would recommend SolarWinds over Cisco Prime. SolarWinds is user-friendly, has a pretty good UI, and allows us to customize the report. Overall, I rate the solution a six out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Network Design at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
It's a good solution for managing a large environment
Pros and Cons
- "The endpoint information Cisco Prime generates helps us troubleshoot, and it's also useful for compliance reporting and endpoint identification."
- "I rate Cisco Prime seven out of 10 for affordability. All Cisco solutions are expensive."
What is our primary use case?
We use Prime to manage all our Cisco products like wireless controllers, access points, switches, etc.
How has it helped my organization?
The endpoint information Cisco Prime generates helps us troubleshoot, and it's also useful for compliance reporting and endpoint identification.
What needs improvement?
Cisco Prime is a little outdated. It will soon be discontinued and replaced by DNA Center, which offers similar functionality.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used Cisco Prime for about 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate Cisco Prime 10 out of 10 for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate Prime eight out of 10 for scalability. Prime is a management tool, so the scalability is there. It's sufficient for our environment.
How are customer service and support?
I rate Cisco support eight out of 10. Overall, Cisco's support team is knowledgeable. They easily understand our questions and provide solutions fast. However, some of their engineers take longer, so I have to deduct a couple of points.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
I rate Cisco Prime nine out of 10. All Cisco products come with a quick start guide that tells you every step. The initial installation takes a few hours, but it takes longer to integrate and populate the system to capture all your information. You can complete the deployment in two days.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate Cisco Prime seven out of 10 for affordability. All Cisco solutions are expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Cisco Prime eight out of 10. I recommend it. It's a useful tool for managing large Cisco environments.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Network Team Lead at Atlas Security
The best platform for managing and monitoring switches and routers, and good support
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco Prime has been around for a long time, and it keeps getting better and better."
- "Cisco can only be used for Cisco environments and is not compatible with other vendors."
What is our primary use case?
Cisco Prime helps us manage and monitor our network treatment, such as switches, routers, and firewalls. We can see when a module fails, and even push configuration. This is especially helpful when managing a large network of switches, as manual configuration would be difficult.
Cisco Prime provides us with a convenient way of deploying a configuration template to all switches in the network simultaneously. This makes managing a large number of switches much easier and saves time. Additionally, if our network is relatively small, we can use Prime to manage switch logs without the need to purchase additional hardware or software. The solution also has the capability for NetFlow.
What is most valuable?
Cisco Prime has been around for a long time, and it keeps getting better and better. The solution is the best platform for managing and monitoring switches and routers, even if we have thousands of them. Cisco Prime or DNAC are great options if we're not familiar with automation or scripting languages like Python or Terraform because we can configure devices and push the settings through without needing to know anything about automation or scripting. Managing and monitoring our network is made easy with Cisco Prime, but it is only available for Cisco-based environments.
What needs improvement?
The stability has room for improvement. I had an issue with the version I was using and it was suggested I upgrade the software to fix the issue. Once I upgraded, the issue I was having was resolved but I now have three new issues.
Cisco can only be used for Cisco environments and is not compatible with other vendors. I would like to have better integration with environments other than Cisco.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for nine years.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support team is very good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use HP NNMi because we have many of them and it is well-suited for managing Cisco devices. HP NNMi also works well with Moxa switches. For any switch we install, HP NNMi will be able to manage them. Cisco however is only optimized for a Cisco environment.
What other advice do I have?
I give the solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Information Technology Analyst at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Stable, shows which locations are down, and has a reporting feature
Pros and Cons
- "What I found most beneficial from Cisco Prime is that it gives you an insight into what your network does, even when you're not actively monitoring what's going on with your network."
- "I would love for Cisco Prime to show bandwidth usage and consumption, but I can't monitor bandwidth usage at a given time."
What is our primary use case?
I use Cisco Prime to check the interfaces and links and generate reports. I use the solution to see which locations are down.
What is most valuable?
What I found most beneficial from Cisco Prime is that it gives you an insight into what your network does, even when you're not actively monitoring what's going on with your network.
What needs improvement?
I would love for Cisco Prime to show bandwidth usage and consumption, but I can't monitor bandwidth usage at a given time on the version I use or on the subscription I have available. All I can see on Cisco Prime is the uptime depending on the date range or period I want to have an insight about, so this is an area for improvement in the solution.
If bandwidth usage and consumption data are available, that will help me with my reporting.
I discovered you need another license to see bandwidth utilization data. If Cisco can diffuse that functionality into a single subscription, I can monitor bandwidth usage and see reports and a few other functionalities, which would improve Cisco Prime.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Cisco Prime for around six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco Prime is a stable product. Its stability is eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I've yet to try to scale Cisco Prime.
How are customer service and support?
I've contacted Cisco Prime technical support, and as it can be problematic at times and other times pretty seamless, it's a seven out of ten for me.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Cisco Prime was the first solution I used, and then I just supplemented it with a free version of PRTG.
How was the initial setup?
I didn't do the initial setup for Cisco Prime because I just came into the company after the setup.
What about the implementation team?
A third party implemented Cisco Prime for the company.
What other advice do I have?
I've used PRTG and then Cisco Prime.
I have to check the version of Cisco Prime that I'm currently using, but I'm sure it isn't the latest version.
A third party deals with Cisco Prime, which can sometimes be troublesome, though it's pretty seamless at other times.
Up to thirty people use the solution within the company.
I'd tell people looking into Cisco Prime that the decision should be based on what you need the solution for. What are you looking to monitor? It would be best if you also looked into licenses supporting your use case. This is the best way to go about it.
My rating for Cisco Prime is eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Account Service Delivery Manager at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Easy to use with good wireless heatmap and search management features
Pros and Cons
- "Has a good wireless heatmap and search management features."
- "Operationally, Prime is quite easy to use and I like the wireless heatmap and search management features."
- "The reporting could be simplified and the information made clearer to the user."
- "That is unacceptable and it's the biggest downfall of the solution."
What is our primary use case?
Our main use cases are for device management as well as for wireless monitoring. I'm an account service delivery manager and we have a gold partnership with Cisco.
What is most valuable?
Operationally, Prime is quite easy to use and I like the wireless heatmap and search management features.
What needs improvement?
The reporting could be simplified and the information made clearer to the user. There is a lack of detail and a useful breakdown that shows what is happening. The dashboard should have more options which would help with analysis. This is crucial for us as the system is currently too slow and it seems we have reached our limits because a lot of databases are getting loaded into it.
I would like to see link management for routers, and a functioning network discovery feature that exists in the solution but for some reason does not function. We've been told that we need to manually add it. That is unacceptable and it's the biggest downfall of the solution.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is not terrible, there are no issues. The problem is the time it takes to get visibility. I need to wait for more than 30 seconds to get what I need.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is a scalable tool. We have four people in the company using Prime.
How are customer service and support?
The customer service is average because some of the support staff are knowledgeable, but some are not and it can take a while to resolve things. They should all know the product and which features are for what purpose.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
I wasn't involved in the initial setup but last week we upgraded to the 3.10 version and had a lot of difficulties with the upgrade and the patch management. We have it sorted out now. I think the issue is that there is a refresh happening, a check that all the data is available, so the loading time has been slow and I feel it on each and every screen.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I'm not involved with licensing.
What other advice do I have?
This is actually a wonderful tool with good features but it's slow so I rate this product eight out of 10.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Solutions Architect at Tech Mahindra
A great solution for managing and monitoring analytics
Pros and Cons
- "It helps us manage and monitor analytics and fix issues."
- "Our primary use case for this solution is Assurance; it helps us manage and monitor analytics and fix issues such as poor voice quality, with real-time alert generation for VoIP infrastructure so that, for example, if there is latency during calls, it can be immediately alerted to take immediate action before we investigate the deeper issue."
- "The onboarding process could be improved and developed to enhance compatibility for non-Cisco devices."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case for this solution is Assurance. It helps us manage and monitor analytics and fix issues such as poor voice quality. We can investigate by fetching reports and real-time alert generation for VoIP infrastructure. For example, suppose there is latency during calls, it can be immediately alerted to take immediate action before we investigate the deeper issue.
How has it helped my organization?
Cisco Prime could be improved for other devices like Aruba and Juniper by focusing on the features to be enabled for non-Cisco vendors. For example, the onboarding process could be improved and developed to enhance compatibility for non-Cisco devices. Otherwise, for Cisco infrastructure, it's well suited.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for approximately ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution's stability depends on the product's chosen requirements.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
We have had a good experience with customer service and support. They are responsive and helpful. They are available to assist when issues occur but do not provide support for the entire configuration process.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Juniper. However, it did not provide some of the parameters available on Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
The product is both straightforward and complex. However, it is primarily straightforward because Cisco provides their OVA template and open virtual appliances for deployment using the VMware ESXi. Hence, it's easy to deploy, but it's a little bit difficult to configure according to your use cases and what is performed or delivered to the customer.
What about the implementation team?
Deployment can be done in three ways and the time varies depending on the chosen one.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I cannot comment on pricing and licensing as another department handles it.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution an eight out of ten. The solution is good but can be improved by including features for non-Cisco vendors. I recommend this tool to customers looking for a good tool that can provide an advanced level of monitoring for people with 90% infrastructure or inventory from Cisco.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Network Manager at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Amazing for configuration management but lacking in visualization for real time monitoring
Pros and Cons
- "The solution's configuration management tool is amazing because it centralizes and pushes configurations which saves a lot of volume and effort."
- "The solution has issues with real time monitoring of devices and NetFlow such as inadequate visualization for reports, sources, and destinations."
What is our primary use case?
Our company uses the solution for management of complex configurations, archiving routes and switches, and monitoring wireless connections. Our team of seven administrators serve as system integrators for our clients and currently manage more than 1,000 sites.
What is most valuable?
The solution's configuration management tool is amazing because it centralizes and pushes configurations which saves a lot of volume and effort.
What needs improvement?
The solution has issues with real time monitoring of devices and NetFlow such as inadequate visualization for reports, sources, and destinations. Because of this, I have to rely on other tools for monitoring and troubleshooting so I am only able to use 50% of the solution.
I would like the solution to allow open monitoring for use with other products in the same fashion that competing vendors support any SMP products.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable if the appliance is functioning properly without interruption.
We experienced three cases where the solution was interrupted on push and almost corrupted.
Sudden outages that interrupt host availability will cause instability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable from the configuration management side.
There might be limitations on the monitoring side.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is good with no issues.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy and deployment takes about 30 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
Our company implements the solution for customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution uses a licensing model for pricing.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is only good for configuration management and has issues with real time monitoring.
Our company had the expectation that we could use the solution for both configuration management and real time monitoring, but unfortunately we were not able to replace our other monitoring tool.
We still recommend that our customers use the solution for configuration management, especially if they have a lot of Cisco devices.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Senior Consultant-Instructor at NterOne Corporation
An excellent solution for pulling critical reports, monitoring alerts, and managing wireless infrastructure
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco Prime can help customers fix their Wi-Fi issues with scientific and digital data."
- "Cisco Prime is a one-stop place to log in and manage our entire wireless infrastructure."
- "They can also improve the management of more enterprise devices."
What is our primary use case?
Predominantly we have been using Cisco Prime to manage the wireless infrastructure for our enterprise customers. We also use it for pulling critical reports, monitoring alerts, and managing all the configurations of the wireless portfolio.
How has it helped my organization?
A customer's biggest problem is usually poor Wi-Fi, especially in meeting rooms or video conferences. Cisco Prime can help customers fix their Wi-Fi issues with scientific and digital data, which helps to improve the Wi-Fi experience of the customer. Even if most of the workforce goes back to the office, there would still be a need to connect to an office network using Wi-Fi, not only wired LAN cables.
Cisco Prime is a critical tool which helps us design the Wi-Fi network. If something doesn't work properly, the entire operations team can use it to troubleshoot and discover what went wrong in a particular building or floor.
What is most valuable?
Cisco Prime is a one-stop place to log in and manage our entire wireless infrastructure. We don't need to log in to individual devices to perform configuration changes, allowing us to pull critical historical reports for the customer. It is an excellent platform if the devices need to be upgraded or downgraded. It helps to maintain a database where we can manage the licenses of all the devices.
What needs improvement?
They can add 3D wireless maps to Cisco Prime. They can also improve the management of more enterprise devices. There is currently a way to manage more enterprise products, but it's not great. However, it is perfect for managing wireless devices.
Cisco is transitioning away from Prime and is getting replaced by Cisco DNAC, the next generation.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for about eight to ten years, deployed on-premises. There is no cloud version of this solution, and we are using the latest version, 3.8.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is very stable. No product on this planet is 100% bug-free, but Cisco Prime is one of the best tools for managing the wireless portfolio of Cisco products.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There are no issues with scalability. It is awesome.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is good. Cisco Prime has been in the industry for a long time, and many engineers have solid backgrounds.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was pretty straightforward, and there is a lot of installation documentation available for free on Google and videos on YouTube. It's a very straightforward process if we consider the memory and CPU utilization. We only need two resources for the deployment, an onsite engineer and somebody working remotely. It took about an hour to deploy.
No maintenance is required, and we just need to ensure the license is valid. We have approximately 17 people using this solution.
What was our ROI?
There is a great return on investment because it is a centralized management platform where we can deploy to hundreds of locations. Without Cisco Prime, we would have to hire more network engineers to manage our 50 office locations across the globe. So it is an indirect cost saving for hiring employees.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Cisco Prime is higher than Aruba, but the difference is not exponential.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Aruba has a similar product to Cisco Prime. However, Aruba's only advantage over Cisco Prime is its flexibility to host on cloud. With Aruba, you can host on a private or public cloud like Azure, AWS, or GCP.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution a nine out of ten. Regarding advice, if a customer has decided to adopt Cisco Wireless, then Cisco Prime is a great choice. However, if they have decided to adopt a different vendor solution for wireless, then Cisco Prime may not be the best choice.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: November 2026
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