Auconet BICS vs ExtremeControl

Auconet BICS is an IT operations, systems management, network access control, and service management platform for large and multi-tenant networks. It provides real-time discovery, monitoring, management, and control for mixed device environments, including servers, desktops, ATMs, kiosks, retail POS systems, mobile devices, cameras, pumps, and sensors. BICS consolidates device and endpoint information into a real-time configuration management database and supports shared commands and workflows across vendors. One central console can manage hundreds of thousands of network elements. Access security includes MAC Layer-2 authentication and IEEE 802.1X, separately or together, with policies for wired and wireless endpoints. BICS can discover and monitor SCADA infrastructure, while Data Centers and Security variants add data-center automation and IT or industrial access controls. Deployment options include cloud, on-premises appliance, virtual on-premises, and multi-tenant implementations. Agentless discovery is available through Auconet ESF, and open APIs can connect visibility data with security systems such as SIEMs, vulnerability tools, and firewalls. Auconet says implementation can take hours, with discovery and visualization beginning immediately.

ExtremeControl centralizes network access control, visibility, and policy management for users, endpoints, and IoT devices. It supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control, including role-based access, guest access, BYOD onboarding, 802.1X, and secure IoT access through third-party networking devices. Administrators can build policies around user, time, location, vulnerability, or access type, then apply VLAN, ACL, and QoS rules. The product can share user, IP address, and location context with perimeter firewalls and coordinate endpoint isolation and remediation after alerts. Reports and alerts cover authentication, guest access, onboarding, device profiles, and endpoint health. Listed integrations include NGFW, SIEM, CMDB, internet security, and EMM/MDM tools; an open northbound API supports custom integrations. Virtual engines are documented for VMware ESX/ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V. ExtremeControl is paid, with pricing on request based on unique MAC addresses connected within the past 24 hours; there is no free plan. An initial ExtremeCloud IQ Site Engine installation does not include an end-system license, though its generated evaluation license includes unlimited end-systems.