Cisco Catalyst Center vs ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
Cisco Catalyst Center
cisco.com
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
manageengine.comSide by side
| Figure | Cisco Catalyst Center | ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $19.83/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 8 |
| Spec score · Network Configuration Management Software | 7.8 (#11) | 9.1 (#1) |
| Spec score · Network Automation Software | 7.8 (#10) | 9.0 (#1) |
| Spec score · Network Management Software | 7.8 (#12) | 8.9 (#1) |
| Automation | It supports network discovery, zero-touch provisioning, software image management, configuration compliance checks, and remediation. | Configlets and command tasks apply scripted configuration operations in bulk across devices. |
| Deployment requirements | The Ubuntu KVM virtual appliance minimums include 32 vCPUs, 256 GiB of memory, and a 3-TB SSD. | The download page offers Windows and Linux installers; the help page documents supported Windows and Linux server operating systems. |
| Founded | 1984 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California, United States | Pleasanton, California, United States |
| Integrations | Cisco documents integrations with ISE, ThousandEyes, Webex, Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, Infoblox, and BlueCat, plus generic APIs for other ITSM and IPAM systems. | The OpManager add-on documentation lists integrations with Password Manager Pro, ServiceDesk Plus and ServiceNow. |
| Purpose | Cisco Catalyst Center is a centralized network controller and management dashboard for enterprise network operations. | Network Configuration Manager manages configuration and change workflows for switches, routers, firewalls, and other network devices. |
| Security | Catalyst Center supports FIPS 140-2-compliant cryptography modules, and Cisco recommends deploying it behind a firewall on a private internal network. | The product page says configuration data retrieved from devices is encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption and stored in the database. |
| Support | Cisco says Catalyst and Cisco DNA software subscriptions include embedded software support and downloads; opening a support case requires a Cisco Service Contract. | The product page lists 24x5 technical support for the Professional and Enterprise editions. |
Plans
Cisco Catalyst Center
- Cisco DNA AdvantagePriced on request
- Cisco DNA EssentialsPriced on request
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
- FreeFree
- Free EditionFree
- TrialFree
- Professional Edition$238 a year
- Professional Edition$238 a year
- Enterprise Edition$3,358 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
In their own words
Cisco Catalyst Center
Cisco Catalyst Center has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager manages configuration and change workflows for switches, routers, firewalls, and other network devices. It schedules configuration backups, tracks changes in real time, and supports version comparison and rollback to trusted configurations. Configlets and scripts can automate tasks and apply changes in bulk. The product checks device configurations against defined policies and standards, supports compliance reporting, and identifies firmware vulnerabilities with CVE IDs, severity information, and patch links. The product page says it supports devices from more than 200 vendors and encrypts retrieved configuration data with AES 256-bit encryption. This is an on-premises product, with Windows and Linux installers and Android and iOS apps for viewing backups, changes, vulnerabilities, compliance, and user activity. The Free Edition covers two devices. Professional is $238 a year for a 10-device pack; Enterprise is $3,358 a year for a 250-device pack. Both paid editions list 24x5 technical support.