

VMware NSX and Illumio compete in the network security and micro-segmentation category. Illumio seems to have the upper hand due to its ease of use and deployment, which can be beneficial in dynamic environments.
Features: VMware NSX provides a comprehensive suite for managing and securing data flows within virtual networks, emphasizing scalability and seamless integration. The micro-segmentation feature is highly praised and enhances security when a robust network foundation is present. Illumio offers visibility and simplicity in managing micro-segmentation without network changes, reducing complexity in dynamic environments. It simplifies security policies and application traffic visualization, ideal for straightforward deployment.
Room for Improvement: VMware NSX faces challenges with complex upgrade processes and integrations, such as with Kubernetes and legacy systems. Users have noted the need for enhanced reporting and simpler licensing. Illumio could improve compatibility across operating systems and better support environments with unique devices like industrial sensors. Additionally, refining data security features and providing interactive support sessions could enhance user experience.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: VMware NSX offers strong technical support but is recognized for complex deployment, especially in large-scale or hybrid cloud environments. Illumio is generally easier to deploy and effective in straightforward on-premises and public cloud setups, with positive support ratings and some feedback on needing enhanced proactive service.
Pricing and ROI: VMware NSX's pricing is considered high, which may deter smaller organizations. Despite its significant ROI by optimizing infrastructure, upfront costs and complex licensing can be barriers. Illumio is seen as more cost-effective with a flexible pricing model suitable for different operation scales. Its affordability is appreciated, albeit with initial implementation costs being an investment. Both solutions are noted for significant ROI through improved security and network management.
Illumio is known to be the cheapest solution among the security solutions we evaluated.
Even if we raise an issue on non-working days like Saturdays or Sundays, we receive prompt responses.
From my experience, they are very responsive.
They were always helpful.
They are quick and understand things easily, so the support is aligned very effectively.
Our technicians have a good support experience from the company.
Scaling it to a large level is not an issue for us.
There is a high level of satisfaction with its ability to scale.
Illumio is a stable solution with no glitches or bugs reported, making it a reliable product for us.
The product performs at 99% efficiency without any showstoppers or significant issues.
For stability, I would rate VMware NSX as a nine out of ten.
There could also be more examples of how the automations can be done using Illumio.
That's why I'm looking for comparisons with other products.
There should be an option to upgrade from the console to the latest version instead of performing manual upgrades.
The initial configuration and integration within our existing environment were not easy.
The pricing for the product is another area for improvement as I'm not satisfied nowadays.
The licensing model is expensive and could be more flexible, especially after Broadcom bought VMware.
I know that Illumio is the cheapest solution in the security area.
I think it's not very expensive if we compare it with Guardicore.
The cost of VMware NSX is considered high.
VMware NSX is a little higher in price compared to the competition.
There is room for improvement in terms of pricing.
Illumio helps in audit purposes by saving data and showing blocked traffic, ensuring no outside traffic is allowed.
The most important feature is the traffic review analysis, where we use the draft view and the reported view that helps us understand how the application interacts with other applications in the environment, and based on that, we are able to define the policies.
The dependency map is the most valuable aspect.
Micro-segmentation enhances security and provides more secure data in your data center.
The most powerful feature of VMware NSX is the micro-segmentation that allows us to separate the different protocols our application works with.
I value the ability to dynamically configure our network on the fly using VMware NSX.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| VMware NSX | 10.7% |
| Illumio | 18.6% |
| Other | 70.7% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 3 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 1 |
| Large Enterprise | 8 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 33 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 23 |
| Large Enterprise | 69 |
Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation is a cloud and data center security solution that helps stop breaches from spreading across hybrid and multi cloud IT environments. The solution is designed to stop ransomware, contain cyber attacks, and reduce risk. With Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation, users can understand relationships and communications to map exposure risk of systems and data, identify the right security posture and secure applications through least-privilege policies, and ensure a Zero Trust security posture.
Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation Features
Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:
Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation Benefits
There are many benefits to implementing Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:
Reviews from Real Users
Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it has a good auto policy writing feature, great mapping, and useful monitoring.
Shashi, Technical Consultant at a financial services firm, explains which features she really likes. “The auto policy writing is great. The feature will give you the option of inbound-outbound traffic. The Explorer allows you to know the traffic between source and destination. The illumination definitely stands out. Mapping is great. The application group mapping is useful.”
The solution has “helpful support, useful monitoring, and high availability,” according to Edwin L., Security Architect at MGM.
VMware NSX is a comprehensive tool for network virtualization and security, offering advanced features like micro-segmentation and multi-cloud networking to enhance scalability and management efficiency within enterprises.
VMware NSX revolutionizes enterprise networking by integrating security and scalability into one streamlined platform. With capabilities like dynamic policy updates and automation, it simplifies complex configurations and provides robust API integration. Its support for Layer 4 and 7 load balancing, along with its seamless integration in multi-cloud environments, makes it a preferred choice among companies. Although deployment speed and management console features require refinement, NSX is an effective solution for private cloud and hybrid environments, enabling centralized orchestration and management of complex networks.
What are the key features of VMware NSX?
What benefits and ROI should users consider?
In the tech industry, VMware NSX is instrumental in managing private and hybrid cloud environments, allowing companies to replace traditional networking with software-defined networks. In finance, it helps secure transactional data through micro-segmentation. Healthcare organizations leverage its flexibility for managing sensitive patient information securely and integrating cloud services.
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