Auconet BICS vs NACVIEW

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.

NACVIEW controls which users and devices can access wired, wireless, and VPN networks. It detects connected devices in real time and can retrieve endpoint information from Active Directory, SQL databases, LDAP, and RADIUS servers. Access controls include 802.1X authentication, VLAN segmentation, captive portals, and guest and BYOD access. The system can identify unknown or misconfigured devices and quarantine infected devices. Device profiling uses DHCP Fingerprinting, HTTP/S, NMAP, DNS, and RADIUS. NACVIEW can exchange information with Firewall, UTM, MDM, SIEM, and other cybersecurity solutions; NV3 includes an API for automation and integration. Deployment is available as software for a virtual appliance or as a hardware appliance, with VMware and Hyper-V listed as virtual machine options. The 60-day trial provides full software functionality on a user's own network. The free NV-20 lifetime license is limited to 20 simultaneously authorized endpoint devices. Deployment requires at least one managed switch. Annual subscriptions include support; perpetual licenses require first-year support.