Cisco Catalyst Center vs Scale Computing Platform
Cisco Catalyst Center
cisco.com
Scale Computing Platform
scalecomputing.comSide by side
| Figure | Cisco Catalyst Center | Scale Computing Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 6 |
| Spec score · Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) Solutions | 7.9 (#3) | 7.1 (#6) |
| Spec score · Virtualization Management Software | 7.9 (#10) | 7.1 (#24) |
| Automation | It supports network discovery, zero-touch provisioning, software image management, configuration compliance checks, and remediation. | The platform offers a full SC//HyperCore REST API and a Red Hat Certified Ansible Collection for automation and lifecycle management. |
| Deployment | Cisco describes hardware and virtual appliance deployments, including current guides for VMware ESXi and Ubuntu KVM. | Scale describes the platform as a fit for edge locations and distributed enterprises, including deployments with few or no on-site IT staff. |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California, United States | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Purpose | Cisco Catalyst Center is a centralized network controller and management dashboard for enterprise network operations. | Scale Computing Platform combines virtualization, servers, storage, backup and disaster recovery, and fleet management for edge and distributed infrastructure. |
| Security | Catalyst Center supports FIPS 140-2-compliant cryptography modules, and Cisco recommends deploying it behind a firewall on a private internal network. | SC//Fleet Manager uses HTTPS public key infrastructure to authenticate nodes, encrypts connections, and restricts user access by tenant and role. |
| Support | Cisco says Catalyst and Cisco DNA software subscriptions include embedded software support and downloads; opening a support case requires a Cisco Service Contract. | ScaleCare's answer line is available by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; email support is listed Monday through Friday, 2 AM to 10 PM ET. |
Plans
Cisco Catalyst Center
- Cisco DNA AdvantagePriced on request
- Cisco DNA EssentialsPriced on request
Scale Computing Platform
- StandardPrice not published
- StandardPriced on request
- ProfessionalPrice not published
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- Professional EssentialsPrice not published
- Professional EssentialsPriced on request
In their own words
Cisco Catalyst Center
Cisco Catalyst Center has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Scale Computing Platform
Scale Computing Platform combines virtualization, servers, storage, backup, disaster recovery, and fleet management for edge and distributed infrastructure. SC//HyperCore is a lightweight type 1 bare-metal hypervisor based on KVM components and integrated with the SCRIBE storage layer. SC//Fleet Manager centrally monitors and manages distributed clusters, including zero-touch provisioning. HyperCore is designed to recover from hardware failures and add nodes to a cluster. Automation is available through a REST API and a Red Hat Certified Ansible Collection. Azure Arc, Azure Monitor, and Azure Policy integrate with on-premises workloads. Scale positions the platform for edge sites and distributed enterprises, including locations with few or no on-site IT staff. Fleet Manager uses HTTPS public key infrastructure, encrypted connections, and tenant- and role-based access. Secure Link sends interface data to a browser over TLS 1.2 and closes its outbound connection when the session ends. The hybrid platform supports KVM, live migration, high availability, and disaster recovery. Phone support runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; email support is listed Monday through Friday. Pricing is on request.