Aruba Orchestrator and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN compete in network management solutions. Based on feature set and user preferences, Cisco seems to have the upper hand with its focus on strong application control, load balancing, and scalability.
Features: Aruba Orchestrator enhances network policy management with a unified console for Wi-Fi and switches, provides internal visibility, and offers streamlined troubleshooting through integration with ClearPass. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN features robust application control, load balancing, encryption-supported security, and seamless infrastructure integration.
Room for Improvement: Aruba Orchestrator needs improved scalability of security features, dynamic certificate changes, and a simplified management process. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN should enhance cloud platform integration, security compliance, and provide clearer pricing models while offering improved analytics and simplified configuration interfaces.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Aruba Orchestrator supports both hybrid and on-premises deployments but faces challenges with technical support involving multiple escalations. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides versatile deployment options, including public and hybrid cloud environments, with generally knowledgeable technical support, though initial setup can be complex.
Pricing and ROI: Aruba Orchestrator is viewed as cost-effective with mid-range pricing and subscription-based licenses, typically achieving ROI by year four. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, despite high licensing costs linked to bandwidth, is appreciated for its feature set but could improve through pricing adjustments and simplified licensing models.
I have seen a return on investment and financial benefit from using Aruba Orchestrator.
We don't see return on investment, but we love the technology, so we purchase because of the technology.
With Zero Trust provisioning via the Catalyst Center and Meraki dashboard, new branch offices are configured in hours instead of weeks, freeing engineering teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual deployment.
They are now back to do that with the remainder of their company, so they've realized the value in 12 months and are willing to invest in the remainder of their organization.
There are many scenarios where we replace MPLS with the internet because now we have the flexibility to migrate to Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and we do not need private connectivity such as MPLS.
The technical support of Aruba is very supportive and excellent.
I would rate my experience with technical support from Aruba as eight out of ten.
The principal third-level support is very good.
I would consider Cisco support a 10 out of 10.
I would rate Cisco's support, their customer service, and technical support as excellent.
Its controller architecture is highly matured, making it one of the most valuable and reliable LAN platforms for large enterprises.
Cisco SD-WAN is highly scalable and can be expanded to more than 10,000 sites.
The ease of configuration and features like zero-touch provisioning enhance the scalability of Cisco SD-WAN, especially in disaster recovery situations.
We had Cisco infrastructure in the past before we replaced it with Aruba, and our experience is much better with Aruba compared to Cisco—far, far better.
For example, with zero-touch provisioning, if we are adding new sites, we can do it with a few simple clicks.
While some software-related issues and bugs were encountered, they did not cause the whole environment to crash.
A simple issue in the control connections between the fabric causes numerous complexities.
The price should be improved as it is very high.
It would be great if they would have a fully multi-tenant solution on their Orchestrator.
Now, they change frequently, making it difficult to obtain long-term support.
Better documentation with real-world examples, improved third-party integration, and more detailed monitoring dashboards would make Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN even more effective.
Including more features like integrating with Splunk for monitoring vulnerabilities would help eliminate the need for other SOC solutions.
Regarding my experience with the pricing and setup costs, I find it expensive software compared to others.
Its pricing is justifiable due to the comprehensive solution it offers.
It is also relatively cost-effective for smaller businesses when using the Meraki version.
The pricing of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is rated between eight and nine out of ten, where ten is the most expensive.
Integration capabilities with cloud and on-prem environments help my organization maintain a hybrid approach.
The security features of Aruba Orchestrator are really good; I don't think there is any issue with security.
It's really great that it connects today all the gateways and SD-WAN solution with the SASE and the zero trust network access.
It also provides robust security features, including port security, analysis, mirroring, and multiple other security solutions.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN has integrated security features which include base firewall, URL filtering, IPS, and secure segmentation.
The centralized dashboard gives me a clear view of all branch sites, making it easy to manage and monitor tunnel health, bandwidth usage, and device status from one place.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN | 11.0% |
| Aruba Orchestrator | 1.4% |
| Other | 87.6% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 5 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 1 |
| Large Enterprise | 5 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 48 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 15 |
| Large Enterprise | 49 |
Aruba Orchestrator combines WAN optimization with SD-WAN for seamless management, reduced setup times, and enhanced internal visibility. It integrates REST API and offers a single pane of glass interface, valued for its analytics, optimization, and security features.
Aruba Orchestrator provides unified management for SD-WAN devices, optimizing connections across branches to lower WAN costs. It enhances application capabilities and data access globally, enabling reports, health monitoring, and efficient MPLS connectivity. While offering robust tools, pricing and menu complexity are areas for improvement. Expanding multi-tenant structures and cloud flexibility could better meet user needs. Integrating dynamic security features would enhance its offerings. Although deployment is quick, simplifying complexities and improving training resources are essential for improved efficiency and user-friendliness.
What are Aruba Orchestrator's most important features?In finance, Aruba Orchestrator helps manage SD-WAN for branch connectivity and cost savings. In healthcare, it optimizes connections for data access across multiple locations. Retailers use it to streamline their network's connectivity, while educational institutions benefit from enhanced application performance and reporting capabilities.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN offers centralized management and integrates seamlessly with existing Cisco ecosystems. It simplifies deployment with zero-touch provisioning, delivering robust security and optimized application routing.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides essential capabilities for organizations seeking secure remote connectivity and cost reduction, notably through its support of hybrid environments. While pricing and complexity present challenges, its advanced application control and cloud compatibility make it a valuable asset for connecting branches and data centers. Users benefit from enhanced security, network assurance, and simplified management, driving operational efficiency.
What are the key features of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?In banking, retail, and enterprise sectors, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN facilitates effective network management by enhancing connectivity between branches and data centers. Its security features and zero-touch deployment are particularly valued, providing scalable solutions for locations that demand reliable, application-prioritized networking.
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