

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and Infoblox NIOS compete in the network management category. Infoblox NIOS holds an advantage due to its superior DNS protection and more comprehensive deployment options.
Features: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers robust network performance monitoring, a configuration management system, and comprehensive automation capabilities that streamline workflows. Infoblox NIOS is recognized for its DNS and IP address management excellence. It provides centralized control, DNS protection, and load balancing, which enhance network reliability.
Room for Improvement: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager faces challenges in node monitoring, reporting, and integration. Enhancements could improve automation, alert notifications, and device support. Infoblox NIOS needs to address complex deployment procedures and integration, also improving its load balancing and endpoint monitoring features.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is primarily on-premises, whereas Infoblox NIOS offers cloud options for more flexibility. SolarWinds' support is noted for response delays, whereas Infoblox provides satisfactory technical guidance with high ratings.
Pricing and ROI: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager has moderate pricing based on device count, while Infoblox NIOS is seen as more expensive due to premium performance. SolarWinds offers quicker ROI with features like fault detection, while Infoblox's efficiency justifies the higher initial investment.
This is helping us achieve five to 10 times faster delivery due to the reduced downtime.
We did not have any DNS-related incidents in three years supporting the traffic flow for about 10 million people.
Previously, people spent around 100 hours a month on tasks that were reduced to 10 hours, freeing up time for learning and engaging in multiple projects, increasing from three or four per month to nine or ten.
They supported issues related to DNS, DHCP, and the grid architecture, providing not just scripted answers, but also helping us with configuration, outages, and complex troubleshooting.
The technical support for Infoblox NIOS is at a very high level based on the engagement that I have with clients that use Infoblox NIOS.
We got incredible support from them during the weekend as well.
Technical support is limited but generally acceptable as we possess skilled personnel, making us less dependent on SolarWinds.
SolarWinds tech support is a strong point.
The support for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is quite supportive, and I can work with them in-depth, especially regarding installation.
Regarding DDI, DNS and DHCP at scale, it handles millions of DNS queries per second and huge lease volume without hiccups.
Whenever we make replacements or changes, the downtime is really low.
Infoblox NIOS's scalability is excellent for our organization; they are flexible to align with our growth.
The product is scalable as SolarWinds increased its licensing capacity from supporting 12,000 devices to 48,000 devices with stack licenses.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is known for its network monitoring capability, where it started and continues to lead.
Infoblox NIOS is very stable in our environment, with no unexpected downtime.
It is designed for critical infrastructure, high availability, minimal downtime, and predictable behavior.
I evaluated other options before choosing Infoblox NIOS, and I can confirm that Infoblox NIOS is stable.
I would rate the stability of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager at a nine out of ten.
Infoblox engineers recommend upgrading to NIOS 9.0.5 for enhanced visibility and control, but considering NIOS 9.6 may offer better logging and troubleshooting capabilities, as well as performance enhancements and future-ready integration.
Advanced features such as grid extensibility and APIs require solid training.
The missing point I can see in Infoblox NIOS is the load balancing functionalities, where for a DNS A record that has two IP addresses, we need the possibility to monitor those IP addresses to see if one goes down.
Currently, there are limitations in performing tasks without logging into routers directly.
Regarding the automation capabilities of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, I think that is an area they will need to explore in making it more autonomous.
I would like to see more features in terms of wireless reporting and more historical information for client connectivity in SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager.
We bought the perpetual plus support contract which provides renewed support yearly.
My experience with the pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Infoblox NIOS was good, but it is very, very expensive compared to other DNS infrastructure vendors.
Infoblox NIOS pricing feels somewhat higher because I am comparing it to competitors.
The licensing costs of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are expensive, but considering its reliability, feature enhancements, and support, it is worthwhile.
On pricing, I would rate SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager as one of the best in its segment among leading products and competitors.
Infoblox NIOS has impacted my organization positively by giving us an overview about how users utilize the internet, stopping many DNS breaches generated by internal users, and helping us to determine the distribution of IP addresses through DNS IPAM.
Infoblox NIOS has positively impacted my organization by providing visibility and control over everything. This visibility and control help my team with faster troubleshooting and better security.
We use DNS threat protection. Apart from that, we use DNSSEC as well on these to protect the DNS solutions, and the threat has been reduced by about 70 to 80 percent.
The solution facilitates compliance reporting through an NCM module, effectively generating out-of-the-box reports on software vulnerabilities and outdated software versions.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager handles the performance side, allowing companies to measure and improve their network performance, making it an excellent choice for enterprises needing a robust network insight tool.
Configuration pushing, upgrade capabilities, job backup, configuration backup, and real-time configuration change monitoring are highly beneficial features of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager | 7.1% |
| Infoblox NIOS | 1.4% |
| Other | 91.5% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 2 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 1 |
| Large Enterprise | 6 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 15 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 9 |
Infoblox NIOS provides DDI solutions with IPAM, DNS Threat Protection, and DHCP management, enhancing automation, control, and network reliability. It supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments and offers scalability and efficient network service management.
Infoblox NIOS integrates security for enterprises, focusing on high availability and scalability to ensure network service management efficiency. It automates DNS and DHCP changes, reducing errors, resolving conflicts, and blocking malicious sites. Although deployment and integration are complex, requiring improved UI simplicity and role-based self-service portals, it remains essential for DNS, DHCP, and IPAM services. Its security capabilities include detecting network threats, managing load balancers, handling migrations, and DNS zone deployment, benefitting enterprise, DevOps, and cloud settings.
What are the key features of Infoblox NIOS?Infoblox NIOS is widely used in enterprise, DevOps, and cloud settings to manage DNS, DHCP, and IPAM services. It enhances network automation, security, and reliability essential for detecting threats, managing load balancers, and handling DNS zone deployments.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager provides essential tools for network performance monitoring, configuration compliance, and vulnerability management, ensuring streamlined operations for network administrators with real-time change detection and backup automation capabilities.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers extensive features that empower network management through integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow. It manages network devices effectively, automating backups and streamlining configuration compliance. Users find it flexible and reliable for network configuration and security management, including support for IP SLA management, which enhances device health checks. The solution facilitates remote network configuration, mass changes across devices, and efficient backup and restore procedures for disaster recovery. While improvements in node-related limitations, AI features, and integrations are noted, the tool remains critical for aligning configurations with enterprise standards and ensuring network visibility.
What are the key features?In industries such as telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is implemented to manage complex network infrastructures, optimize performance, and maintain security compliance. These sectors rely on the tool's ability to conduct mass device configurations and ensure continuous network monitoring, which is crucial for operations that require consistent uptime and quick response to potential security threats.
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