Cisco DNA Center vs SolarWinds Network Automation Manager comparison

Cisco and SolarWinds are both solutions in the Network Automation category. Cisco is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.0, while SolarWinds is ranked #13. Cisco holds a 14.5% mindshare in NA, compared to SolarWinds’s 3.4% mindshare. Additionally, 89% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 50% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.

Cisco DNA Center

Read 41 Cisco DNA Center reviews

2,518 Views
1,554 Comparison Views

89% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Automati...

Read 2 SolarWinds Network Automation Manager reviews

359 Views
214 Comparison Views

50% willing to recommend

Cisco DNA Center

SolarWinds Network Automati...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 10, 2024

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Cisco DNA Center and SolarWinds Network Automation Manager are competing in the network management space, where each provides distinct features. Cisco DNA Center has the upper hand in integrating innovative functionalities, while SolarWinds stands out with its comprehensive feature set and broader compatibility.

Features: Cisco DNA Center provides advanced network analytics, policy-based automation, and seamless integration within Cisco environments. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager offers extensive network performance monitoring, automation capabilities that cover a wide range of devices, and customizable dashboards.

Room for Improvement: Cisco DNA Center could improve in non-Cisco device compatibility, pricing transparency, and user interface customization. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager might enhance ease of use for less technical users, offer more detailed Cisco integration guides, and broaden its security features scope.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco DNA Center is designed for seamless deployment within Cisco networks, supported by robust customer service. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager provides a straightforward installation process applicable to varied network landscapes, backed by substantial customer support and resources.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco DNA Center typically involves higher initial setup costs, offering substantial ROI through enhanced network efficiency and operational savings. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager offers more flexible pricing options, appealing to budget-sensitive organizations, delivering ROI through its extensive automation and monitoring features.

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To learn more, read our detailed Cisco DNA Center vs. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager Report (Updated: February 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco DNA Center vs. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager

February 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cisco DNA Center

Ranking in Network Monitoring Software

12th

Ranking in Network Automation

2nd

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Management Applications (1st)

SolarWinds Network Automati...

Ranking in Network Monitoring Software

110th

Ranking in Network Automation

13th

Average Rating

5.6

Reviews Sentiment

8.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of Cisco DNA Center is 14.5%, down from 18.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SolarWinds Network Automation Manager is 3.4%, up from 1.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Automation

Featured Reviews

AvrahamSonenthal

Senior Network Engineer at Inside Global

Efficiently manages our wireless network and provides valuable monitoring features

The platform's biggest benefit has been in managing our wireless network. Having a single pane of glass to control all wireless controllers and access points and to monitor activity has been a significant advantage. We're a small federal agency with around 300 network devices, so automation is a minor focus. It's more relevant for larger networks. The main benefits we've seen are in inventory management and the potential for configuration automation. However, I recommend using the DNA Centre only for larger networks with over a thousand devices; otherwise, it may not be cost-effective. Before proceeding, ensure that your devices are compatible with DNA Center, as not all Cisco devices are supported. Also, investing in proper training is different from plug-and-play. I rate it an eight.

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Giulio Valeri

Owner at SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS SRL

Threat detection failures, poor technical support, and expensive

We use the solution to manage all of our customer's systems. We monitor and decide if everything is okay and if not, we do changes when needed. For example, if there is a need to change the antivirus software we can automate the process and install the new one. There are scripts within the software…

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I think that their LAN automation is a very good feature."

"DNA Center is scalable."

"The best feature of Cisco DNA Center is the visibility page, where you can see everything on the dashboard, and you don't have to be a technical person to view the issues."

"It is simple to manage and it is all done from a single dashboard."

"The solution has the capability to scale."

"People like to use the dashboards to get an overview of their network."

"The most valuable features of the solution are all of its security features...It is a highly scalable solution."

"Application Assurance works very well."

More Cisco DNA Center pros

"The solution offers so many great resources, it makes them a powerhouse in the market."

"The installation is easy."

Cons

"What could be improved is the licensing cost of Cisco DNA Center. It's a little bit expensive."

"The task failure reporting or provisioning failure reporting could be a little bit better in the UI, with more information given to the user."

"The solution can be quite pricey."

"In terms of the clustering part, there are some concerns."

"Cisco DNA Center should improve its configuration management. It is better to have a dev version before pushing it."

"They can improve the network visibility. Licensing and its maintenance are also needed."

"DNA Center has been on the market for a few years and they need to update it."

"The solution's integration feature can be better."

More Cisco DNA Center cons

"The price could be a bit lower."

"We did not like SolarWinds because it was not able to communicate between UPSA and our accounting system. They should have better integration."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Licensing for Cisco DNA Center is a little bit expensive, just like any Cisco solution. Its cost could still be improved."

"The price of the solution is expensive. The hardware is licensed on the device, but the hardware on the server is expensive."

"The licensing cost for Cisco DNA Center is not more than that of other solutions."

"Cisco DNA Center is expensive."

"The tool is medium-priced."

"The partnership price is notably high, but it ultimately depends on the chosen business model."

"I would rate the pricing a six out of ten, with ten being expensive."

"Cisco DNA Center is a licensed product with multiple levels of licensing available such as basic, advanced, and essential. I don't have the exact figure, but Cisco DNA Center is costly. For example, the box has information about the essential license and costs a considerable amount of money. You need to pay extra to use advanced features in Cisco DNA Center. My company sees Cisco DNA Center as a solution that's worth the money, which is why it invested in the solution. If you want centralized management for your network, especially when upgrading it, Cisco DNA Center is perfect, but it's more suitable for a large-scale rather than a small-scale network."

More Cisco DNA Center pricing and cost advice

"The price of SolarWinds Network Automation Manager is fair. However, it is more expensive than ConnectWise."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Government

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

54%

Computer Software Company

Government

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Cisco DNA Center?

The most valuable feature of the solution stems from the fact that it gives some kind of ease in operations, especially since our company is moving from CLI to GUI-based configuration.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco DNA Center?

The cost is very high.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Cisco DNA Center?

The system is working fine for me currently.

See all answers

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Comparisons

Cisco Catalyst Center vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 10% of the time

Juniper Mist Wired Assurance vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 7% of the time

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 7% of the time

Fortinet FortiManager vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 7% of the time

Meraki Dashboard vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 6% of the time

More Cisco DNA Center Competitors

NetBrain vs SolarWinds Network Automation Manager

Compared 89% of the time

Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) vs SolarWinds Network Automation Manager

Compared 11% of the time

More SolarWinds Network Automation Manager Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco DNA Center

April 2025

Download Cisco DNA Center product report

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

March 2025

SolarWinds Network Automation Manager report

Download SolarWinds Network Automation Manager product report

Also Known As

DNA Center

SolarWinds NAM

Overview

Cisco DNA Center offers a comprehensive platform for network automation and management, providing detailed analytics, enhanced security, and streamlined operations for both wired and wireless networks.

Cisco DNA Center integrates with Cisco infrastructure to deliver efficient network automation and management, helping organizations improve network visibility, security, and control. It supports AI-driven analytics and automated workflows to enhance operational efficiency and reduce errors. Challenges include compatibility with third-party systems, steep learning curve, and complex deployment. Its interface facilitates centralized control, vital for troubleshooting, policy management, and configuration management, with support for zero-touch provisioning and SD-Access.

What are the key features of Cisco DNA Center?

Robust Analytics: Provides detailed insights into network health with AI-driven analytics.
Centralized Security: Integrates with ISE for comprehensive security management.
Automated Device Management: Simplifies device provisioning and configuration transfers.
Wi-Fi Analytics: Offers deep insights into wireless network performance.
Zero-Touch Provisioning: Streamlines new device deployments with minimal human intervention.
Scalable Segmentation: Efficiently segments network traffic ensuring security and performance.

What benefits should users consider?

Operational Efficiency: Automation reduces potential errors and streamlines workflow.
Enhanced Security: Integration with Cisco ISE bolsters security capabilities.
Network Visibility: Comprehensive dashboards and analysis tools enhance monitoring.
Troubleshooting: Real-time monitoring aids in identifying and resolving issues swiftly.

In sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail, Cisco DNA Center is utilized for its ability to enhance security and compliance, manage large-scale networks, and provide detailed analytics for better operational decision-making. Its support for location tracking and policy automation ensures efficient network management across diverse environments.

Cisco

Scale environments from 1,000 to tens of thousands of nodes with comprehensive performance, traffic, WAN, and switch port monitoring, automated change and configuration management, and IP address management in an integrated network automation software solution.

SolarWinds

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Maalem Financing Company, School City of Hammond

Buyer's Guide

Cisco DNA Center vs. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager

February 2025

Free Report: Cisco DNA Center vs. SolarWinds Network Automation Manager

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