Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and ExtremeCloud IQ compete in the network management and security solutions segment. Cisco ISE holds the upper hand in integration with existing Cisco environments, while ExtremeCloud IQ is advantageous for cloud-based management and ease of use.
Features: Cisco Identity Services Engine is notable for its compatibility with 802.1X, TrustSec, and network segmentation capabilities. It also offers centralized management within Cisco infrastructures, robust access control, and integration with various Cisco products. ExtremeCloud IQ stands out with its cloud-based management and controller-less architecture, offering centralized administration through a single pane of glass. It excels in providing flexible network setups and comprehensive reporting features.
Room for Improvement: Cisco ISE could be improved by simplifying its setup process, enhancing its user interface, and promoting better integration with non-Cisco solutions. The upgrade process and resource consumption have also been areas of concern. ExtremeCloud IQ would benefit from more advanced reporting features, improved dashboard organization, and better integration support for cross-platform environments. While Cisco ISE focuses on improving the usability and deployment processes, ExtremeCloud IQ should streamline support for multi-vendor integrations and reporting enhancements.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Identity Services Engine requires substantial technical expertise for its complex on-premises deployment, but it integrates well with Cisco's ecosystem. Customer service is generally rated as good, though response times vary. ExtremeCloud IQ is praised for its ease of deployment, aligning well with both public and hybrid cloud environments. Customer support for ExtremeCloud IQ is considered reliable, offering consistent assistance during the installation process and daily operations.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Identity Services Engine is considered expensive, with a complex tiered licensing model. Its high cost is justified by its strong security features and long-term reliability, offering significant ROI through enhanced network security and comprehensive integration. ExtremeCloud IQ offers straightforward and competitive pricing, often seen as cost-effective. The absence of controller fees allows better resource allocation towards hardware investments, making it appealing for budget-conscious organizations. While Cisco ISE offers strong ROI through extensive feature depth and reliability, ExtremeCloud IQ is appreciated for its cost-effectiveness and practical daily operations.
Direct comparisons with Forescout reveal up to 30% to 40% difference in cost savings.
I managed to support and deploy ExtremeCloud IQ and handle network management without requiring external staffing, thus saving on external hiring costs.
I rate the technical support as one out of ten.
Sometimes it's challenging to identify which support team is responsible for certain issues, which is a significant concern.
I experienced effective help mainly remotely, though for some issues, a technical person had to assist on-site.
Factors like architecture, business nature, and legal limitations such as GDPR affect it.
The stability of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is poor for certain use cases, like authentication.
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is considered very reliable and stable.
It requires some time to update, which affects real-time management.
The whole setup works well with Cisco access points and Cisco switches, but when you have multiple vendors in the environment, such as HP switches or access points like Aruba, you'll find they will not work well with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
Pricing can be more expensive compared to other vendors, and there is a significant price gap observed, which doesn't seem justified by some specific features.
Additionally, the product is vulnerable and has many bugs.
I needed deep details and more thorough resources.
Compared to other solutions like HPE ClearPass, Cisco is more costly, and the conversation suggests a possible forty percent price gap compared to competitors.
The license costs can range between $50,000 to $100,000 per year for enterprises.
The cost is about 100 million Ugandan shillings, which converts to approximately $30,000 per year.
The licensing was a challenge due to budget constraints, and I used ExtremeCloud IQ without a license for a period.
There is value because it helps us secure the network and prevents certain things from happening which could cause financial loss.
This solution ensures organizations have secure environments and also supports robust policy enforcement, allowing control over who has access to various parts of the network.
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is very good at device administration.
The automation and information provided by ExtremeCloud IQ, such as connection status and logs, were very beneficial.
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers comprehensive network access control and visibility, supporting features like 802.1X authentication, profiling, and posturing. It integrates with Microsoft and other Cisco products, facilitating robust security policies across distributed networks.
Cisco Identity Services Engine is a key player in network access control, offering centralized management and a user-friendly interface. It supports zero trust principles and provides strong authentication for wired and wireless networks. ISE's capabilities include granular security policies, enhanced device posturing, and seamless integration, bolstering security infrastructure. Users benefit from its dual authentication through EAP, simplifying access management across networks.
What are the key features of Cisco ISE?In industries like finance, healthcare, and education, Cisco ISE is pivotal for securing wired and wireless networks, implementing BYOD policies, and managing user access. Organizations leverage ISE for effective authentication and authorization, while maintaining compliance with industry security standards.
ExtremeCloud is a resilient and scalable cloud-based network management solution offered by Extreme Networks as a subscription service.
The network is your platform of engagement for clients and staff. We have designed ExtremeCloud to provide superior user experience by empowering you and the applications that drive your business. The combination of Extreme Networks’ smart wired and wireless edges and the elasticity, resilience and scalability provided via state-of-the-art datacenters distributed strategically for worldwide availability allows you to respond to the changing needs of your business, at the speed of cloud, through a simple, multi-site aware user interface.
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