SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor Competitors in 2024
BY MARYAM AHTASHAM
Network administrators in search of strong tools for monitoring devices and infrastructure components often turn to solutions such as SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM). It has long been a mainstay in network monitoring, but the industry is constantly changing. In 2024, several compelling competitors offer unique features and value propositions, leaving IT professionals wondering which tool reigns supreme. This is particularly driven by the perceived disadvantages of SolarWinds NPM.
This article aims to assess SolarWinds and introduce the top four competitors of SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor. These alternatives provide comprehensive solutions that are specifically tailored to meet the diverse and modern requirements of network monitoring.
A Precise Comparison
FEATURES | SolarWinds NPM | Datadog NPM | AKIPS | Auvik | ManageEngine OpManager | NinjaOne |
Deployment | On-premises or cloud | Cloud-based | Cloud-based | Cloud-based | On-premises or cloud | Cloud-based |
Scalability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
Cost | Higher | High (for large deployments) | Moderate | Moderate | Lower | Moderate |
Learning Curve | Moderate to high | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate | Low |
Customization | High | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate | Low |
Key Strengths | Wide range of features, on-premises option, customization | Cloud-based, AI-powered insights, integration with other Datadog tools | Scalability, granular control, in-depth analysis | Automation, user-friendliness, efficient management | Diverse element monitoring, cost-effectiveness, versatility | Unified IT operations platform, ticketing, asset management |
Ideal for | Enterprises with complex networks, on-premises preference | Scalable cloud environments | Large, complex networks requiring in-depth monitoring | Organizations seeking user-friendly and automated network management | Diverse network setups requiring cost-effective monitoring | Businesses seeking a comprehensive IT management solution |
Additional Notes | Established player, large user community | Relatively new entrant | - | Focuses on automation | - | Broader IT focus beyond just network monitoring |
SolarWinds
SolarWinds NPM stands as a reliable stalwart in the realm of network monitoring, boasting years of proven excellence with its on-premises deployment and robust features. Its capabilities extend across a spectrum, diligently overseeing servers, routers, switches, and applications. A standout attribute is its adeptness in performance analysis, promptly pinpointing bottlenecks and proactively tackling performance concerns. Offering a personalized touch, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor provides flexible dashboards and customizable alerts, tailoring monitoring experiences to meet specific needs. Noteworthy is its scalability, adeptly accommodating large and intricate networks, making it a fitting choice for enterprise environments.
Pros
User-Friendly Interface: SolarWinds stands out for its intuitive interface, making it accessible even for less experienced engineers.
Comprehensive Monitoring Tools: The software offers a wide range of monitoring options, covering SLA, performance, ICMP, SNMP monitoring, configuration backup, and efficient network traffic analysis.
Rich Features: SolarWinds is known for its excellent event notification system and a variety of pre-configured templates, especially for application performance monitoring.
Cons
High Cost: Some users find SolarWinds expensive, both in terms of the initial license cost and the overall ownership expenses.
Resource Intensive: There are reports of the software being demanding on system resources, requiring high-capacity RAM and processing power.
Limited Integration and Functionality Features: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor faces criticism for limited integration with other enterprise products, a lack of automated and responsive network mapping, and false positive alerts.
Datadog
This cloud-based platform shines in hybrid and multi-cloud environments, offering comprehensive infrastructure and application monitoring. While costlier than NPM, its powerful analytics and integrations attract large enterprises.
Pros
Cloud-based: Easy to set up and maintain without hardware investment.
Highly scalable: Can handle large and complex networks efficiently.
AI-powered insights: Uses machine learning for proactive anomaly detection and root cause analysis.
Integration with other Datadog tools: Streamlines IT operations with a unified platform for logs, APM, and security
Cons
Cloud-based dependence: Requires a reliable internet connection and might raise security concerns for some.
Limited customization: Offers less flexibility in dashboards and alerts compared to SolarWinds NPM.
Cost: Can be expensive for large-scale deployments, especially compared to on-premises options.
AKIPS
Boasting scalability and a comprehensive feature set, AKIPS caters to enterprises seeking a robust monitoring solution. It adeptly handles large and complex networks, offering in-depth insights and granular control. However, its feature richness can translate to a steeper learning curve.
Pros
Efficient Monitoring: It excels in efficiently handling large networks by simplifying the extraction of SNMP data.
Easy Network Configuration Management: Known for its easy installation and compatibility with various settings and operating systems, making network management a breeze.
Flexibility and Detailed Reporting: Offers flexible customization options and comprehensive reporting tools for a tailored and in-depth network analysis.
Cons
The graphical user interface may be challenging for non-technical users, lacking an intuitive design. Additionally, it lacks a built-in network map feature.
Auvik
Cloud-based and automation-savvy, Auvik shines in simplifying network management. Its automatic configuration streamlines setup and maintenance, making it ideal for organizations seeking a user-friendly and efficient monitoring experience. Notably, its focus on automation might not resonate with users who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Pros
Comprehensive Network Visualization: Users appreciate Auvik's detailed and user-friendly network mapping, providing real-time visualizations for a comprehensive understanding.
Simple Setup and Operation: Auvik stands out for its easy installation process, user-friendly interface, and compatibility with various devices and systems, making it accessible for users.
Insightful Information and Documentation: Auvik offers valuable insights into network structures, aiding in thorough documentation and facilitating efficient troubleshooting for technical staff.
Cons
Some users find Auvik to be overly feature-rich and complex, leading to challenges in navigation and handling the multitude of features and alerts.
ManageEngine OpManager
This value-packed offering excels in managing intricate network environments. Its diverse functionality empowers you to monitor various network elements, from routers and switches to firewalls and virtual machines. If you navigate a network teeming with diverse components, ManageEngine OpManager could be your go-to solution.
Pros
Versatility and Versatility: This software excels in its ability to oversee various network devices, servers, and IT infrastructure components, thanks to its integration capabilities.
User-Friendly Operation and Setup: Users appreciate the software's user-friendly interface, simple installation process, and easy updating mechanism.
Effective Notification System: The software boasts a robust and customizable alert system, ensuring efficient monitoring of network health and performance.
Cons
Some users may find it challenging to configure the tool in large-scale setups, and occasional delays or difficulties in receiving support have been reported.
NinjaOne
As a unified IT operations platform, NinjaOne transcends mere network monitoring. It encompasses a wider range of IT management tasks, including ticketing, asset management, and patch management. This multi-faceted approach streamlines IT workflows and enhances overall efficiency. However, if your primary focus is solely on network monitoring, NinjaOne's broader feature set might come at an unnecessary cost.
Pros
Easy Setup and Usage: NinjaOne stands out for its user-friendly installation process and straightforward scripting features, making it hassle-free for users.
Seamless Integration and Support: The platform excels in integrating smoothly with other systems and provides excellent customer support, including dedicated account managers for personalized assistance.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Control: NinjaOne offers extensive insights into network infrastructure, featuring robust capabilities like remote desktop access and efficient patch management.
Cons
Some users find the automation tools a bit intricate and express a desire for more advanced reporting features and improved options for integrating scripts.
Ending Notes
As you've seen, the network monitoring landscape offers a wealth of options beyond SolarWinds NPM. While each tool boasts its own strengths and caters to specific needs, SolarWinds remains a powerful contender. It encourages a free trial to provide a firsthand experience before making a final decision. Remember to tailor the call to action and link to your desired landing page for optimal impact.
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